No 1 Group Events - Armed Forces Week & Capel le Ferne
Bromley
On Wednesday 26 June, Jacqui and I made our way to the Old Bishop’s Palace in Bromley for the Borough’s Raising the Flag event for Armed Forces week. It was attended by local dignitaries, members of veteran’s associations, representatives from a Royal Signals TA Unit, and cadets from all three services. Jacqui carried the No1 Group standard and was flanked by standards from the Royal British Legion.
The Mayor took the opportunity to talk about his own family links to the military and then focused on Veterans. Although there are no longer any serving units in the Borough (RAF Biggin Hill is now represented by cadets), the Borough has the largest number of Veterans in London. After a short service we were invited into the Palace for light refreshments, most welcome as it was one of the few hot sunny days we have had this summer.
Chatham
This year, Medway Council held their Armed Forces Day event in the Historic Dockyard at Chatham on Saturday 29 June. It was 40 years since the dockyard closed, hence the location. It was another hot and sunny morning as Jacqui and I drove down. There was no military band but the parade of Royal Engineers, standards and veterans were led by the City of Rochester Pipe Band and were followed by a large contingents of navy, army and air cadets led by the Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band. Jacqui carried the No1 Group standard, the only light blue veteran’s standard on parade. They marched down through the dockyard to the parade ground for a welcome and longish speech by the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent before the short drumhead service. Then it was time for a cup of tea and chance to relax and enjoy the various activities – displays in the arena, brass band concert and swing-time singers. The day finished with a musical finale and sunset with standards once again on parade under the watchful eye of RNA standards marshal. Then it was time to head home, tired and red faced, for a cool drink after an enjoyable day out.
On Wednesday 26 June, Jacqui and I made our way to the Old Bishop’s Palace in Bromley for the Borough’s Raising the Flag event for Armed Forces week. It was attended by local dignitaries, members of veteran’s associations, representatives from a Royal Signals TA Unit, and cadets from all three services. Jacqui carried the No1 Group standard and was flanked by standards from the Royal British Legion.
The Mayor took the opportunity to talk about his own family links to the military and then focused on Veterans. Although there are no longer any serving units in the Borough (RAF Biggin Hill is now represented by cadets), the Borough has the largest number of Veterans in London. After a short service we were invited into the Palace for light refreshments, most welcome as it was one of the few hot sunny days we have had this summer.
Chatham
This year, Medway Council held their Armed Forces Day event in the Historic Dockyard at Chatham on Saturday 29 June. It was 40 years since the dockyard closed, hence the location. It was another hot and sunny morning as Jacqui and I drove down. There was no military band but the parade of Royal Engineers, standards and veterans were led by the City of Rochester Pipe Band and were followed by a large contingents of navy, army and air cadets led by the Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band. Jacqui carried the No1 Group standard, the only light blue veteran’s standard on parade. They marched down through the dockyard to the parade ground for a welcome and longish speech by the Deputy Lieutenant of Kent before the short drumhead service. Then it was time for a cup of tea and chance to relax and enjoy the various activities – displays in the arena, brass band concert and swing-time singers. The day finished with a musical finale and sunset with standards once again on parade under the watchful eye of RNA standards marshal. Then it was time to head home, tired and red faced, for a cool drink after an enjoyable day out.
Memorial Day, Capel le Ferne
What a difference a week makes this summer, having fried in Chatham the week before we were soaked in SE Kent. The event focussed on the Centenary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, with their Sovereign’s Colour carried by members of 600 Squadron. The music was provided by the Central Band of the RAF. There were a large number of RAF Airs Cadets on parade with their Corps Banner and the Kent Wing Banner. Veterans Standards included RAFA. Headcorn, Herne Bay, Woking & Woodley and Bracknell (the last two carried by Air Cadets), Kent Merchant Navy and No 1 Group ROCA (carried by Jacqui Giles).I laid a wreath on behalf of ROCA alongside the Polish Consul General who was surprised that I knew about 303 Squadron and the two Polish Bomber Squadrons’ that flew from RAF Chedburgh (from where my father flew missions with 214 and 620 Squadrons)
The abysmal weather meant that the main service was carried out in the marquee with the Standard Bearers huddled in the shelter provided for them during most of the day. The Sunset Ceremony was outside but marred by a heavy shower that ensured we travelled home damp.
Terry Giles
What a difference a week makes this summer, having fried in Chatham the week before we were soaked in SE Kent. The event focussed on the Centenary of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, with their Sovereign’s Colour carried by members of 600 Squadron. The music was provided by the Central Band of the RAF. There were a large number of RAF Airs Cadets on parade with their Corps Banner and the Kent Wing Banner. Veterans Standards included RAFA. Headcorn, Herne Bay, Woking & Woodley and Bracknell (the last two carried by Air Cadets), Kent Merchant Navy and No 1 Group ROCA (carried by Jacqui Giles).I laid a wreath on behalf of ROCA alongside the Polish Consul General who was surprised that I knew about 303 Squadron and the two Polish Bomber Squadrons’ that flew from RAF Chedburgh (from where my father flew missions with 214 and 620 Squadrons)
The abysmal weather meant that the main service was carried out in the marquee with the Standard Bearers huddled in the shelter provided for them during most of the day. The Sunset Ceremony was outside but marred by a heavy shower that ensured we travelled home damp.
Terry Giles
