BANNERS fluttered on the breeze when two military helicopters flew low over RAF Benson to mark the handing over of the last Merlin Squadron. 

Troops from 28 Army Cooperation Squadron and 845 Naval Air Squadron marched out on to the parade ground at the airforce base accompanied by Central Band of the RAF.

There they waited in summer sun, standards held aloft for the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent in a black Rolls Royce to begin the ceremony.

After almost 17 years 28 AC Squadron handed over the last Merlin Helicopters to the 845 Naval Air Squadron

His Royal Highness, who is a honorary Air Marshall of RAF Benson, said he was honoured to to watch the handover.

He added: "I am thrilled that the Merlin will continue to serve Her Majesty's Armed Forces with 845 Naval Air Squadron.

"I wish them all the best as they conquer the challenges of operating at sea.

"This impeccable parade provides a highly impressive and fitting occasion for such a momentous day at RAF Benson."

After the Prince had inspected the troops, two Merlins conducted a low fly over of the ceremony, making the standards flutter.

After the handover 28 AC Squadron stood down, marking the end of its 100 year history. However, the unit immediately stood up as 28 Reserve Squadron, which will form the Puma and Chinook Operation Conversation Unit.

A hush fell upon the dozens of high ranking officers and guests when the historic standard was passed from the old unit to the new one.

The 28 AC Squadron was formed in 1915 and boasted 11 flying aces during the First World War. More recently it was deployed in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan alongside 845 Squadron.

Rear Admiral K Blount OBE joined Air Vice Marshall Gavin Parker to wish both squadrons good luck.

He added: "This is a great day.

"Not only are we seeing the rebirth of a very great Naval Air Squadron but we are seeing a continuation of an equally proud RAF squadron.

"With so much in common both have so much to look forward to.

"I wish you good luck and safe flying, you both have an exciting future."

Then the standard of 845 Squadron - which stood down as a Sea King Squadron in May - was brought out to mark the unit's transition to the Commando Helicopter Force's second Merlin Squadron.

Now 28 R Squadron will be equipped with the Puma Mk2 and Chinook Mk4/6 helicopters and train new pilots.