With Remembrance 2021 drawing to a close, the RAF reflect on this poignant period in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the way we live today.
We have worn the poppy as an act of #Remembrance for the last 100 years, and will continue to do so for the next 100.
— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) November 11, 2021
Who do you wear your poppy for?#RemembranceDay pic.twitter.com/HEQYlV19eK
"Remembrance is a significant time where we reflect on the sacrifices made by those before us. An essential moment to commemorate those who died in the service of their country, to protect the freedom we continue to benefit from today. This year I will be wearing the Poppy to remember courageous individuals, such as Aircraftman 1st Class Basil Norman Blades, who died 82 years ago on 10th October 1939 at the young age of only 19 years."
Cadet Warrant Officer Morganti
RAF Air Cadets
611 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force and Reverend Flight Lieutenant Mandeep Kaur, Part-Time Reservist and the only Sikh Chaplain in the UK Armed Forces, attended the annual Tri-Service Remembrance commemoration at the Anglican Cathedral of Liverpool. However, this year came with some confusion.
Initial reports of multiple explosions were confused with the firing of the 105mm Light Gun, signifying the start and end of the 2 minutes silence. With nearly 2000 people in attendance, the Police and Parade Commander performed well to reorganise the contingent; 611 Squadron marched as planned, led by Reverend Flight Lieutenant Kaur, albeit on a shorter route.
Liverpool City Council’s tweeted about the event and shared the Service video for all to watch.
#Video | This morning #Liverpool paid its respects on #RemembranceSunday ?@LivCathedral?
— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) November 14, 2021
You can rewatch the service at: https://t.co/0p2nVxWgrA#LestWeForget pic.twitter.com/k8aS18sDLo
Members from the Royal Family joined the Prime Minister and over 700 personnel of the Armed Forces, at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Westminster.
The National President of the Royal British Legion and former British Army Officer, Lieutenant General James Ian Bashall was also in attendance. This year marks the centenary of the Royal British Legion, a charity doing amazing work to support Veterans with generous donations from the annual Poppy Appeal.
Nearby to Westminster Abbey is the Field of Remembrance; a memorial garden for those who lost their lives in service. Touching tributes are planted in the ground with personalised messages for fallen forebears, colleagues and friends.
Corporal McCarthy from St Clement Dane's Church performed a beautiful piano version of the Last Post, arranged by Miles Nottage Music. The touching tribute can be seen on the RAF Music Facebook page.
34 Squadron RAF Regiment paraded around the town of Richmond, in North Yorkshire. They were joined by members of the 5 Armoured Medical Regiment and The Royal Lancers, both based out of the nearby garrison town of Catterick, North Yorkshire.
Personnel marched to the service at St Mary’s church from the Market Square, and then to Friary Gardens where the wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph. An additional service was later held at the Green Howards Memorial.
RAF personnel from around the world also joined in Remembrance Services, pausing and laying Poppy Wreaths from their own countries in memory of those who served to defend our way of life today.
In Oman, over 300 RAF personnel deployed on Exercise MAGIC CARPET at the Air Exercise area in Dhofar Governorate, attended a ceremony with RAF Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew CBE.
In Germany, Military personnel based at Headquarters Allied Air Command at Ramstein Air Base marked Remembrance Day with a multinational parade.
In Cyprus, personnel from RAF Akrotiri held their annual Remembrance Ceremony at the Saint Paul’s Church.
More about how RAF personnel around the world paused to remember can be read here.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight released a video with a poignant poem read by World War II pilot, Squadron Leader Lawrence ‘Benny’ Goodman, who sadly passed earlier this year. A video of the poem reading can be viewed on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Facebook page.
On Saturday 13th November, BBC One showed The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance, attended by members of the Armed Forces at the Royal Albert Hall. The event celebrated all those who have contributed to the last 100 years and the importance of how we must continue to remember in the coming 100 years.
Throughout the month, RAF personnel visited Birmingham and Leeds for the annual City Poppy Days. Donations from bucket collections and selling Poppy's to the public raised funds for the Royal British Legion. More can be read here.
On 29th October, RAF Musician Sergeant Ringham, sounded the Last Post at Queen’s Park Ranger’s game against Nottingham Forest. More about the match can be read here.
