The people of Stamford, Peterborough and Leicester welcomed parades from Royal Air Force Wittering in Cambridgeshire as the famous town and cities marked Remembrance Sunday.
Image By: AS1 Kimberley Waterson
Stamford’s Broad Street was filled with the growl of motorbike engines as veteran bikers made their own unique contributions to Remembrance Sunday. The townsfolk of Stamford were appreciative and welcoming as scores of people and the Town Band arrived for the Act of Remembrance, which was completed at the war memorial outside the historic Browne’s Hospital.
Image By: AS1 Kimberley Waterson
For Wing Commander Jeremy Case, Station Commander at RAF Wittering, it was a poignant moment. He said: “The Royal Air Force and RAF Wittering have a long and close relationship with Stamford and its people. As always, the Town came out in large numbers to join together and remember those that have lost their lives in service of their Nation, and it was an impressive sight to see. Many thanks to all those that came to join us to pay our respects.”
Image By: AS1 Kimberley Waterson
The Act of Remembrance not only honours those who have laid down their lives in the two World Wars, but also those who have died in other conflicts. It enables service personnel and civilians to pay their respects to veterans and keeps their service and sacrifice in the minds of younger generations.
Image By: Cpl Chantelle Gregg
504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, RAF Wittering’s reserve logistics unit, marked Remembrance and 30 years of history with Oakham. Nearly 30 immaculately turned out reservists took part, which concluded with a flawless parade through the town, and the salute was taken by Dr Sarah Furness, the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.
Although flying from forward operating bases, RAF Wittering Squadrons were heavily involved in the Battle of Britain. Additionally, the Station was very active during the Blitz and was the main fighter station for the South East Midlands.
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the impressive Arch of Remembrance in Leicester’s Victoria Park was the venue for a respectful service which attracted hundreds of people from all faiths and backgrounds. Personnel, veterans and cadets from all three armed forces, and the emergency services, accompanied by pipes and drums, concluded the event with an impressive parade.
Image By: Supplied Image
Wing Commander Nikki Duncan, Officer Commanding Support at RAF Wittering, was the senior air force officer present. She said: “The people of Leicester did us proud. Nobody could be any in doubt about the warmth of their welcome or their love for the Armed Forces. Our own personnel were immaculately turned out and marched beautifully, I was honoured to be a part of that occasion.”
Image By: AS2 Georgia Calloway
In Peterborough, RAF Wittering’s nearest city, Squadron Leader Mark Hammond represented the Royal Air Force. Peterborough’s long association with the RAF Wittering was clear to see as citizens lined the either side of Bridge Street to see wreaths laid at the memorial.
Image By: Cpl Chantelle Gregg
Wing Commander Case concluded: “Stamford, Leicester and Peterborough have been tremendous friends to this Station over the years. On Sunday, side by side with them, we recognised not only the ultimate sacrifices made by the Royal Air Force, but by personnel from all three armed forces and I am grateful for their continuing heartfelt loyalty.”
