TIME marches on and even the bravest cannot soldier on for ever.

Now some of the dwindling band of men who helped turn the tide of the Second World War decided it was time to make an important decision.

The ten remaining active members of the Leeds Air Gunners' Association unanimously agreed to lay up their branch standard at the Yorkshire Air Museum, at Elvington, near York.

It was formally presented to museum director Ian Reed by the branch chairman Frank Gledhill and secretary Bill Carter.

In accordance with protocol, the standard was presented for the handover by standard bearer Jack Agar, 79, after which, in a short, poignant ceremony it was re-dedicated by the museum chaplain, the Reverend Neil Mackay.

Like many such associations, Leeds AGA was formed in 1949 but, from being a large branch, able to muster coach- loads of members to visit national events, numbers have dwindled rapidly.

The latest funeral of one of its members took place last week as an 83-year-old ex- soldier was laid to rest. Another former member, Tom Swallow, who died some time ago, was a veteran of the First World War and Second World War.

"The decision to lay the standard at the museum and entrust it to our care is something we accept with humility and gratitude. It will join a number of other standards that have been given to us in recent years," said Mr Reed.

"The handing over of this standard may seem like the end of an era, but, it actually marks the beginning of a new chapter, as we take it into our care for the benefit of future generations, as they come to the Yorkshire Air Museum to remember the sacrifice of those that went before."