The National Memorial Arboretum Alrewas Staffordshire
Saturday 18th May 2013
For Those Who Served
The day dawned unusually cold and overcast, for mid May, but that didn't deter over one hundred and forty members, their families and friends, who gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum to take part in the parade, unveiling and dedication of the magnificent ROC Memorial Stone, that proudly stood at the far end of the ROC Grove of Hawthorn Trees.
The planning, design and fund raising, that had been going on for many months, was overseen by Jenny Major, who had been appointed liaison officer to the Arboretum, by the National Committee.
Thirteen Groups responded to the call for their Standards to muster, and duly formed up behind the National Standard. To the stirring strains of the Piper, Duncan Thompson, the parade marched off to assemble at the ROCA Grove which is located close to that of the RAF Association.
Standing over 6 feet tall the stone, carved from a large piece of dark grey granite, was covered in the Union Flag to await the unveiling.
In his opening address, National Chairman John Sharp, on behalf of he National Committee, paid tribute to all those who had contributed to the project. He thanked every one for their encouragement, assistance and support to the event.
Special thanks were made to The Honorary Chaplains Hilary Daniel and The Reverend David Simpson. To Jenny Major the Project organiser. The stonemason Keith Rackham - H.L.Perfitt Ltd. The Piper Duncan Thompson. The Staff of the National Memorial Arboretum. The Standard Marshall Murray Whitcher, and National Standard Bearer Gordon Johnson. The Group Standard Bearers. The Stewards Rena Bell and Jim Mackie and their helpers. The Group Secretaries, and all those members who raised the funds and made individual donations towards the cost of the Memorial.
National Vice President Joyce Shrubbs MBE was invited to unveil the memorial and, when she did so, the truly magnificent detail of the stone was revealed. The ROC Crest in full colour, stood out at the top, and was flanked by two shoulder flashes - ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS and SEABORNE. Lower down the two faces of the ROC Medal were depicted, again in full colour. The simple inscription "1925 - 1995 For those who served" headed a list of milestones from the History of the Corps.
A truly memorable day and one that will be remembered for many years to come.
The Memorial Stone proudly standing at the end of the ROC Grove is an everlasting tribute to the Royal Observer Corps
Web Editors notes:- The Photo gallery below has replaced the Slide Show published earlier. Click on a picture to enlarge it and see the captions. Use arrows to move from left to right. I don't know all the names but if you let me know any of the missing ones I'll add them accordingly. Also let me know of any errors. If your Group picture isn't there send it to me and I'll include it. Michael Marks
Link to video film by Peter Owen http://youtu.be/BkB2v5xU_hk
The planning, design and fund raising, that had been going on for many months, was overseen by Jenny Major, who had been appointed liaison officer to the Arboretum, by the National Committee.
Thirteen Groups responded to the call for their Standards to muster, and duly formed up behind the National Standard. To the stirring strains of the Piper, Duncan Thompson, the parade marched off to assemble at the ROCA Grove which is located close to that of the RAF Association.
Standing over 6 feet tall the stone, carved from a large piece of dark grey granite, was covered in the Union Flag to await the unveiling.
In his opening address, National Chairman John Sharp, on behalf of he National Committee, paid tribute to all those who had contributed to the project. He thanked every one for their encouragement, assistance and support to the event.
Special thanks were made to The Honorary Chaplains Hilary Daniel and The Reverend David Simpson. To Jenny Major the Project organiser. The stonemason Keith Rackham - H.L.Perfitt Ltd. The Piper Duncan Thompson. The Staff of the National Memorial Arboretum. The Standard Marshall Murray Whitcher, and National Standard Bearer Gordon Johnson. The Group Standard Bearers. The Stewards Rena Bell and Jim Mackie and their helpers. The Group Secretaries, and all those members who raised the funds and made individual donations towards the cost of the Memorial.
National Vice President Joyce Shrubbs MBE was invited to unveil the memorial and, when she did so, the truly magnificent detail of the stone was revealed. The ROC Crest in full colour, stood out at the top, and was flanked by two shoulder flashes - ROYAL OBSERVER CORPS and SEABORNE. Lower down the two faces of the ROC Medal were depicted, again in full colour. The simple inscription "1925 - 1995 For those who served" headed a list of milestones from the History of the Corps.
A truly memorable day and one that will be remembered for many years to come.
The Memorial Stone proudly standing at the end of the ROC Grove is an everlasting tribute to the Royal Observer Corps
Web Editors notes:- The Photo gallery below has replaced the Slide Show published earlier. Click on a picture to enlarge it and see the captions. Use arrows to move from left to right. I don't know all the names but if you let me know any of the missing ones I'll add them accordingly. Also let me know of any errors. If your Group picture isn't there send it to me and I'll include it. Michael Marks
Link to video film by Peter Owen http://youtu.be/BkB2v5xU_hk
