Three personnel from the base, which is situated on the A1 close to Peterborough, were part of a 400-strong party of service personnel as The Princess Royal unveiled the memorial at Westminster Abbey.

It was a particularly poignant day for the family of senior aircraftman Gary Thompson, who died while serving in April. Aged 51, SAC Thompson is the oldest British serviceman to die in conflict in Afghanistan.

His widow, Jacqui Thompson, and five daughters – Jordan (20), Laurie (24), Kelly (17), Amee (22) and Jade (18) – were among those at Westminster Abbey, and they were personally met by Princess Anne.

Kelly Thompson gave a reading at the dedication ceremony, at which Princess Anne congratulated her, saying: "It isn't an easy thing to do."

Squadron Leader Simon Lynn, a nurse who now works at RAF Wittering, was also at the ceremony and speaking before the event he said that it was a privilege to represent the forces.

He added: "This is particularly poignant having only recently returned from an operational tour in Afghanistan serving with the Royal Air Force Medical Services."

Sqn Ldr Lynn was joined by Corporal Karen Brewer, a driver who works with No 2 Mechanical transport Squadron, and Corporal C Harvey, a gunner with No 3 Squadron RAF Regiment.