IT WAS almost as if we had been transported back to wartime days.

That was the view of those attending the unveiling of a roll of honour to 92 servicemen and women stationed at RAF Ibsley during the Second World War who lost their lives.

The occasion was attended by a host of dignitaries – veterans including former Spitfire pilots Bob George and Des Smith, councillors, British Legion members and air cadets who gathered at Cross Lanes, Mockbeggar, yesterday.

The roll of honour was unveiled by Shirley Simmonds, an MTC driver at Ibsley in 1941 and Captain Willis “Wally” Walling, a former fighter pilot with 404 Squadron, who had travelled over from the USA.

Chairman of RAF Ibsley Historical Group Vera Smith told onlookers: “This will serve as a reminder not only to this generation but future generations also of just how many paid the supreme sacrifice in this small village so that we should have freedom.”

Fears that the weather would prevent the planned flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire proved to be unfounded.

The aircraft circled the area several times before departing, to the thrills of the watching crowds.

A special silence was also held to commemorate those who lost their lives and the Last Post was played.

The crowd sang Abide With Me accompanied by the Ringwood and Burley Band.

Captain Walling raised laughs from the crowd when he apologised for crashing his P47 Thunderbolt plane into the WI meeting house at Ibsley during the war.

He also recalled the warmth of the people of Ibsley to the American servicemen.