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National Memorial Arboretum - ROCA Day and
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On Saturday 18th May, members of the ROCA met at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Seaborne Wing which took part in the D-Day operations on the 6th June 1944.
We started gathering from 1100 am and there was the opportunity to chat, renew acquaintances and also meet new people. One potential new member (who has since joined) spotted the event on the website. His Grandfather had been a Seaborne Observer and he brought many photographs with him which sparked a lot of interest, especially from the members of the Heritage Team!
After coffee or lunch/breakfast for some, we made our way down to our Grove for the Commemoration. The standards marched smartly down the Grove (despite it being slightly soggy underfoot) and assembled by the ROC Monument.
The National Chairman, John Sharpe, MBE, welcomed the members with the service being led by the ROCA Chaplain, Rev David Simpson. June Jay laid a wreath at the Seaborne Memorial followed by John Sharpe at the main monument.
At the end of the service, many took the opportunity to look at the numerous monuments on the site representing all aspects of service given to the Country. Some gathered for coffee and a final catch up before we dispersed in various directions back home.
A very fitting tribute in this the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and our involvement in that momentous operation.
You can read the Seaborne stories under the National Heritage section here.
(Click on images for full size)
We started gathering from 1100 am and there was the opportunity to chat, renew acquaintances and also meet new people. One potential new member (who has since joined) spotted the event on the website. His Grandfather had been a Seaborne Observer and he brought many photographs with him which sparked a lot of interest, especially from the members of the Heritage Team!
After coffee or lunch/breakfast for some, we made our way down to our Grove for the Commemoration. The standards marched smartly down the Grove (despite it being slightly soggy underfoot) and assembled by the ROC Monument.
The National Chairman, John Sharpe, MBE, welcomed the members with the service being led by the ROCA Chaplain, Rev David Simpson. June Jay laid a wreath at the Seaborne Memorial followed by John Sharpe at the main monument.
At the end of the service, many took the opportunity to look at the numerous monuments on the site representing all aspects of service given to the Country. Some gathered for coffee and a final catch up before we dispersed in various directions back home.
A very fitting tribute in this the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and our involvement in that momentous operation.
You can read the Seaborne stories under the National Heritage section here.
(Click on images for full size)
