Recently, 7 personnel from MPGS, RAF Boulmer embarked on some fantastic Force Development at the National Memorial Arboretum in Nuneaton.
The National Memorial Arboretum is a UK registered charity and visitor site at the edge of the National Forest in Staffordshire. Part of the Royal British Legion, but a separate body The National Memorial Arboretum ensures the unique contribution of those who have served and sacrificed are never forgotten, the baton of Remembrance is passed through generations and there is a year-round space to celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost.
After staying at the Gamerock Barracks, the home of 30 signals Regiment, personnel arrived at the National Memorial Arboretum just in time for the daily 2-minute silence. During this time, personnel took the opportunity to reflect and take in the various Corps and Regimental engraved flagstones at the main entrance until the silence was complete. From there, personnel began to visit the vast number of Memorial statues, plaques and gardens all set in 150 Acres of impeccable grounds.
Private Prichard said:
‘Initially the mood was celebratory as we remembered the heroic endeavours of those who went before us, endeavours, and sacrifice that we truly would never forget. The mood quickly changed as we entered the Burma Railway exhibition. A sombre quiet rolled over all of us as we came face to face with horrors, we wish we could forget. As we left the exhibition, we all agreed it had been a stark reminder’
Personnel from the MPGS often serve in theatres all over the world, such as Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq and many more. It was evident that members of the group were taking quiet moments of reflection as they noticed names of fallen friends, or recalled a conflict they served in. It was a chance to remember how lucky we all are.
The day culminated in the laying of a wreath at the main Memorial in the centre of the Arboretum. ‘As we mounted the minibus at the end of the day to head back to Boulmer, the mood was high as we had had a great day that had been enjoyed by everybody’
