The leader of a visiting Royal Air Force squadron issued a taxi driver a letter of apology after six of his men stole an American flag from the back of a cab.

Police spokesperson Evelyn James Barnett said the flag, which had sentimental value to its owner, was stolen early Saturday morning.

Last night the driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said the flag belonged to a family member who fought in Vietnam. "No amount of money could ever replace it,'' he said.

The taxi driver picked up six men from a Front Street nightclub and drove them to the Grotto Bay Hotel. "They were pretty drunk,'' the driver said.

After the men left the cab, the driver noticed his American flag, which was kept behind his seat, was missing.

Upon receiving the report the Police contacted Squadron Leader Agerus Deas who promised to investigate the matter fully.

Mrs. James Barnett said officers were contacted shortly after midnight on Sunday and told that the flag had been found.

The flag was returned to the taxi driver along with a letter of apology from Squadron Leader Deas.

"He brought it to my house and personally returned it to me,'' he said. "He was pretty upset about the whole thing.''