PRINCESS Anne yesterday paid tribute to the 100th anniversary of No 30 Squadron during a centenary parade at RAF Brize Norton.

Personnel, including pilots, engineers and technicians, saluted the Princess Royal as they marched through the airbase.

Joining her on the podium in front of about 100 seated guests and military personnel was fellow guest of honour Vice-Marshal Sean Reynolds, Air Commanding Officer. They returned the salute as the marchers passed.

Seventy-seven personnel, including 11 from No 30 Squadron, paraded to the sound of the National Anthem, The Great Escape theme tune and a surprise brass version of Happy by Pharrell Williams, all performed by the Central Band of the RAF.

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The Princess Royal said: “Although 100 years have passed, the tradition remains the same. This is an opportunity to mark those achievements.”

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The Princess Royal.

No 30 Squadron, which began in Egypt, in 1915, is lauded for its services in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The squadron, which currently includes 30 members, was also deployed in Haiti to help with the relief effort after the 2010 earthquake and the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

In the backdrop of the parade was a C-130 Hercules transporter plane, the only UK aircraft used through the entire Afghanistan War.

Sergeant and engineer at Brize Norton Michael Stockham, who took part in the parade, said: “It’s a good career. The tradition means a lot to me and it is proud day.”

Wing Commander Andrew Garbutt, Officer Commanding No 30 Squadron since 2012, said that the parade had been a highlight of his career.

The married father-of-three, who was the parade commander responsible for the march, said: “Leading the squadron out of Afghanistan last year was a highlight.”

He added: “But today was a highlight as well, to take a squadron with the history that it has.”