more than 100 cruise ship visitors to the Island. For whatever the weather is like, they will be basking in their memories of Bermuda more than 30 years ago.

The group are all air force veterans, stationed at the US Air Force base at St. David's from 1956 to 1963 as members of the 303rd air refuelling squadron.

At the height of the Cold War with Russia, their task was to refuel nuclear bombers as they flew to bases in Spain and North Africa. By the time long-range jet tankers took over their jobs, around 3,000 people connected with the squadron had made Bermuda their home.

This week's visit by 125 veterans and their families was organised by retired Lt. Col. Leonard Dixon, who now lives in Riverside, California. "For many of these visitors, this is their first return to the Island,'' he said. "Some children born at Kindley are also with the group.

"All expect to renew Bermuda friendships and their love affair with the Island and its wonderful people.'' One of the members of the party is retired Major Richard Felman, 70. He now lives in Tucson, Arizona with his wife Mary Anne, who has never been to Bermuda before.

"Most of the group are out scouring the Island, looking at where they lived and meeting old friends,'' said Mr. Felman. "It's like coming back home.'' Mr. Felman, who was here from 1956 to 1959, remembers a hectic social life.

"We used to gather at the Longtail bar on Front Street,'' he said. "They had an open-air lounge and all the single men used to gather there and watch the boats as they came in and look for the prettiest girls.

"I was also made an honorary member of the Leopards club in Hamilton.'' He remembers entertainment at the Inverurie Hotel, beach parties at Horseshoe Bay, and the visit of President Dwight Eisenhower and Prime Minister Harold Macmillan.

Less happily, he recalls being fined five pounds for speeding in his Ford Prefect.

The first thing he wanted to do when he stepped off the Horizon was find his old home in Hamilton, Marchmont Cottage, where he buried his prize-winning boxer Chris. But the site is now the American International parking lot.

Other things have changed too, he has noticed. "There's an unbelievable amount of cars, and bigger cars. And there are many more shops.

"But the friendliness is still there. If any Bermudians remember the personnel of the 303rd, please come down to the Horizon and we'd love to see you.

"We formed some very close friendships and had some beautiful experiences.'' The group is here until Thursday.

TOP DOG -- Some of Mr. Felman's fondest memories of his time in Bermuda are of showing his boxer dog, Chris. She won "best of breed'' at a Canadian Kennel Club show.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS -- Mr. Felman's buddies at the base included, from left, Lt. Richard Moore, Lt. Doug Thompson, Lt. George Painter and Lt. Willie Webb.

GOOD TO BE BACK -- Former Major Mr. Richard Felman and his wife Mary Anne.