AMERICAN veterans who were stationed at the Burtonwood Airbase when it was in operation enjoyed a trip down memory lane as part of the reunion.

Former servicemen and their partners – many who were GI Brides – flew to the UK to spend one week exploring the area they once called home.

A total of 29 visitors took part in the trip which included attending a service at St Michael's Church in Burtonwood and an evening of dance as well as afternoon tea at Gulliver's Hotel and a visit to the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford.

Roy Thorpe-Apps, heritage centre manager and UK President of the RAF Burtonwood Association, said the trip acted as a nostalgic reminder of their time in the country.

He said: "It was interesting to meet those who were based here – some were regulars but there were some new faces on the visit.

"The oldest veterans were 94 years old and had many stories to share.

"Richard Lowrance came to Burtonwood in 1942 as a feather merchant.

"He was a civil engineer – he wasn't in the military.

"As he was a civilian he was given the option to go back to the states or join the air force.

"He decided he wanted to join so he swore his allegiance at the embassy in Liverpool."

RAF Burtonwood was the largest military airbase in the UK during the Second World War and was responsible for the handling of more than 15,000 aircrafts of the United States 8th 9th 12th and 15th Air Forces.

Around 18,500 US servicemen and women were based at Burtonwood and it was also responsible for another 30 bases in the UK and more than 50,000 personnel in total.

Mr Thorpe-Apps said: "Some of the men have not been back since they were 17 and 18 years old.

"It does not look like what he did back then but we are doing our best to try to preserve the history of the base."