RAF lamp shines bright thanks to local business

A COMMEMORATIVE lamp in honour of Melksham’s RAF history in Bowerhill, has been given a boost by local furniture manufacturer, Herman Miller. 

Thanks to the company, the lamp – which can be found on a public path adjacent to Herman Miller on Portal Road – has a new sign explaining its history. 

The new sign says, “This lamp marks the original location of the gate to RAF Melksham, a training base in use from 1940-65. Commonly known as ‘Kelly’s Lamp’, it served as a waiting point where Corporal Kelly would frequently stand to ensure his troops were safely back on base each night.” 

Melksham Without Parish Council said, “A big thank you to Herman Miller for producing a new sign to mark Kelly’s Lamp – it was so faded you couldn’t read it; and the light is now burning brightly again.”

Corporal Kelly is also remembered in nearby Berryfield, with Kelly Close named in his memory. 

Photos by John Phillips