Flags lowered for last time at Edzell base

The faltering notes of the bagpipes suddenly changed, and the haunting strains of a Scottish song of farewell began to filter through the cool autumn air.

A lone Scots voice took up the tune, and within seconds an American standing a few feet away joined in. The chorus swelled quickly within the ranks of the assembled crowd and soon everyone was singing We're No' Awa' Tae Bide Awa'.

The mildly suffocating formality had been broken and an official occasion had assumed its proper place in the order of things - a simple parting of old friends.

The final flag-lowering act which yesterday marked the end of the US Navy's 37-year presence at RAF Edzell was blessed with watery sunshine in marked contrast to the icy wind and sleet showers on the occasion when the colours were first raised over the Angus base in February 1960.

An audience of over 100 people, US Navy ex-service personnel, former civilian workers and long-standing friends of the base stood side by side as the ceremony to lower the RAF Ensign and the Stars and Stripes was led by the base commander Lieutenant Commander Sharon Chamness.

The petite redhead introduced the base chaplain, Father Lawrence (Buzz) Hummer, who extolled the friendships which had been cemented between the Scottish and American nation over almost four decades. He asked for divine assistance to help maintain these links in the years to come.

RAF base commander Steve Bowen said this was not just one more in a long line of base closures. It held a special meaning for everyone concerned.

Recalling the 85-year history of RAF Edzell, Squadron Leader Bowen referred to closures after both the first and second world wars, after "the war was over, the war was won, the job was done and the job was done well."

"The US Navy did not just fight a war at Edzell. It won the hearts of the local community with a generosity typical of the American nation.

"They have laid solid foundations of friendship.

"We will continue to build on these solid foundations for years to come."

Lieutenant Commander Chamness said it was with great sadness that she brought the end to 37 years of US Navy presence at Edzell.

"You have welcomed us into your homes, and made us part of your families," she said.

"We know that these friendships will continue."

She thanked everyone concerned in the smooth rundown of the base over the last two years, adding, "We leave it in an environmentally safe condition.

"It has been my privilege to work with all of you to reach this end of the road."

As the RAF Ensign was slowly lowered by Petty Officer Adam Caudell, who 10 days ago became the last American from the base to marry a local girl, an identical duty was carried out a few feet away by Lieut Sean McLaren.

Lieut McLaren, who proudly spoke of his Edinburgh-born father, was given the honour of lowering the Stars and Stripes, which will be transported back to the United States next month.

As the two flags descended, to be meticulously folded and placed in the arms of Lieut Commander Shamness and Squadron Leader Bowen, the silence was broken by the pipes of Lieut Tom George, whose request to play at the ceremony, despite his recent introduction to the instrument eight months ago, had been willingly granted.

His Last Post was greeted stoically by the audience, who were then surprised to hear a bagpipe version of Going Home.

But their staunch resolve, and the tears, finally broke as We're No' Awa' rose over the parade ground.

Following the official ceremony, the audience were ushered to the quarter deck area of the base where, until a few weeks ago, a Vampire jet greeted visitors to RAF Edzell.

In its place, shrouded by a Saltire, stood a new monument, specially commissioned from Brechin sculptor Tom Church, the architect of the famous Braveheart statue.

There were gasps of delight and applause as the Saltire was removed to reveal the Americans' parting gift to Scotland, an inscribed commemoration stone to mark their presence in Angus.

The flags of the two nations, buttressed by sculpted thistles, sit above the simple message "This was the site of the United States of America Naval Security Group Activity."

Above the flags the message reads "Auld Lang Syne."

The ceremony over, photographs were taken for albums on both sides of ther Atlantic. Hands were shaken, people hugged and everyone vowed to meet again one day.

Then they walked slowly away - and Edzell fell silent.