THE funeral has taken place of a former president of the Ross branch of the Royal British Legion, Air Commodore Vivian Warrington (Retd) who died at home in the care of his loving family on December 18, aged 91 years.

Mr Warrington had been very much part of the local community of Llangrove and was very much missed by them when he and wife Ede moved away to be nearer their family a few years ago.

Mr Warrington learnt to fly during National Service with the RAF between 1952 to 1954. On completion of his National Service he went to university and, after graduating, he re-joined the RAF in 1957 on a permanent engagement.

Mr Warrington has flown a variety of aircraft but principally the Canberra and Vulcan bombers. He served in Cyprus, Germany and Belgium, plus nearly 10 years in Lincolnshire and has travelled widely on service deployments.

His postings have included being the Commanding Officer of 617 Squadron (The Dambusters), Station Commander of RAF Scampton and Deputy United Kingdom Military Representative at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

He was awarded the OBE in 1976 for services to the Royal Air Force.

He retired from the RAF in 1988 and took up the appointment of Director of Protocol in the Hong Kong Government.

He retired finally following the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong to The People's Republic of China in 1997.

In a statement his family said: “He was the beloved husband of Eda. Much‑loved father to Chris and Karen; cherished grandad to Wills, Tom, Jack, Sam and Harry; devoted father‑in‑law and grandad‑in‑law to Amanda and Lauren; and adored great‑grandad to Evan and Nancy.

“Vivian will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. Forever in our hearts and thoughts. A long life, well‑lived.”

The Ross Gazette reported on Air Commodore Warrington’s role during his Presidency of the Ross branch of the Royal British Legion on numerous occasions and he always had some great words to impart with encouragement, wit, and knowledge.

During the ceremony to honour the men of the Naval Services a century on, for those who gave their lives for this country during the North Sea Battle of Jutland that Ross had lost four brave men during the battle on May 31,1916, and it was important to remember their sacrifice.