Cadets Respect at Stonefall

Cadets from Wetherby, Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon were out in force on Sunday 13th September to pay their respects to almost 1,000 airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War.

 

 

The annual service at Stonefall Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery was organised by the Royal Air Forces Association and attended by civic and military dignitaries and included a contingent from the Royal Air Force and the armed forces of Canada and the United States.

 

 

988 airmen, two thirds of them Canadian, were buried in this part of the Cemetery from July 1943, many having died in the military wing of the nearby Harrogate General Hospital. They came from the airfields of Yorkshire and the North Eastern Counties.

 

 

Cadets mounted an Honour Guard around the Stone of Sacrifice and assisted the wreath layers as well as parading. Pictures show various shots of the parade.

 

 

 

 

Hull West Remembers

 

For over 15 years Cadets from 872 (Hull West) Squadron have been attending the grave of Battle of Britain pilot, Sgt Pilot Leslie Pidd, which is situated in the graveyard at St Peter’s Church, Woodmansey, prior to holding a Remembrance Service in the Church. The then CO of the Sqn, Flt Lt Malcolm Bellamy RAFVR(T) Ret’d, "adopted" the grave when he became aware of its existence in a very unkempt state.

 

 

At this year’s service, Flt Lt Bellamy reminded the Cadets of the bravery of all our Airmen during WWII, as well as those in the Battle of Britain. During the service, relevant excerpts of Sir Winston Churchill’s speeches were played to Cadets and poems were read by Cdt Flt Sgt Kris English and Cdt Sgt Nicola Grayson. Prayers were led by 872 Sqn Padre, Rev Jason Taylor.

 

 

The Standard bearer was Cdt Cpl Samantha Bucknall. A wreath was laid by Flt Lt Laurie Frampton, WWII Spitfire Pilot, assisted by Cdt Cpl Tom Hill and Cdt Flt Sgt Kris English.

 

 

Also present at the ceremony were Flt Lt Tom Gallantry DFC a Halifax Pilot; Flt Lt Ron Riding a Lancaster Navigator; Sgt Allan Lawson, Glider Pilot (Regiment); Sgt Tom Ellis, Ground Crew and Cpl Les Ransom Arnhem Veteran - Airborne (who actually reached the Bridge at Arnhem) and also knew Sgt Leslie Pidd. Parents, members of the Civilian Committee and Civilian Instructors were also present.

 

Beverley Battle of Britain

Cadets and adult staff from 399 (Beverley) Squadron were high profile when they paraded at the annual Battle of Britain Commemoration Service at St Mary’s Church in Beverley on 13th September.

 

 

Pictures show the Guard of Honour for the arrival of the Mayor of Beverley, David Eldvidge. The pictures show the Mayoral party arriving at the Church and the Mayor talking to Flight Lieutenant Gavin Button, Officer Commanding 399 (Beverley Squadron).

 

 

Pictures courtesy of Paul Smith at www.hu17.net