15451/03GAZETTE & HERALD: DONATIONS have been pouring into RAF Lyneham in memory of the 10 servicemen killed in last month's Hercules tragedy in Iraq.

This week the Gazette joined forces with the base to promote the fund, which has officially been named the Balad Aircraft Fund.

It is not yet known whether the money will be used to pay for a permanent memorial at the station, or whether a trust fund will be set up for the victims' children and families.

Station Commander Paul Oborn said the whole station was surprised to receive donations from caring members of the public.

"I understand now that for a lot of people it was a tangible way they could show their support not just for the families but for what we do generally," he said.

"It's really helped buoy us along. I personally have taken a great deal of encouragement from it all.

"If something good comes from such a tragedy then it's the way the community has supported us. It's been breathtaking."

Group Captain Oborn said: "I am tremendously proud of the way in which the station has got back in the saddle so quickly after the accident."

Ideas on how to spend the money include a memorial garden at RAF Lyneham and an inscription on the war memorial at Wootton Bassett.

Padre David Edgar, senior chaplain at RAF Lyneham, said: "Many offers of money and help have been coming into the station but up until now the station has been very much focused on support for families.

"We are amazed and really grateful that people are sending us money.

"It's something nobody here expected to happen and we are all very touched."

The padre said a memorial garden would be done "sensitively" and would be located at the side of the chaplaincy building on base.

"It will be very much the station's memorial to this tragedy and it is important it is accessible to as many people as possible," he said.

"There is also a plan for a multi-faith prayer room behind the chaplaincy centre which is also very important for the station.

"The many letters and cards of sympathy we have been receiving have been towards the families and the children so it may be that some of the money goes into a trust for their future. A decision will be made in due course."

Lyneham Old Boys Association has so far collected £4,000 for a memorial, which it is hoped will be merged with the £4,000 already raised by 47 Squadron.

Wing Commander Mike Neville said the squadron had been planning a stained glass window at St Michael's Church for a couple of years as a tribute to the 90 years of the squadron.

It is hoped people will visit the window when the station closes.

The first designs for the colourful window, which will cost around £9,000, detail the history of the squadron and its missions.

Lyneham Old Boys Association, run by veteran Jim Semple, will stop receiving donations on Monday.

The padre said a memorial service for the wider community to remember the men who died would be held in the future, possibly at the end of April.

Anyone wishing to donate to the Balad Aircraft Fund should make cheques payable to Service Funds RAF Lyneham with the name of the fund on the back.