Repatriation Report-Thursday 17th February---5 Casualties

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REPATRIATION REPORT

Thursday 17^th February, 2011

From operations in Afghanistan, the repatriation of:

Private Lewis Hendry (20), 3^rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment

Private Conrad Lewis (22), 4^th Battalion (TA), The Parachute Regiment

Both these soldiers died from gunshot wounds in a firefight with insurgents in a small village north of Nahr-e-Bughra canal, Helmand Province, on 9^th February, 2011.

Private Robert Wood (28), 17 Port & Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps

Private Dean Hutchinson (23), 9 Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps

Both the above soldiers died in a fire in Camp Bastion, on 14^th February, 2011. There was no enemy activity connected with this incident.

Lance Corporal Kyle Cleet Marshall, (23), 2^nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment

LCpl Marshall died from wounds received from the explosion of an IED, while extracting from a compound south of Nahr-e-Saraj, Helmand Province, following an engagement with insurgents, on 14^th February, 2011.

Service veterans and members of the public turned out in the following “stations of vigil” to pay their respects to the fallen as the cortege made its way on the 47 mile route from the point of arrival at RAF Lyneham to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford.

Wootton Bassett - Town Centre (1815)

This report from Duncan Wostenholm, RMA

Despite the delay caused by technical problems, people formed five deep on both sides of the High Street for about 200 metres. There were many military personnel, representing both the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Logistic Corps.

Along with the family and friends of the five fallen soldiers were Mr James Gray, MP for North Wiltshire, Cllr Mary Champion, Mayor of Wootton Bassett and Colonel Simon Hutchings, CO, 17 Port Maritime Regiment RLC and Commander, Theatre Logistics Group. Among the veterans wearing medals and berets were 5 RMA, accompanied by 42 riders from the RBL Motorcycle Branch and four members of the Evesham Sea Cadets.

26 standards were paraded: Royal British Legion Abertillery, Bretforton, Leyton, Lambourne, Wrington, Swindon, Stratton St Margaret, Devizes, Durslay & Cam and Hungerford. Association standards included: Aden Veterans, The Rifles, Royal Observer Corps, RAFA Corsham, RAF Police - Wiltshire, Royal Regiment of Wales, Royal Irish Rangers, Welsh Guards and the Parachute Regiment Association branches of 101^st Airborne, West Berkshire, Swindon, Nottingham, Chelmsford, London, North Staffordshire and Glamorgan.

Gable Cross Police Station - On the A420 just east of the junction with the A419 (1848)

This report from Pat Bristow, RMA

Three standards were paraded: Royal Engineers and Royal Signals - Swindon and the RAF Lyneham Old Boys. There were eight veterans present, along with 20 members of the public. 20 police officers also paraded, under Chief Inspector Mike Jones.

At the Road Bridge - B4000 over the A420 between Shrivenham and Highworth (1854)

Report by Derrick Jeans, RAFA

At the B4000 bridge over the A420, District Councillor Elaine Ware and 13 members of the public stood as the long cortege passed by at walking pace. The oncoming traffic stopped well before the cortege passed. The dark evening and the delay all combined to make it a very moving occasion.

United Kingdom Defence Academy - at the Watchfield Roundabout on the A420, adjacent to the UKDA. (1858)

Report by Jim Hawkins, RMA

There was a very large attendance today, over 80 people. These included 14 veterans from the RM Association, Poole & District and Guildford branches and four of the wives, veterans of the Royal Berkshire Regiment and the Korean War. Retired officers included Air Commodore Marcus Witherow, RAF Regiment and his wife Mary, Lt Col Chris Finch, Parachute Regiment. The branch standards of RMA :Poole and Guildford were paraded.

Serving military personnel from the Defence Academy included:

Royal Navy: Lieutenants Bowen and Hughes, WO1 McLoughlin, WO1 Buckmaster, Petty Officer Ruth Lee, Lt Col Miles RM, Colour Sergeant Buxton RM, and Lieutenant Andrew Hayler, Unites States Navy.

Army: (representing The Parachute Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, The Mercian Regiment, Royal Artillery, The Coldstream Guards, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and The Light Dragoons) Brigadier and Mrs Thompson, Lt Col Ed Sandry, Majors Eaton, Nicholson, Gankroger, McKay and Dunlop, Captains Tamang, Tayler, Cox, Conway, Pridmore, Parr, Mullis and Taylor, WO2 Dave Rae, Colour Sergeant Taylor, Sergeants O’Brien, Duncan, Hart and Boughton, and Corporal Stamp.

Royal Air Force: Wing Commander and Mrs Hayler, Squadron Leader Colin Laker (ex- 4 Para) and Flight Sergeant Hilary Wilson.

Additionally there were about 20 civilian staff from the Academy and members of the public in attendance.

The salute to the cortege was led by Major Eaton (Para) and ordered by WO1 John Houghton, RAF Regiment.

This was the last time we shall see WO1 John Houghton, as he is being discharged to pension from the RAF. After the ceremony, we bade him farewell at the nearby College Farm pub, to the song of “Zulu Warrior”. We will miss him and wish him the very best in his retirement, and thank him for his strong support at these repatriations.

Folly Hill Lay-by - east of Faringdon on the A420, just north of the A417 junction

This report by Joy Blake

Due to the darkness on the A420 at Folly Hill lay-by, it was impossible to do a firm headcount, but from my count, there were over 70 people attending. All we had apart from passing traffic headlights was the colourful and bright shining moon to lighten our darkness.

The cortege, bringing back home the five soldiers, eventually passed us at 7.15 pm, the coffins covered by Union flags and although illuminated by lights within each hearse, brought much sadness to the dark evening.

Many townspeople attended, as well as the Faringdon Town Mayor, Mrs Margaret Barker and her escort. The usual veterans, wearing their berets and medals, together with a representative from Wantage Neighbourhood Action Group, Mrs Wendy Simpson, members of the Faringdon Fire & Rescue Service with their tender and the community police were all in attendance.

The following standards were presented, and for the first time we were privileged to have the Palestine Police Association standard (kindly loaned by Mr L. Boffin of Faringdon): Union flag, Royal British Legion Faringdon & District, Bampton, Shrivenham, Oxfordshire Womens Section, the Palestine Police Association, RAFA Brize Norton and Carterton and the Royal Navy Vetrans, Wantage.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford - near Anthony Padua Parish Church, Headley Way.

This report from John Walker RDG

We here at the Final Turn stood firm and true to honour the five soldiers. Their courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

There were seven Royal British Legion standards: Chalgrove, Bicester, Bodicote, Marston, Islip, Kidlington and the Kidlington Womens Section. Association standards included The Parachute Regiment - Oxford, The Royal Tank Regiment - Oxon, The Coldstream Guards, The Guards Division - Newbury, Royal Air Force, The Royal Artillery, The Royal Navy, St George Society, the Royal Air Force Police and the banner of The Royal Dragoon Guards.

There was a huge turnout from the Oxford public - 300+ at the Final Turn and hundreds more from the ring road into Oxford and up the hill to us at the Final Turn. There were many Union flags, all along the route and many with us. The Lord Mayor of Oxford, John Goddard was with us, as was a Fire & Rescue crew from Oxford, with their tender and as always a huge Union flag. There were 60 veterans with their berets and medals and 40 others from all three services. The Thames Valley Police were there, doing their normal duties, as well as parading alongside us, under Inspector Ali Gunston.

A Guard of Honour was formed by veterans of the Parachute Regiment Association - Oxford Branch. It was nice to see Col (Retd) Chris Keeble MC (also a member of the Oxford Parachute Regiment Association) with us again, and also this time Steve Hughes, a former Para Medic (Falklands), supporting the local Para Association branch. The church was represented by John, who once again put up the Union flag at half mast.

Owing to the timings changing a few times, a few of us were there very early, to keep in touch with those who are not, and to supply them with hot drinks, etc. Owing to the large crowds, the home made cakes that Diana brings went very fast. The tea and coffee were very welcome. It did become quite cold and I could see it was beginning to tell on some of the older vets. But they stood their ground as they always do.

I thank once again Ian (ex-Ox & Bucks LI), who helps me put these lists together; also parade marshal G. Whelan (ex-Para), 2i/c J. Lewendon (ex-RA) and wreath marshal R. Parker (ex-R. Sigs).

The cortege passed us by at 2005 hrs.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

PH ( Duty Scribe – assisted by ‘Jim’ Hawkins)

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Repatriations Thursday 17th February-

Comment

There was a certain amount of confusion throughout the day yesterday as to whether three or five were coming home. The timings shown below are based on the latest information received.

With five lads coming home, past experience has shown the Cortege wouldn’t normally be released from RAF Lyneham much before 16:30, but Thames Valley Police have indicated that they expect to pick up the Cortege at Gable Cross Police Station at 18:00 which on my reckoning of that past experience makes me think that probably RAF Lyneham are anticipating a longer stay with them.

In the circumstances, I am personally planning to be at my ‘Vigil Point’ on the A420 an hour before the times advocated below, just in case there is a change of plan.

Sorry, but with the restricted information available to me this is the best I can do. If updates do come in I will try and email you with that information if time permits, or if too late for that, text those on that part of the system.

-----------ooOoo----------

The Repatriation of

Private Lewis Hendry (3^rd Battalion) Parachute Regiment,

Private Conrad Lewis (4^th Battalion) Parachute Regiment,

two unnamed soldiers from the Royal Logistics Corps

and

an unnamed soldier from (2^nd Battalion) The Parachute Regiment

Thursday, 17^th February, 2011.

Flypast over Wootton Bassett 13:00 hours - Timings provided by RAF Lyneham

RAF Lyneham (Family Service Starts) 14:00 hours - Timings provided by RAF Lyneham

Cortege expected to leave RAF Lyneham (See above)

Wootton Bassett (See above)

- (Approximately 13 miles to GX Police Station)

Gable Cross Police Stn 18:00 hours +/- 30 minutes - Thames Valley Police estimated time to take over responsibility of Cortege

- (Approximately 3..5 miles to bridge carrying B4000)

Bridge over A420 (Carrying B4000) 18:05 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 1..5 miles to Defence Academy)

Defence Academy UK (A420) 18:10 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 4..5 miles to Folly Hill Lay-by)

Folly Hill Lay-by (A420) 18:15 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 45 minutes travelling time to JRH)

St Anthony of Padua Parish Church 18:55 hours +/- 30 minutes (Situated at entrance to JRH)

John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford) 19:00 hours +/- 30 minutes - Thames Valley Police estimated time of arrival at JRH

----------ooOoo----------

Blondie

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

REpatriation Report W02 C Beckett and Ranger D Dalzell

REPATRIATION REPORT

Thursday 10 February, 2011

From operations in Afghanistan, the repatriation of:

Ranger David Dalzell (20), 1^st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment

Ranger Dalzell died as a result of an operational accident while on operations at Checkpoint Ranger, in Nahr ’Ali, Helmand Province, on 4^th February, 2011.

WO2 (CSM) Colin Beckett (36), 3^rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment

WO2 “Tom” Beckett died as a result of an IED explosion while leading a patrol in the village of Shaheed, Nahr-e-Bughra canal, Helmand Province, on 5^th February, 2011.

Service veterans and members of the public turned out in the following “stations of vigil” to pay their respects to the fallen as the cortege made its way on the 47 mile route from the point of arrival at RAF Lyneham to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford. .

Wootton Bassett - Town Centre

This report from Duncan Wostenholm, RMA

Despite the rain, a large number turned out to witness the repatriation. Among friends and families were contingents of uniformed personnel from both the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Irish Regiment. Colonel Williams, ex-CO of 3 Para was joined by Councillor Mary Champion, Mayor of Wootton Bassett.

Among the veterans wearing berets with a wide selection of regimental and service cap badges were 5 RMA, a French Foreign Legionnaire and 27 riders from the RBL motorcycle branch.

33 standards were paraded:

Royal British Legion - Swindon, Hungerford, Bretforton, Abertillery, Merthyr Tydfil, Devizes, Dursley & Cam, Newcastle under Lyne, Market Drayton, Market Drayton Ladies and Shrewsbury.

Association standards included the Royal Regiment of Wales, The Rifles, Royal Observer Corps, RNA Pershore, RNA Market Drayton, Aden Veterans, Royal Irish Regiment - North Yorkshire, Midlands and Warminster branches and their national standard; Welsh Guards Reunion, RAFA Market Drayton, Parachute Regiment - Andover, West Berkshire, London District, Chelmsford, North Staffordshire, Glamorgan and 101 Airborne branches; RAMC North Midlands and the Canal Zone Veterans.

Gable Cross Police Station - On the A420 just east of the junction with the A419 (1

This report from Pat Bristow, RMA

There were 15 veterans on parade, along with the standards of the Royal Signals Association, Swindon, the Royal Engineers, Swindon and the RAF Lyneham Old Boys.

We were joined by 35 members of the public and 120 police officers from the adjacent HQ. The salute to the cortege was ordered by Chief Inspector Paul Howlett.

At the Road Bridge - B4000 over the A420 between Shrivenham and Highworth (1550)

Report by Derrick Jeans, RAFA

At the B4000 bridge over the A420, District Councillor Elaine Ware and six members of the public, joined by a passing motorist, stood in the pouring rain to pay their respects to the cortege, which passed slowly by.

United Kingdom Defence Academy - at the Watchfield Roundabout on the A420, adjacent to the UKDA. (1555 pm)

Report by Patrick Hopper RMA

Nine RM veterans and their colleagues from the RA, Royal Berkshires and the Korean War stood to pay their respects, accompanied by the standards of RMA Poole & District and Guildford. There were also about 10 civilian academy staff and members of the public.

Uniformed officers from the Defence Academy included Lt Col Ed Sandry, Majors Rob Musetti, Frank Largan, Alistair Rogers, Bob Mackay and Mark Swann, all of The Parachute Regiment, Major Simon Holden, The Royal Irish Regiment, Lt Col Austen Pearce, Intelligence Corps, Lt Col Hamish Robson, REME, Major Simon Nicholson, Royal Artillery, Wing Commander Craig Mason, RAF and from “Down Under”, Lt Col Warren Gould of the Australian Army. We remember that Australia contributes troops in Afghanistan, including one of their soldiers who very recently was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The salute to the cortege was led by Lt Col Sandry, Para and Major Holden RIR and ordered by the Academy RSM, WO1 Mark Hannington, Mercian Regiment.

Folly Hill Lay-by - east of Faringdon on the A420, just north of the A417 junction

Report by Joy Blake

More than 60 people attended the Folly Hill lay-by for the repatriation cortege, carrying the two soldiers brought back home earlier in the day. Although a wet and windy afternoon, many people came to pay their respects as the cortege passed on the A420 at 4 pm.

Sadly, I was not there owing to my attending a funeral of a local businessman, who together with his wife have always supported and attended our repatriation meetings. I felt torn not to attend the repatriation, but felt it my duty also to respect someone who had always shown us support until his illness at the back end of last year.

Among the townspeople and veterans wearing their berets and medals were members of the local branch and surrounding branches of the Royal British Legion, together with members of the local town council.

Standards paraded were: the Union flag, RBL Faringdon, Bampton, Highworth, Shrivenham and Wantage; RAFA Brize Norton and Carterton and the Wantage Royal Naval Association.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford - near St Anthony Padua Parish Church, Headley Way.

This report from John Walker, RDGA

We here at the Final Turn stood true and strong to honour these two soldiers. There were eight Royal British Legion standards: Bicester, Marston, Chalgrove, Islip, Headington, Wheatley, Kidlington and Kidlington Womens Section. Association standards included The Parachute Regiment - Oxford, The Coldstream Guards, Guards Division - Newbury, Royal Navy & Royal Marines - Oxford, Canal Zone Veterans - Oxon and the banner of The Royal Dragoon Guards.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford, John Goddard was there to join us, as were two crews of the St John’s Ambulance, a crew of the Oxford Fire & Rescue Service with their tender and huge Union flag. The Thames Valley police performed their normal duties as well as standing alongside us, under the command of Chief Inspector C. Agger. There was a huge crowd of the Oxford public (200+) at the Final Turn in addition to many more on the hill leading up to us at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Many more hundreds were all along the ring road leading to the foot of the hill.

A guard of honour was formed by veterans from The Parachute Regiment, along with Colonel (Retd) Chris Keeble MC of the Parachute Regiment, to honour WO2 Colin Beckett, 3 Para.

Many Ulster flags were on parade to honour Ranger David Dalzell, RIR. The church was represented by John who had put the flag at half mast for us early that morning. The parade marshal was G. Whelan (Para), the 2i/c was J. Lewendon (RA) and the wreath marshal was R. Parker (R. Signals). The weather was wet and cold. However, just as the cortege was coming up the hill the sun came out and shone on those two brave men. The cortege passed us by at 1615 hrs.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Compiled by PH (Duty Scribe)

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Repatriation WO2 C Beckett 3Batt. Parachute Regt and Ranger D Dalzell 1st Batt RIR

The Repatriation of

Warrant Officer Class 2 Colin Beckett (3 Battalion) The Parachute Regiment

and

Ranger David Dalzell (1^st Battalion) Royal Irish Regiment

will take place on –

Thursday, 10th February, 2011.

Flypast over Wootton Bassett 12:00 hours - Timings provided by RAF Lyneham

RAF Lyneham (Family Service Starts) 13:00 hours - Timings provided by RAF Lyneham

Wootton Bassett 14:45 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 13 miles to GX Police Station)

Gable Cross Police Stn 15:00 hours +/- 30 minutes - Thames Valley Police estimated time to take over responsibility of Cortege

- (Approximately 3..5 miles to bridge carrying B4000)

Bridge over A420 (Carrying B4000) 15:05 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 1..5 miles to Defence Academy)

Defence Academy UK (A420) 15:10 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 4..5 miles to Folly Hill Lay-by)

Folly Hill Lay-by (A420) 15:15 hours +/- 30 minutes

- (Approximately 45 minutes travelling time to JRH)

St Anthony of Padua Parish Church 15:55 hours +/- 30 minutes (Situated at entrance to JRH)

John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford) 16:00 hours +/- 30 minutes - Thames Valley Police estimated time of arrival at JRH

----------ooOoo----------

John W (RDG) hopefully, as usual, you can do the business with traffic cones etc at the St Anthony of Padua Parish Church . Many thanks.

-----------ooOoo----------

Blondie

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Warners Weekend

Fred Mills is organising a weekend for all Arborfield Old Boys and their COs - for more information please see

Warners Weekend

If you're interested in finding out some more please contact Fred on f.mills125@btinternet.com


Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Repatriation Pte MSG Bell 2 Batt. Parachute Regt.

REPATRIATION REPORT

Thursday 03 February, 2011

From operations in Afghanistan, the repatriation of:

Private Martin Simon George Bell (24), 2^nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment

Pte Martin Bell died of wounds received from the blast of an IED while endeavouring to rescue a comrade injured by another IED, while on patrol on Nahr-e-Saraj District, Helmand Province, on 25^th January, 2011.

Service veterans and members of the public turned out in the following “stations of vigil” to pay their respects to the fallen as the cortege made its way on the 47 mile route from the point of arrival at RAF Lyneham to the John Radcliffe Hospital at Oxford. .

Wootton Bassett - Town Centre (1425)

This report from Duncan Wostenholm RMA

Some 30+ uniformed members of The Parachute Regiment joined family, friends and townspeople to mark the return of Private Bell from Afghanistan.

Among those present were Dame Elizabeth Neville, High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett, Wiltshire Constabulary, Mr Bert Davey, representing Councillor Mary Champion, the Mayor of Wootton Bassett, and Major Hill of the Parachute Regiment. There were also numerous veterans in berets and medals, plus 35 riders of the Royal British Legion Motorcycle Branch.

28 standards were paraded: Royal British Legion - Bretforton, Worcestershire County, Dursley & Cam, Swindon, Leyton, Lambourne, Hungerford, Abertillery, Devizes and Merthy Tydfil. Association standards included: The Parachute Regiment - Swindon, West Berkshire, Milton Keynes, Wessex, North Staffordshire, London and 101^st Airborne; others - Royal Regiment of Wales, Royal Marines - Bath, Koreans War Veterans, BKVA - Stoke on Trent, The Rifles - Somerset, Royal Berkshire Regiment, Aden Veterans, Royal Observer Corps, Welsh Guards Reunion, Canal Zone Veterans and the RN Association - Pershore & District.

Gable Cross Police Station - On the A420 just east of the junction with the A419 (1445)

This report from Pat Bristow, RMA

There were 10 veterans at the roadside, accompanied by 25 members of the public and a huge turnout of Police officers from the HQ - 120+. Four Association standards were paraded: Royal Marines - Swindon, Royal Engineers - Swindon, the Royal Signals and the RAF Lyneham Old Boys.

The salute to the cortege was led by Sergeant Mark Thompson of the Wiltshire Constabulary. It was all a bit of a confusion as the swift passing of the cortege was a bit mixed up with police cars with sirens and flashing lights, off to attend to a traffic accident up the road.

At the Road Bridge - over the A420 between Shrivenham and Highworth (1520)

Report by Derrick Jeans, RAFA

On the B4000 bridge over the A420, District Councillor Elaine Ware and eight others stood to pay their respects to Private Bell as the cortege passed slowly by. All traffic stopped.

United Kingdom Defence Academy - at the Watchfield Roundabout on the A420, adjacent to the UKDA. (1525 pm)

Report by Jim Hawkins, RMA

There were 13 Royal Marines Veterans attending, along with their regular comrades from the Royal Artillery (Ray), Royal Berkshires (Bert) and the Korean War. The standards of RMA Poole & District and Guildford were paraded. Retired officers included the President of RMA Poole, Major Stuart Syrad MC RM, Air Commodore Marcus Witherow, RAF Regiment, Major Peter Hastings RM and his wife Diana and Colonel Crispian Beattie.

Uniformed officers from the Defence Academy included Majors McKay, Rob Musetti, Ed Cartwright, Arran Wade, Adam Wilson, Mark Swan and Frank Gargan, all of the Parachute Regiment; Major Claire Heighington RMP, Squadron Leader Michelle Randall RAF, Lt Col Hamish Robson, and Pilot Officers Michael Millen and Peter Anthill RAF. There was also a good number of Academy civilian staff and members of the public, including Tom and Philippa Gasson. Eric Ridley, Tracy, Derek Warren and Jane Whittaker.

The salute to the Cortege was led by Major Adam Wilson, The Parachute Regiment and ordered by WO1 John Houghton, RAF Regiment, the RSM of the Joint Services Staff College.

Sergeant Bill Hayley of the Wiltshire Police has for quite some time now been the escort commander for the corteges from RAF Lyneham to as far as the Gable Cross Police HQ. Today was his last “run”, coinciding with his last operational day in the Police Force. We extend this military veteran our sincere thanks for all his help in “smoothing the way” and wish him well in his retirement.

Folly Hill Lay-by - east of Faringdon on the A420, just north of the A417 junction

This report by Joy Blake

What a lovely afternoon to be stood on the A420 Swindon to Oxford road in what started to be glorious sunshine, though sadly not to be enjoyed as we were awaiting the cortege bringing home the latest soldier to be killed in Afghanistan. The cortege passed us by at 3.35 pm and we were proud to be able to show our respects again as members of the public from the town of Faringdon and surrounding towns and villages.

There were over 70 people present and these included the Town Mayor, Mrs Margaret Barker and her escort, members of the Faringdon & District RBL, together with members from other branches; the community police, Mrs Wendy Simpson of the Wantage Action Group, together with many service veterans wearing the berets and medals. One ex-Paratrooper was given the privilege of carrying the Shrivenham RBL standard on this occasion. Standards on parade included the Union flag, RBL Faringdon, Shrivenham, Wantage, Royal Navy Veterans - Wantage and the RAF Association - Brize Norton and Carterton.

A television crew from the BBC attended, getting interviews on the pending relocation of repatriations via RAF Brize Norton to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, in September this year.

John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford - near St Anthony Padua Parish Church, Headley Way.

This report from John Walker, RDGA

We here at the Final Turn stood true and strong to honour the fallen soldier. There were ten Royal British Legion standards on parade: Marston, Islip, Headington, Wheatley, Hazelmere, Bicester, Kidlington and Kidlington Womens Section. Association standards included The Parachute Regiment - Oxford, Coldstream Guards, Canal Zone - Oxon, St George Society - Oxon, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy & Royal Marines - Oxon, Royal Tank Regiment - Oxon, RAF PTIs - Windsor, Guards Division - Newbury, RAF Police and the banner of The Royal Dragoon Guards.

There were 50 veterans in berets and 40 others from all three services. Also in attendance were the Lord Mayor of Oxford, John Goddard, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, John Harwood, and a crew of St John’s Ambulance. The Thames Valley police did their normal duties, as well as parading alongside us, under the watchful eye of Chief Inspector C. Agger. The Oxford Fire and Rescue service was there with their tender. The Oxford public were out in great force at the Final Turn, as well as coming up from the ring road, all the way up the hill to us at the John Radcliffe Hospital, many with large Union flags.

We thank our cake lady Diana, as many were there early and were in need of the wonderful home-made cakes she brings along. A thank you also to her other half Ian (former Ox & Bucks LI), who helps me put the lists together. We are also glad of the many helpers who serve out tea and coffee, not only to the vets but also members of the public on this very windy and cold day. The cortege passed us by at 1605 hrs. the Parade I/c was G. Whelan (ex-Para).

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Compiled by PH (Duty Scribe)

On behalf of the Royal Marines Association

do not over-write the link below

















.............................................................................................................Arborfield Old Boys' Association

Apprentices Memorial Mock up ...

Mo Hope sent me some photos of the mock up - hope you enjoy ..................

Arborfield Old Boys' Association