For the first time since 2019, RAF Reserves from across the UK have been able to meet for the annual Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation memorial service.
Held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire, the event focuses on the Royal Auxiliary Air Force memorial where many personnel are commemorated. The occasion was all the more poignant by being held on Reserves Day.
In attendance speaking as the Guest of Honour, was Commandant General, Air Vice-Marshal Munro CBE.
It’s really important that we hold these sort of events. Our past is part of the foundation that makes us who we are today and charts the way to the future. We’re commemorating all those who served in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and in particular dedicating seven new memorial stones - for personnel who represent the entire history of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force."
Air Vice-Marshal Munro CBE
Commandant General
Memorial stones were dedicated to:
- Maurice Farrelly
- Sir Michael Oswald
- Michael Tinley
- Jon Wilkes
- Donald MacDonald
- Harold Macdonald
- George Furniss
The service was officiated by Padre Elliott Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
"There’s always a danger that we forget what others have done for us, and the debt we owe to them. The freedoms we have are, in some cases, bought by others laying down their lives for us. It’s really important, and really special to be able to come together again after a few years of disruption, to enjoy an event like this."
Padre Elliott
Royal Auxiliary Air Force
During the service, wreaths and crosses were laid by Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation members and invited guests, including the families of five of the seven individuals for whom new memorial stones have been dedicated.
