THE streets of Uxbridge were lined several people deep this morning for the RAF Northolt Freedom of Hillingdon Parade in Uxbridge to celebrate the unit's centenary.

(Opens in a new window) Staring at the junction of Harefield Road and High Street, the parade proceeded to the Civic Centre forecourt.

Hillingdon has close links to the armed forces, with large numbers of serving personnel and volunteer reservists living in the borough alongside ex-service personnel, war veterans and their families.

The airmen formed up for inspection by the Mayor and Parade Commander and a flag raised to mark the first day of Armed Forces Week.

Guests included MPs past and present, Sir John Randall and Boris Johnson.

On parade were more than 200 personnel, including the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, a full guard of honour provided by the Queen's Colour Squadron (63 Squadron RAF Regiment), the Standards of 32 The Royal Squadron and 63 Squadron RAF Regiment and an Army Detachment provided by 621 Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

Gp Capt Andy Bacon said: “Since my first day as Station Commander at RAF Northolt some two years ago, I have been overwhelmed by, and very grateful for, the huge level of support we receive from the local community.

"Not only from Hillingdon Council but also from residents’ associations, schools, businesses and many others."

RAF Northolt has a rich history and its role and structure has continually changed and developed.

No. 4 Reserve Aeroplane Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) arrived at the airfield in March 1915 and it became operational in June as part of World War One.

Its first commanding officer, Major George Carmichael, led the squadron and the RFC Military School Ruislip.

The station become RAF Northolt in 1918 when the RAF was formed. It was named after railhead Northolt Junction, now South Ruislip station.

It was designated as one of seven home defence airfields and 18 Squadron was formed on the unit and equipped with the world's first purpose-built fighter, the Vickers Gunbus.

RAF Northolt was one of the key strategic sites in the defence of London during the Battle of Britain.

Aircraft and personnel from this unit have been flying to support operations, including the Somme, D-Day landings and Afghanistan.

Hillingdon signed an Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012, encouraging greater understanding and recognition of the sacrifices the forces make.

RAF Northolt was granted the Freedom of Entry by the borough in 2000. This was in recognition of the serving personnel's dedication, since its creation, to their country and to Hillingdon.

Freedom of Entry is the highest distinction a council can bestow upon a unit and enables the personnel to march through the borough in full military style.