THE funeral has taken place of former Llangrove resident Air Commodore Vivian Warrington (Retd), who died at home in the care of his loving family on December 18, aged 91 years.

Dambusters squadron former commander Air Commodore Warrington had been very much part of the village community and was much missed by them when he and wife Ede moved away to Cardiff to be nearer their family a few years ago.

He learnt to fly during National Service with the RAF between 1952 to 1954, on completion of which he went to university before re-joining the RAF in 1957 on a permanent engagement.

Air Commodore Warrington flew a variety of aircraft but principally the Canberra and Vulcan bombers, and served in Cyprus, Germany and Belgium, plus nearly 10 years in Lincolnshire, while travelling widely on service deployments.

His postings 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.”

Air Commodore Warrington was latterly president of the Ross branch of the Royal British Legion and always had some great words to impart with encouragement, wit and knowledge.