THE chairman of Royal British Legion (RBL) Oxfordshire has spoken of his “extreme pride” at leading repatriation ceremonies as he steps down from the role.

Mike Henderson, 64, has been parade marshal at the ceremonies since RAF Brize Norton took back the duty in September. As the thousands paying their respects fell silent, it was his voice that rang to bring standard bearers to attention.

He stepped down as RBL Oxfordshire chairman on Saturday and will hand over the parade marshal responsibility over the coming weeks.

He has also acted as parade marshal at remembrance services in Oxford.

Mr Henderson, of Minster Lovell, said: “We have done the country proud in our handling of the ceremonies, and have feedback that proves that.

“The families contact us to say how they did not expect to be treated as well as they were and how professionally they were looked after.

“That is the only reason we are there – for the families – and if we get that kind of feedback we’ve done what we’re there to do.”

He added: “It’s a team effort – the family liaison team, the standard bearers and everyone who has been a part of it – and without them it would not work.”

Mr Henderson, a former RAF engine fitter, added: “It takes me a while to build up to repatriations because they do affect me.

“You have got somebody who has paid the ultimate sacrifice, and that could have been me.

“I am extremely proud to have been part of the repatriation team but I would be very pleased if we never had to do another.”

Mr Henderson will be succeeded as RBL Oxfordshire chairman by the current vice chairman, Jim Lewendon, 83, of Headington.

Mr Lewendon, who has previously served as chairman, said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge and I shall give it my best shot. The big challenge we have is attracting younger people into the legion.”

Mark Garwood, 34, of Carterton, was parade marshal at the last repatriation, January 5, and could take over permanently.

Mr Garwood is parade marshal for the Witney branch of the Royal British Legion and has led remembrance parades in Witney for the last four years.

He said: “This is my way of showing respect to our fallen heroes out there fighting for us.”

A decision on Mr Henderson’s replacement at repatriation ceremonies is expected in the coming weeks.

Mr Henderson will continue to assist the repatriation team in an advisory role.