After forty years in the skies 7 Regiment Army Air Corps (Volunteers), known for flying the distinctive Gazelle Helicopter, has marked its closure with a ceremony at its Regimental Headquarters in South Wiltshire.  Listen to an interview with Major Charlie Morris 2ic of the Regiment.

His Grace The Duke of Westminster KG CB OBE TD CD DL, Honorary Colonel 7 AC (V) (Right) along with Lt Col Stephan Himbury (Left) Commanding Officer, 7 Regiment Army Air Corps (7 AAC (V)) unveils the new Regimental stone at Airfield Camp, Netheravon.

The event at Airfield Camp, Netheravon, included the unveiling of a stone plaque by His Grace The Duke of Westminster KG CB OBE TD CD DL – Honorary Colonel of 7 Regt AAC (V), the lowering of the Regimental flag, and a lone pipers’ lament. The ceremony ended with a blessing by the Reverend Colin Fox, the vicar of Netheravon, of the Gazelle Gate Guardian an aircraft that has been restored to its past glory. 

“Both the Gazelle and the stone are to remind all that drive through the main gate in the coming years that 7 Regiment Army Air Corps (Volunteers) was based here,” said Major Charlie Morris 2ic of the Regiment. “There is so much history here and fond memories for those who have served at Netheravon. But there is a need for change and we must move with the times.”

The Regiment first “began life” at Airfield Camp, Netheravon, in 1969, but it was not until 1995 that it became part of the Reserve Force and assumed the title 7 Regiment AAC (V). Its roles have ranged from supporting pre-deployment training for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, to supporting high profile events such as The G8 Summit held in Scotland in 2005 and the annual Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor. However, the 7 Regiment title will not be disappearing completely as a new regiment 7 (Training) Regiment Army Air Corps comprising of existing aviation squadrons will be formed next month in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.