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Capel le Ferne - Memorial Day 2023



Sunday 9th July dawned grey and overcast as Jacqui and I set off to the White Cliffs overlooking the English Channel with almost as much trepidation as the Observers did back in 1940. As we travelled the length of Kent the weather varied from light drizzle to heavy rain on and off.  The inclement weather remained throughout the day with the programme changing by the minute to match the weather.

With the Central Band of the RAF and the Kings Colour Squadron alongside the many Kent Wing Air Cadets there was a good feel of light blue for the occasion. Limited to three veteran Standards we ended up with four. Bomber Command Association, RAFA Wokingham, No 1 Group ROCA (carried by Jacqui Giles) and RNA Dover. We were then joined by two Polish Standards carried by Air Cadets.

There was some confusion regarding who was in overall charge, the KCS or Kent Wing Warrant Officer, the Band Master/Drum Major of the Central Band or the Secretary of the Trust all conflicting with the written orders. In the end it was the weather that won and the Service was held in the Marquee. The Spitfire flypast was therefore heard but not seen. The 600 Squadron Colour of the RAuxAF was uncased to reveal it was the Queens Colour and not the new Kings Colour, both of which are in the custody of the KCS until the Queens Colour is laid up.
 
The weather improved enough to enable the wreath laying to proceed with Terry Giles laying the Wreath on behalf of ROCA. There was no chance to talk to the new Chief of the Air Staff, but a chance conversation with the new Mayor of Folkestone District Council confirmed the VJ Day Commemoration would go ahead in August (another opportunity to uncase the No 1 Group ROCA Standard). The rain came and went during the afternoon and the Central Band were determined to undertake the Sunset Ceremony leading the Veteran Standards. This was done with due ceremony and a comment that the speed of the Band Marching Off proved the greatest challenge of the day for the Standard Bearers. Then it was time for the long drive home in late afternoon sunshine and start to drying out clothes and ensure the Standard was thoroughly aired

 
Terry Giles
​National Vice President

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