The Former Royal Air force veterans have visited Maldives yesterday for a reunion in the former RAF base – Gan Island, Addu Atoll. The group who are visiting Gan Island consists of 49 members including family members, 29 of them are the former Royal Air force veterans who were employed in former base during the 1950’s. The group visit to Maldives was arranged by the UK Tour operator Cosmos Monarch Holidays. Together with Cosmos Monarch Holidays, Kaimoo Travels & Hotel services, Island Aviation services and Maldives Tourism promotion board extended a warm welcome for the visiting RAF veterans in both the international airports, in Male and Gan.
The whole of Addu Atoll was also prepared for the occasion. The entire team received a rapturous welcome from the locals. They were greeted by cultural performances from the Maradhoo youths club. A series of activities have been prearranged for the event which includes meeting the locals, a Tour of Addu atoll (Feydhoo, MFeydhoo, Hithadhoo, Gan Island, HulhuMeedhoo). Furthermore their itinerary includes visiting the significant historical locations in Gan which includes World War II memorial, the base used by RAF during World War II in Hulhu Meedhoo and visiting various structures used by the RAF during World War II. The locals of Addu have also arranged Volleyball Match and a Football Match between two selected teams amongst the youth.
The Royal Airforce Base in Gan Island – Addu atoll was formed during British was occupied. The Base was first used by the British Marine royals in 1941. In 1957 the Royal Air Force took over and construction of a permanent runway began. It was used primarily as a staging post for military aircraft. Other nation’s air forces also used it as a stopover. The base was finally closed down on 31 March 1976.
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