REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

[Gerontocrat]

Twenty years ago, on 11 November 1992, in company with one David Brown, I found myself in a muddy field in northern France, on the edge of Rauville la Place, a village in Lower Normandy.

It was pouring with rain and the smell of aviation fuel was strong in our nostrils as we examined the remains of a World War 2 Spitfire and the final resting place of a pilot, who we were later to discover was Lt Arthur Beane RNVR.
David Brown, a retired Fleet Air Arm Observer, was then the Head of the Naval Historical Branch and a renowned expert on the Spitfire and its maritime equivalent, the Seafire. Sadly he died a few years ago.

We were in Rauville la Place to examine the remains of the aircraft found in the field by Patrick Delahaye and Michel Rose, to see if we could throw some light on the case and, if possible identify the pilot. We had seen various artefacts, including items of uniform and flying clothing, and were examining the crash site.

As 11.00 struck on the village clock, David and I stopped what we were doing, where we stood, and held a two-minute silence, each of us with our own thoughts. At the end of the two minutes I turned round to face David and noticed that floating on the surface of the large puddle formed by the excavation, was a single poppy – thrown there by David.

I am sure you can imagine the strength of the image this lone poppy created. Despite having a camera in my hand, I did not take a photograph as I felt that to do so would ruin the extraordinary poignancy of this extremely personal moment: one former airman paying his respects to another whose body was somewhere about 10m from where we stood.

At that time we did not know the identity of the pilot, but we were determined to solve the case. Over dinner that night we both hoisted samples of the well-known local drink in the man’s memory.

I will not go into the details of our investigation here but I do recall when we realised we had finally identified the pilot whose aircraft had crashed in that field. One might even say it was an Archimedean ‘Eureka’ moment.

I was in the bath at home, with a scotch and soda to hand (I must have been away somewhere cold and wet, probably Salisbury Plain for the day), when the telephone rang. My wife shouted upstairs that it was David Brown, and I went downstairs to answer his call.

Earlier that day, we had come to the conclusion that we had a couple of possible names, but neither of us was convinced: there were too many anomalies. Nevertheless, we had decided to meet the following morning to go through the possibilities again. David was now ringing to say he had uncovered another, far more likely, possibility, named Beane, whose parents lived in St George’s Hill. Yet there were still a couple of points to resolve. We, again, agreed to meet the following morning, and I went back to my warm bath.

I had barely settled into the water when I leaped out again and rushed to phone David – my wife seems to recall I had even forgotten to don a towel.
“David, did you say the parents lived in St. George’s Hill? If so, Beane is almost certainly our man. One of those tailor’s bills found in the pocket of the jacket was from Beetham’s in Weybridge and he may have gone in there while visiting his parents.”

David agreed that it looked as if we may have cracked it.

The following morning he called up Beane’s file from the archive. We compared the signature on the tailor’s bill with the signature on his joining-up documentation, and were then able to state, categorically, that the pilot still lying in the field in Normandy was, Lt Arthur “Haggie” Beane, who had been shot down and killed on 26 November 1943.

In the course of our visit to Rauville, David and I had spoken, at length, to Marcel Petit, the farmer who owned the field. It was to us that M. Petit stated that he would erect a memorial to the as-then unidentified pilot still lying in his field. The memorial is there, today, built, erected and maintained by students from Charterhouse School: Arthur Beane was an Old Carthusian.

A couple of months later, I was present at “Haggie” Beane’s full military funeral and had the honour of talking at length to Beane’s aunt – his only surviving relative. A very moving occasion, on a foggy morning in northern France.

The firing party was all-female RN personnel: the first time ever in the history of the RN. They did an excellent job, despite them all having supped well on the well-known local spirit the night before.

[FODPlod]

Two particularly poignant entries from the Charterhouse Roll of Honour (http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Surrey/GodalmingCharthouseSchoolWW2.html):

BEANE Arthur Haggie Lieutenant (A) RNVR. Born 10.6.17, elder son of Sir Francis and Lady Beane of St George’s Hill, Weybridge, Surrey. He was at Charterhouse [S] 1931 – 1936 and Brasenose College, Oxford. He served with 805 Sqn in North Africa and became an instructor at HMS Heron. Temporarily attached to 165 (Ceylon) Sqn RAF, he was killed in action on 26.11.43, aged 26, when shot down in Spitfire IX MH905 (SK-G). He is buried in St Charles de Percy War Cemetery, grave II.B.10. A memorial near the crash site, dedicated on 8th May 1995, is maintained by pupils, ex-pupils and others associated with Charterhouse.

BEANE Peter Francis Leading Airman RN. Born 15.8.18, younger son of Sir Francis and Lady Beane of St George’s Hill, Weybridge, Surrey. He was at Charterhouse [S] 1932 – 1937 and Brasenose College, Oxford. From HMS Daedalus he was attached to Service Flying Training School No.1. He was killed on 20.3.41, aged 22, in a training accident at Netheravon, Wiltshire. He is buried in St Peter’s churchyard, Hersham, Surrey, grave C.9.8.

Lest we forget.

[Churchills Ghost]

Heading to Church now.

LWF

[barnstormer1968]

Stupidly I decided to stay home today and watch the BBC coverage on TV.
30 minutes ago my TV suddenly died, and so I n ow only have the radio 4 coverage to listen to.

Today just like many others I allow my mind to wander and think of lost mates, and suddenly feel I'm not paying enough respect to the fallen.
They are very much in my mind, but perhaps today I should have done more.
Nothing more to say really

[glojo]

How poignant that I officially joined the Royal Navy at 11am on the eleventh day of the eleventh month but NOT in the year 1918. (1963)

Lest we forget

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning,We will remember them.

[NDW]

I would just like to say to all Ex./Current serving British Armed Forces personnel and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, that I am extremely proud of you all. I have nothing but sheet admiration for you all.

Thank you for your selflessness, courage and bravery.

:D

[Courtney Mil]

My few thoughts. This has been a very moving weekend. A certain reunion on Friday where a lot of lost companions were remembered fondly. My wife, Carol, and I visited the amazing Bomber Command Memorial on Saturday; as if the Memorial itself wasn't stunning enough, we found ourselves surrounded by a multitude of vets and families who were there to remember their fallen comrades and to place wooden crosses, poppies and wreaths there. I found that very humbling indeed and it bought to mind one of the last conversations I had with my father.

He was a pilot in the Royal Air Force of 38 years; Sunderlands, Lancasters, Shackletons, to name but three. He praised me for flying such complicated, modern fighters and was trying to compare what I did with what he did, clearly feeling that I was the one that had done the more difficult job. I had to stop him to point out that my aircraft were more complicated than his, mainly because of all the new (then) kit I had at my disposal. The real achievement was the by the men that did that job with so little. That to me was true skill and bravery.

So the BCM allowed me to look at those young men that did so much with so little.

Today, we all remember those that gave their lives and their limbs and those that continue to do so. Again, on a personal note, my thoughts are with Carol's younger son, Laurence, who is currently on patrol in the Afghan Desert, leading his troop in a very uncertain, unforgiving and, at times, unthankful place. And also with their families.

Finally, the marvellous Royal Navy's presence at the Cenotaph brought to mind my grandfather who was sunk on HMS Manchester, escorting the Malta Convoy. Like his compatriots, he never complained and hardly ever spoke of his experiences; to him, he just did his duty.

Just my thoughts this morning.

[maxburner]

My wife and I are back from our English church here in Spain, where we had a very moving Remembrance service. The Spanish ask us why we are all wearing poppies and I try, in my awful Spanish, to explain.

As always I thought of friends who died in action or in training accidents through the years. May you rest in peace.

My gratitude and admiration goes, as ever, to all those who down the years laid everything on the line for us who remain.

[Courtney Mil]

You make an interesting point, MB. I was just outside the RAF Club on Saturday when I was approached by a very polite gent (who sounded Spanish) who asked me the same question. He was fascinated to learn what it's all about and seemed quite moved by it.

[Chugalug2]

As always I attended our town's own tribute. The format subtly changed this year and sadly for the worse in my view. Four cadet sentinels as ever stood at the four corners of the memorial but this year they were unarmed so, instead of resting on arms reversed (a complicated drill movement that they accomplished with much skill in previous years), they were bizarrely stood at ease throughout. The reason for all this I have no idea, but my feeling is that military mourning etiquette is precise for a purpose. If you use sentinels they should be armed, otherwise don't.
Nonetheless the laying of wreaths, crosses and poppies by the high and the low, official bodies and anonymous individuals, was as poignant as ever. It is the young that always impress me the most with their natural awareness of the solemnity of the moment. No-one cares that they cannot yet march properly, they make up for it in the pride of their pack or their group and reverence for the occasion.
CM, I too saw the BC Memorial recently and like you was impressed with its formal dignity and also with the personal tributes laid at the feet of the seven man crew, for they show that this is a living memorial, cherished and respected by the families that had to wait so very long for it.

[CoffmanStarter]

Many thoughts this weekend where I still fell very honoured to have known and befriended some great men who served during WWII with the RAF ... people like W/C David Pennman DFC (Lancasters Augsburg Raid), F/L Mac Hamilton DFC (Lancasters 617 Sqd) and F/L Roger Hall DFC (Spitfires BoB) ... all inspirational characters.

My only comment about the form and reverence shown at the RBL Festival of Rememberance at the RAH was the inane whooping and hollering "performed" by a certain Rod Stewart when he sung Old Lang Syne ... Not necessary or appropriate IMHO.

Coff.

[Halton Brat]

I was in Luxembourg for the weekend, no British military cemetery there, so yesterday I took my German partner to the German military cemetery; she had never visited such a place.

Here lie c.11,000 German dead - 5,000 of them in one mass grave, as space was at a premium. Most of the low stone crosses mark the grave of x4 men, ie x2 each side of the cross, though some graves contain x6 total. Most of these men died in the 'Battle of the Bulge'.

I was moved to see that clearly some British people had visited the cemetery that morning and had placed their wooden poppy crosses at the graves of unknown German soldiers. A more gracious & humbling gesture, I could not envisage.

The peace and tranquility of this leafy glade was shattered however, by the arrival of an American family (who turned out to be military), which included the noisiest & wildest children I have ever seen. The children were climbing & running up/down/over the 5k mass grave, then slaloming along the rows of headstones, yelling with glee. All the while, Mom & Dad were busy taking photographs, totally oblivious to this; an ageing grandmother was trying in vain to contain this spectacle. When one of the kids took a large branch and started whacking the headstones, I could endure no more; the parents & I had a largely one-way conversation regarding suitable behaviour & respect in such a place, on such a day. I observed to them that such behaviour would not be tolerated in the American military cemetery (1km away), which they had just visited. In fairness to them they expressed regret & left directly, though I could still hear their yelling kids until they reached the car park, some 300m away.

I know that our American cousins are valuable contributors to this forum; I would ask them please to 'spread the word' to their fellow countrymen on subjects such as this; these places are not theme parks. Though these fallen German soldiers may not have had our respect in life, they deserve the respect & dignity due to all servicemen who have shed their blood.

HB

[November4]

Although there are no military cemeteries in Luxembourg, there are 8 cemeteries which contain military graves; 26 in total.

Read in columns (that takes me back!)

Cemetery Country Number of graves

BAS BELLAIN CHURCHYARD Luxembourg 3
DIEKIRCH COMMUNAL CEMETERY Luxembourg 1
FOLSCHETTE (RAMBROUCH) CHURCHYARD Luxembourg 3
HEINERSCHEID (HUPPERDANGE) CHURCHYARD Luxembourg 2
LUXEMBOURG (HOLLERICH) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Luxembourg 9
MAULUSMUHLE ISOLATED GRAVES Luxembourg 3
MERTERT COMMUNAL CEMETERY Luxembourg 2
PETANGE (LAMADELAINE) COMMUNAL CEMETERY Luxembourg 3

[Halton Brat]

Thanks for the info, Nov 4. I'm in Luxembourg often on business - I'll look up these graves.

HB

[ricardian]

Kirkwall war memorial - the youngsters have not forgotten.
http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/407664_10150970133562168_1597884669_n.jpg

[Old-Duffer]

FODPlod mentions Beane and his younger brother at Post 2.

The younger Beane's death was particularly tragic. He was flying an Audax at 1 SFTS and the aircraft was stopped awaiting permission to take-off. It was struck by another aircraft and Beane received severe head injuries from which he died.

Old Duffer

[DX Wombat]

Ricardian - that must be almost every young person on the island!
Our local Army Cadets did their usual sterling job. Having spent time selling poppies earlier in the week these boys and girls attend two parades on the day, the main one in the city centre and then our little local one at 15:00hrs. They were already present when I passed the War Memorial at 14:25! Great young people, very smartly turned out and for once they had blue skies and bright sunshine instead of the traditional low cloud/fog and/or rain.

[ricardian]

DX Wombat said Ricardian - that must be almost every young person on the island!
The photograph was taken at Kirkwall's war memorial (http://goo.gl/maps/8NmXH) which is just alongside Kirkwall Cathedral - population of Kirkwall is about 8,500.
On Stronsay about 40 adults and 15 children gathered at the Stronsay war memorial for a short service including the 2 minute silence and the laying of two wreaths (one by an adult, one by two youngsters). It's a very exposed place (http://goo.gl/maps/i2RF4) and it was bitterly cold and windy but the rain held off.

[Tankertrashnav]

I was lucky enough to be at the Bomber Command memorial yesterday. I arrived at around 1050 when there were an estimated 150 people there. At 1055 the police stopped all traffic on Piccadilly, and we were easily able to hear the 11 o'clock gun from St James Park to start the two minutes silence. Afterwards chatted to some very interesting people including a 90 year old RA officer wearing the MC he won at Kohima. In the crowd was a USAF 3 star general with his retinue - would have been nice to have seen someone of similar rank from the RAF, or maybe I missed them.

A memorable visit and I commend the memorial to anyone who had not yet seen it

[Samuel]

The day was celebrated in a number of New Zealand towns including Cambridge [New Zealand] where this chap made an appearance via Lake Karipiro in the Waikato.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e33/Shadblat/dhmos.jpg

[Roland Pulfrew]

would have been nice to have seen someone of similar rank from the RAF, or maybe I missed them.



TTN - the same could have been said for RAF representation at the Fields of Remembrance opening outside Westminster Abbey last week. I know its an all ticket affair, but the Army seem to have this tied up. Apart from 8 or 10 pressed (wo)men on parade (including an Air Cadet) alongside the RAF sections there were maybe 4 or 5 RAF personnel visible and that included DofE's Equerry.

All of the former regiments seemed to have their own plot and lots of veterans, but the RAF were lumped together (although the Bomber Command Association, RAFA and RAF Regt Association had their own "plots"). Where were the squadron associations?

[Bretters]

As a humble civvy I once attended the Remembrance service at the Kranji War Memorial in Singapore. It was very moving, with a pair of Gurkha pipers playing from atop the memorial. I couldn't help feeling sorry for the representative from the Japanese Embassy though, who had obviously drawn the short straw to attend. He didn't stay for the tea and sandwiches afterwards - probably something to do with the fact that most of the names on the memorial belong to men who had been captured and then fell under the 'care' of the Japanese.

On another occasion I was at a clay pigeon shooting ground on the North coast of Jersey. At the appointed hour the ground fell silent and we gazed out over the sea where so many perished. Standing on ground that had been occupied made it seem closer than from my usual place at a Sussex parish churchyard.

[mmitch]

In the cemetery at Whistable, Kent are the unmarked graves of two Dornier 17 crewmen. The local RBL laid a wreath on their grave at the weekend.
There are efforts being made to get them buried in the German cemetery at Cannock or get the grave properly marked.
mmitch.

[Ron Cake]

CoffmanStarter

I didn't catch the Rod Stewart performance at the Festival of Remberance but I can imagine the embarrassment it must have caused. I did, however see the 'three cheers for Her Majesty' bit at the end.

Now it's easy to be amused by the rituals of other military cultures. Think the changing of the guard at the India /Pakistan border with its exaggerated strutting to and fro or the Monty Pythonesque drill movements of the Greek National guard. The Russian Army's high stepping march is another example. And then there's the army (Belgian?)that marches past the saluting base at the DOUBLE as if they're trying to be first in the NAAFI queue. And to emphasise the point, I confess to having SLOW marched the length of Lincoln Cathedral bearing the 27 Sqn standard. I'm sure it looked quite outlandish to any unfamiliar with Service drill (and, quite possibly, to anyone else who witnessed it it)

But 'Three Cheers' as a drill movemnt ???. You don't have to share my iconoclastic views to see the irony in this.

Such spontaneity.

[PPRuNe Pop]

I put this thread up a year ago - I am a little late this year so my apologies.

We must not forget those lost in WW1 and WW2 and all of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice this year in Afghanistan and to all those who have fought for the freedom of us all.

Please add your thoughts and let those who are still in harms way know that we are thinking of them.

We will remember them.

[glojo]

We should and will remember them

[Wander00]

On Sunday (10th) Mrs W and I will be with the President and Secretary and others of RAFA Sud Ouest France at the 70th Anniversary commemoration of the loss of an RAF crew north of Rennes. On Monday we will be at the commemoration in our local town in S Vendee. In France Monday is a public holiday

[MPN11]

It looks like it will rain on our Parade on Sunday. So what, skin's waterproof and many of those we WILL remember have endured considerably worse for weeks/months/years at a time.

We also remember those who didn't actually die in a conflict, but during their training and preparation to go to war. The training attrition is, in my mind, as much a sacrifice for one's Nation as a combat loss. ... They were just denied the opportunity to even the score a little.

[Wander00]

I second the sentiments of MPN11's second paragraph

[matkat]

We shall never forget them. My great uncle was killed in the First World War I knew this from an early age but a couple of years ago decided to research it, I was working in Iran at the time and received the information I required from the black watch historian in Perth what I learned then and as I type makes me weep that is why I will always remember my uncle Archibald on the 11th RIP Corporal Troup I never knew you but your son made me the man I am.

[chiglet]

At the going down of the Sun

Their memories will rise and shine...

We WILL remember them

[Basil]

Rounds 1 and 2 - both disasters for Europe.
A few months ago, in a small French Alpine village, noticed that the same family names appeared several times on their war memorial.

[Wander00]

Basil - same round here. ISTR a memorial somewhere locally with 4 or 5 of the same name - brothers, cousins, whatever - horrible.

[Daddie Jaffa]

For the last 3 years the Squippers have added to the ranks of the RAFA column and hopefully this year we will have 35 of us on parade.

Last year there was a fair amount of banter between the Rocks and the Guins, which as always after the parade everyone adjourned to the Pubs many standing outside where we were fortunate enough to meet and share a drank with Robert Lawrence MC plus.
Many of those who attend with us mention the publics response as we march the route back to Horse Guards for me this was demonstarted when I stood in the Field of Remembrance last year with 2 other mates when an American and his young family approached us and shook us all by the Hand & Thanked us for our Service, how nice for a foreigner to have done this & to be honest a little strange.

I do agree with previous comments that it is a shame that more of the RAF Trades & Sqn Associations aren't in attendance. Perhaps as the veterans from WW2 get older some of us younger veterans can step forward to join the thinning ranks.

[Wander00]

Robert Lawrence's Dad was an Education Officer at Cranwell when I was a cadet - no doubt there are guys around who as cadets baby sat him. "Tumbledown" is a brilliant play, and IMHO did some good in bringing into the light the somewhat meagre treatment of some those injured in the Falklands.

[just another jocky]

Most years, a group of fellow motorcyclists & I head off to Belgium or France to commemorate. Previously we have been to Amiens, Normandy, Ypres, Amiens and this weekend we head to Verdun.

My friends have little/no affiliation to the military but choose to ride 1000miles+, often in appalling, cold weather, to be there on the Sunday morning.



We will remember them.

[Bergerie1]

jaj


I lived in Belgium for a while and used often to go to Ypres where my grandfather and great uncle are remembered on the Menin Gate. Go there to the service on the 11th November and see the poppies cascade through the hole in the roof. It is one of the most moving sights you will ever see.


I have also trudged the ridge (only a few metres high) where they died defending it on 23 April 1915. I often weep for them and all the others who have died for us.


I also agree with those who have posted in support of those who died on the other side. They too were men like us.

[langleybaston]

This year, as for many years, my wife and I will ring the church bills [in a six] for the service, before which my responsibility is to hoist the banner of St George over the church tower.

My father volunteered when he saw what was coming, RAFVR, gave "the best years of his life" in WW II, having flown his barrage balloon over Coventry in the Blitz [and the Coventry raid itself], the Suez Canal shipping on the ships, for three years, and the D-Day landings, again with his balloon trying to lift a ship out of the water.

His last few months before demob. were as a bar steward in the OM at RAF Machrihanish. Five years was a big chunk of a young man's life.

RIP dad.

[November4]

Mrs Nov4 and I have been lucky to get tickets for the afternoon performance of the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall. Bound to be even more of an emotional event than watching it on TV in the evening. Then hoping to get to Whitehall on Sunday to see the ceremony there.

[Mandator]

For those in the area it is free entry at IWM Duxford on Sunday for Remembrance Day. The Service of Remembrance will be held at 12.30.

[Chugalug2]

It is at this time of year that the 365 days work of the CWGC comes to the fore. Conscious as we are of the immense number of their cemeteries in Europe, particularly France, we might tend to forget that their responsibilities are worldwide. My thoughts will be on one in particular, at Yokohama, Japan here:-
CWGC - Cemetery Details (http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/49433/YOKOHAMA%20WAR%20CEMETERY)

It is merely one of the very many in 153 countries commemorating some 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth. The CWGC does its work quietly and superbly and I for one thank them for their many tranquil and lovingly maintained cemeteries that ensure that:-

Their Name Liveth For Evermore

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

http://www.kennet.pe.ca/island/images/gallery/mem022.jpg

I shall be attending the very small but no less heartfelt ceremony in our little hamlet. Remembrance Day is a National Holiday here.
It is regarded as disrespectful here to put up any Xmas decorations until after Remembrance Day, which is a blessed relief.

[teeteringhead]

Robert Lawrence's Dad was an Education Officer at Cranwell when I was a cadet - no doubt there are guys around who as cadets baby sat him. Admin (Sec) rather than Education - and I was that babysitter, or one of them (not at Cranwell!).

Have since babysat a (much later!) DFC and (IIRC) my next AOC!!

[ICM]

The 10 Squadron Association will hold its annual Service on Sunday morning at the Squadron Memorial by the entrance to the farm on the site of the airfield at Melbourne, near York, from which the unit flew its Halifaxes in the last years of WW2. The Squadron and Association Standards will be paraded.

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc463/Old141Nav/file-11.jpg

[Wander00]

TTH - How do you tell your AOC it is time he was in bed, and has he been to the toilet first.

[teeteringhead]

Wander00

Isn't that what ADCs are for?? ;)

[Wander00]

I went home to see my parents in Eastcote many years ago early 80s I guess, to find the kid round the corner had become a gp capt,*I was a re-tread flt lt with no seniority) and ISTR ended up a 3* - cannot remember his name though, but it will come back

[November4]

Mrs N4 and I have just back from the afternoon service at the Royal Albert Hall. All I will say is that I didn't realise it would be that dusty in the Hall.

Oh and James Blunt... 'Blue on Blue'.. Why?

[DX Wombat]

That dust gets everywhere. Well done the MOD for bringing that little girl's daddy home to see her perform.

[Downwind.Maddl-Land]

Priceless wasn't it??? VERY dusty around here too.

I DO hope Blair and Campbell sleep well tonight - not. Loathsome creatures the 2 of them. Compare and contrast against Johnnie Johnson and the young VC awardee

[Wander00]

DX Wombat - I'll second that

But am I alone in thinking that the military contingents were fewer in number than in previous years. if so, I guess a sign of the times.

[skua]

Re the RAH ceremony: 2 stalwarts (apart from HMQ of course):
The DoE
GSM Bill Mott

They both make one feel the United Queendom(so to speak) has life left in it!

[DX Wombat]

Megan's reaction certainly brought home the reality of the effect on families with a parent away on active service. I also thought that there were fewer military personnel around than in previous years. On a different note, Huw Edwards is to be congratulated for his lack of comments - less was definitely more.

[PPRuNe Pop]

Huw Edwards introduced 'Johnnie Johnson' as the last surviving member of the dambusters. He is in fact the last surviving bomb aimer but Les Munro is the last surviving pilot and is still living in NZ. That makes two survivors.

Still bloody brilliant - EVERY single one of them.

I enjoyed it and felt proud of our guys and hearing from Cpl. Ashworth's brother and mum about his VC. His mum wore it and managed to hold back the tears in what must have been very tender moments.

[Union Jack]

I believe that Huw Edwards, whose style I greatly admire, actually emphasised that Jonnie Johnson was he last British survivor. Fully support PPP's second paragraph.:ok::ok:.

Agree that there seemed to be fewer Service personnel on parade, but I felt that it was one of the most moving services I have witnessed.:ok:

[ShyTorque]

Tomorrow my teenaged daughter, an ATC cadet sergeant, will escort the banner during the Remembrance Service parade. I shall watch her with pride. Tonight she attended a party looking like a catwalk model while I sat in the car for four hours waiting for her. It's a funny old world.

[SASless]

About Ten Days ago I stood in front of the George Hotel at Teeside Airport in front of the Memorial to the RCAF Squadrons that flew from there during WWII. It meant a lot to be there again as I was based there in the late 70's flying out to the Ekofisk Field.

What really was significant is just a couple of Months ago one of the most important Men in my Life passed away at the age of 94.....an American who went north to Canada before my his Country entered the War and found himself flying out of Teeside doing Missions with Bomber Command.

We just cannot honor our Veterans and their families enough.

Those at home pay a price for their Veteran's service.....some do so for a life time.

This showed up in my email today.


Veterans Day 2013—Let Us Not Forget

November 6, 2013
by Tiffany (Tiphany) Eckert

Recently I was asked what Veteran’s Day meant to me…

Veteran’s Day was created to honor the brave men and women, who have served their country, past and present—a National holiday, pretty straightforward.

Yet for many, this day offers a different perspective and reality.

For some its having looked death in the eye, stared it down like a lion to its prey and walked away from battle forever changed. Others spilled their crimson blood in foreign lands and sacrificed for those unable or unwilling to protect themselves. Some were never called to battle but they were and are standing at the ready should they be called upon.

It’s for the countless thousands who have lost a comrade or two… or five.

This day is about the war-dead, and their fellow soldiers that wish they could have taken their buddies place. It’s about the wounded warriors with visible and invisible scars. It’s about the ones who have lost their battle with PTSD and took their own life to silence the pain. It’s about the silver haired grandpa who wears his colors with pride and the young Marine that wanted to fight alongside his brother’s in Desert Storm, but never got the chance.

It’s about the Infantryman who destroyed both of his knees before he was halfway to fifty. Who felt the burning shrapnel as it tore through his body to claim the lives of his men. He would go back to war in a heartbeat—not because he doesn’t love his wife and children, but because he doesn’t know how to live as a civilian. He’s the guy who would rather live in the desert than deal with the guilt of making it home when others didn’t.

Veteran’s Day is about the female soldier that was in my husband’s convoy on May 8, 2005.

I’ve heard the story and I’ve read the report. She held him… in the middle of an Iraqi dirt road she held him and tried to get him to wake up after the blast. She made sure that he didn’t choke on the blood that seemed to be coming from nowhere. When they had to cut his clothes off, she made sure that he was covered to maintain his dignity. She was one of the many who kept yelling his name, “SGT Eckert…Eckert…Andy…wake up…”

She calls me on every holiday and anniversary.

It’s about the Combat Medic who resuscitated my soldier twice as they sped to the F.O.B. It’s about the LTC that was black-hawked from Tikrit to my soldier’s bedside in Balad, where his deployment ultimately ended. He was the last person to touch or speak to him before he took his final breaths. He spoke our names into my husband’s ear and told him that we would be taken care of. He watched as SGT Gary “Andy” Eckert, Jr. fought to stay alive. Andy should have died instantly and would have never opened his piercing blue eyes again, but he refused to give up until he was given the reassurance that he needed to let go. Veteran’s Day is about the man, the Lieutenant Colonel, that sacrificed a piece of his soul forever to give Andy the peace that he needed to leave this world before any of us were ready.

Veteran’s Day—It’s about soldiers like him, who left for war and came back with visions that will never leave them…visions that have shaken them to their core and beyond.

It’s about the soldier that Andy willingly replaced on the convoy that morning so that he could call home to wish his wife a Happy Mother’s Day. It’s about the soldier who was driving the Humvee that my soldier was in that day and the soldier that switched seats with him just minutes before the blast. Fate kept them alive and took a twenty-four year old husband… father of two. It’s about their aftermath and the realities of war.

It’s about my husband’s roommate. He was told to pack up his belongings, but refused because he didn’t want to be the one to take our pictures off the wall. He didn’t want to be the one to put his friend’s life into a footlocker that he knew would end up at my doorstep. Veterans Day is about the soldiers that have to deal with seeing and doing things that most people can’t even begin to comprehend.

It’s about the people that have had to experience the reality of seeing your friend in the morning and finding out that they were killed by an IED or hostile fire just hours later. It’s about the young father who didn’t see his child born.

“What does Veteran’s Day mean to me?” is a loaded question. I’m a war widow. I was—still am—an Army wife. I married young, dove in head first, endured Purple Heart deployments, and loved my betrothed with every ounce of my being. I still do, even in death.

I know soldiers from all walks of life, and my husband isn’t the only conflict casualty that I’m familiar with.

My children have grown up without their father.

They were too young for me to even hope that they would have their own memories of him. My son is Andy’s carbon copy and has been since birth—same blue eyes, same crooked smile, and the exact same laugh. My daughter is an old soul, because she’s had to grow up differently than her adolescent counterparts.

Veteran’s Day is about my kids, my little boy—the one who has never once gone outside and thrown around a football with his dad. I would go to the ends of the earth for him, but there are days that having me, just isn’t enough for the handsome kid that just wants his Dad. It’s about my ten-year old daughter, the little girl that will never know what it’s like to sit in the safety of her father’s lap and hear him tell her that she’s beautiful. But she is beautiful… she’s stunning, and Andy soldiers on through her. It’s about the innocent victims—the littlest soldiers… the war orphans.

It’s about the legacy that has been forged by soldiers from every branch of the military… past and present. It’s about those that have sacrificed of themselves in the name of God and Country. Veteran’s Day is about those that willingly chose to stand in line and accept the probability of suffering the emotional and physical uncertainty of war. It’s about recognizing a breed of men and women that have been fighting for the preservation of freedom since the founding of our country.

The soldiers that I speak about aren’t the type that would seek out recognition, but they deserve it.

There are numerous Veteran programs that gladly accept volunteers, but a simple “thank you” would suffice.

This Veteran’s Day, make it a point to voice your gratitude… What does Veteran’s Day mean to you?

[Robert Cooper]

To avoid any confusion, tomorrow (Sunday ) is remembrance Sunday in the UK while Monday is Veterans Day in the USA. Different connotation, but as an ex-brit I will be wearing my poppy tomorrow. Especially to remember my father who served with 9 Squadron in Bomber Command.

Bob C

[Icare9]

Just back from 6 weeks in Australia visiting relatives. Discovered that step sons partners father lost his elder brother during WW2 so was able to locate his RAAF files for him (with great assistance from a guy in Melbourne).

Turns out that after 13 raids with 57 Sqdn the crew transferred to 97 (PFF) Sqdn on his 23rd birthday (23 April 1921).

On his first Op with 97, on 11 May 1944, a flak burst by his mid upper turret, fatally wounding him. ND764 made it back to UK badly damaged (only to be lost with different crew on 9/10 June 1944) and Harry was buried with full military honours at 2:30 pm on 15 May in Cambridge City Cemetery.

ORB report reads:-
ND764 (E) F/L W.H. Walton, F/Sgt L.C.G. Mayhew, F/Sgt W. Williams, P/O E. Rees, P/O F.D. Roberts, F/O H.T. Ward, F/Sgt J.D. Hadlington.
Up 2202 Down 0142. 6 x 7” clusters, 1 x 4000lb HC, 8 x 500lb MC, 3 x 4.5” reco flares. Weather clear over Lille, smoke haze. Target identified on H2S. First marker, soon after original illumination, was seen obscured, and bombing was stopped while further flares were dropped to aid re-marking. After we had dropped out reco flares, we orbited until instructions were clearly understood to bomb. There was considerable interference on VHF making communications exceedingly difficult. Bombing round second markers appeared very good. No apparent scatter.
At position 51.09N 02.45E at 0023 hours at 9,000 ft on homeward run, predicted heavy flak damaged mid upper turret, blew off left hand gun, damaged hydraulics, rear of fuselage, tail unit, DR compass, navigation light, intercom; all u/s as a result. Mid upper gunner found to be hit and was removed from turret. Reasonable landing made without intercom. Flying Officer Ward’s injuries fatal.

Of those other crew members, it seems several didn't last much longer..

MAYHEW, LEONARD CHARLES GEORGE. Rank: Flight Sergeant. Trade: Flt. Engr.
Service No: 975391. Date of Death: 25/06/1944. Age: 29. Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 97 Sqdn.
Cemetery: MARLES-SUR-CANCHE CHURCHYARD
Additional Information: Son of Leonard and Edith Emma Mayhew, of Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk; husband of Margaret Caroline Mayhew, of Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.
(He’s the ONLY war casualty buried there, the French obviously look after his grave or he would have been transferred to a nearby larger CWGC cemetery after the War, nice touch)

HADLINGTON, JOHN DOUGLAS. Rank: Flight Sergeant. Trade: Air Gnr.
Service No: 1303266. Date of Death: 25/06/1944. Age: 31.
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 97 Sqdn.
Grave Reference: Plot 1. Row A. Grave 25. Cemetery: MARQUISE COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of John William and Jane Hadlington; husband of Frances D. Hadlington, of Stourbridge, Worcestershire.

ROBERTS, FRANK DOUGLAS. Rank: Pilot Officer. Trade: W.Op./Air Gnr.
Service No: 173964. Date of Death: 25/06/1944
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 97 Sqdn. Awards: D F M
Grave Reference: Plot 1. Row A. Grave 26. Cemetery: MARQUISE COMMUNAL CEMETERY

Williams may have survived, as it appears also did Walton and Rees, but may be either..
WILLIAMS, DAVID GETHIN. Rank: Pilot Officer. Trade: Nav.
Service No: 78568. Date of Death: 23/06/1944. Age: 22.
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.97 Sqdn.
Grave Reference: Plot T. Uncons. Grave 168. Cemetery: TREORCHY CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of Gwilym and Dorcas Ann Williams, of Blaengwynfi.

Or less likely, as not a navigator:-
WILLIAMS, VICTOR GEORGE. Rank: Flying Officer. Trade: W.Op.
Service No: 169155. Date of Death: 23/09/1944. Age: 23
Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 97 Sqdn. Awards: D F C
Grave Reference: Joint grave 24. E. 10-11. Cemetery: REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY
Additional Information: Son of George Thomas Williams and Sophia Ann Williams; husband of Patricia Mary Williams, of Fishponds, Bristol.

Obviously, if anyone knows a relative of any of these other crew members I would like them to make contact.

Seeing Ron with finding out these details at long last made me aware just how helpful research can be, even all these years later. He now has more photos and is planning on meeting up with his other brother at Christmas to add whatever the family may still have.

Lots of dust about, but it is so worthwhile ensuring they really are not forgotten......
Harry, rest easy RIP

[Tankertrashnav]

Like many thousands of others Mrs TTN and I attended a Remembrance Day service in our local parish church this morning. Lovely service, hymns we all knew, then outside to the war memorial in the graveyard for the Last Post courtesy of two young girls from the local silver band then two minutes silence aided and abetted by the local constabulary who stopped the traffic on the road past the church. Glorious weather, it poured last night and again this afternoon so someone was smiling on us!

Chastening to remember that the reason for all of this is the fact that so many have died needlessly in wars, and probably will continue to do so.

[DX Wombat]

And smiling on our local Army Cadets too. Ours was at 15:00hrs and was the second service they had attended today having spent all day yesterday selling poppies out in the pouring rain. They are great young people who attend both services and do their stint collecting every year.

[CoffmanStarter]

Very smart indeed ...

http://news.images.itv.com/image/file/288685/article_402d095fe39a6d19_1384091540_9j-4aaqsk.jpeg

Good UK TV coverage by the BBC

[MPN11]

May I report an excellent parade at the Cenotaph in St Helier?

Dry and sunny. All the uniformed organisations on parade, from the Royal Militia of the Island of Jersey (RE)(TA) to the 3 Cadet organisations, Police, Lifeboats, St John Ambulance, Scouts, etc. The Band of The Island of Jersey provided the essential musical accompaniment. And of course the Old and Bold, augmented by 4 Chelsea Pensioners who deployed to assist in Poppy selling. :cool:

Fine March-Past for the Lt Governor and The Bailiff, culminating in a "Ride Past" by the Jersey Bikers. The latter then conducted their own wreath-laying (many of course ex-Military) and their own Poppy donation of £700, as they charge their members to take part today. Never judge a book by the cover!!

[DX Wombat]

Never judge a book by the cover!!Indeed MPN11, here's another one. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24889804)

[chiglet]

SASless,
Your email says it all really. [no smiley can convey my respect]
We WILL remember them

[GolfSierra]

At 11:00 on 11 Nov 1918, the guns fell silent. Pte Bertie Hallett was in Louth Hospital, he had been casevac'd from the battlefields. The Nurses told him the the war was over and he wouldn't "have to go back".

Later that evening, 95 years ago, Bertie died, at peace with the knowledge his fiends were safe. As the sun goes down tonight, remember Bertie, my Great Uncle, who gave his life in the Great War.

His war-grave is in North Somercotes Parish Cemetery, some of will you fly within a few hundred meters on every bombing/strafing run at Donna Nook.

RIP Pte Bertie Hallett 1898 - 1918

[sirwa69]

Lovely service at the Christian Cemetery in Bahrain this morning and how wonderful to have the Red Arrows team in attendance. We went back to the British Embassy after for lunch and I got speaking to Reds 3, 6, 9 and team leader Red 1, Jim Turner, they are all lovely blokes and what a wonderful job they do. I believe they are BBQ'íng tonight and then off to Muscat tomorrow they will be in Dubai for 5 days of the air show.

[November4]

Stood alone in the rain at Lyneham churchyard this morning.

I listened hard and could almost hear the "Start of 2 minutes silence" tannoy broadcast.

Instead I heard the faint sound of a bugle playing the Last Post and Reveille.

[pzu]

Posted this Remembrance Day

An Airman's Prayer by Eric B. H. Impey - YouTube

PZU -Out of Africa (Retired)

"We Will Remember Them"

[DX Wombat]

SASless, thank you.

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/sites/www.open.edu.openlearn/files/ole_images/nature/flora%20%26%20fauna/plants/poppy-field/poppy%20field.jpg

[A2QFI]

Touching news item in the last few days concerning a lady, widowed in WW1 at age 21 who is still selling poppies at age 91. RESPECT!

[DC10RealMan]

I spent Remembrance Day at the WWII RAF Bomber Command aerodrome at Wickenby in Lincolnshire and attended the Memorial Service there.

I flew there in a modern Cessna and later in the day when I got airborne to return home and looked down at Wickenby from 3000 feet and looked east to the North Sea, a familiar sight to any Bomber Command airman in Lincolnshire and I wondered how many of the 1080 young men killed on operations from Wickenby had looked down from the same vantage point and wondered whether they would ever see England again.

[baggersup]

Basil - same round here. ISTR a memorial somewhere locally with 4 or 5 of the same name - brothers, cousins, whatever - horrible.

I've seen this untold numbers of times in rural Britain in villages. Of course the memorial is always front and center in any village.

Having a particular interest in The Great War (and the societal changes it brought), I never fail to stop and read all of the names in my head. It seems awful to just pass by. To me, part of remembering is to look at each name and acknowledge the person.

At one village in Berkshire, I noticed about 40 names on the town memorial. Now back then the whole village and area could not have had more than 150 people.

But 40 names were on that cenotaph from 1914-18. And 20 of them had the same surname.

And even worse, on alot of these village memorials the names listed right after for 1939-1945 also are the same surname. Cousins? Sons? It's awful.

Cannot even imagine loss on that scale.

But wearing my poppy here in the U.S. (Not that anybody knows what it is, but wearing it anyway). Get some perplexed looks though--paper poppy on coat. Must look odd to somebody who does not know what it means.

[Tankertrashnav]

Touching news item in the last few days concerning a lady, widowed in WW1 at age 21 who is still selling poppies at age 91. RESPECT!

Indeed. And also to a 92 year old former sailor who has attended several events over the last few days to lay wreaths, and even had to travel to Belgium for the last one.

Of course he's one of the idle parasites who do nothing to justify their expense and whom the republicans want to get rid of!

baggersup - There was an interesting item on the radio the other day about the so-called "lucky villages" which dont have a war memorial for the simple reason that they lost no-one in either World War. It seems to be nothing more than random chance - a similar sized village a few miles away might have lost a dozen men, while all theirs came home safe.

[goudie]

On the church wall of a nearby village there is a plaque commemorating those lost in WWI. One is a lieutenant, the other 10 or so are cpls and privates, all in the same regiment. He was probably the son of the local gentry and most likely died alongside his village men.

[Wander00]

101 1stWW names on this one, and in those days Attleborough was not that big (9000 in the 1911 census)

Roll of Honour - Norfolk - Attleborough (http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Norfolk/Attleborough.html)

[SASless]

The small town of Beford, Virginia is the site of the D-Day Memorial in the United States. The Memorial is dedicated to all of the Troops who participated in the Overlord Operation and the Flags of all the Nations involved fly there each day.

Bedford was selected because of the severe losses incurred by that community during the day of and subsequent to the invasion.

Twenty-Three Men were killed.....from a Town that had a population of about 3,200 people.

It was said....every family in Bedford had lost someone.....Son, Father, Brother, Cousin, Nephew.

It is a beautiful place.....and a wonderful tribute.

The Bedford Boys - National D-Day Memorial (http://www.dday.org/the-memorial/why-bedford-the-bedford-boys)

[1.3VStall]

Yesterday morning I was on Trans-Pennine Express on my way to York. Just before 11.00am the conductor came on the PA to announce that she would like the whole train to observe a two-minute silence.

Until she said "thank you very much ladies and gentlemen" two minutes later there wasn't a sound in my carriage.

Brilliant!

[OmegaV6]

I was in the vets yesterday with the pup, appointment 10:30, but still waiting at 11:00, along with numerous other fairly noisy dogs and a few cats in baskets adding to the din.

Receptionist got up at 10:58 and opened the door to the outside so we could all hear the church clock and the bugles at the memorial. All the staff came into reception.

As the clock struck and the traffic outside came to a halt, all the owners stood, and ALL the animals just laid down and went quiet, and remained so for the full 2 minutes ... not a whimper, bark, growl or mewl from a single animal, until the end of the "Last Post" sounded.

As we all sat down all the noise started up again.

Thank you to the staff but ... just how did all the pets know ?????

[Chugalug2]

A crisp bright day today with the same timeless scenario played out at the Cenotaph and every war memorial in city or village alike. Timeless perhaps is the operative word as bizarrely our town ceremony, with a service relayed from the church in the grounds of which the memorial is sited, observed the silence two minutes ahead of the rest of the nation. Thus it ended as the church clock chimed eleven o'clock. Easier than stopping it chiming perhaps?

After the wreath laying the Service Associations, Cadets, Scouts and other voluntary organisations marched past the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Mrs Susan Pyper, led by a very impressive ATC Pipe Band. A very good turnout, again mirroring the National Ceremony.

[Typhoon93]

Lest We Forget.

[MPN11]

I report a reprise of my post #64 last year ... although I had the impression that the public attendance was even greater.

"They shall not grow old, as we grow old ... "

[Tashengurt]

I joined my eldest son as he went to the local service with his Beaver colony (that's junior cubs to the uninitiated) He carried the Union jack from the church to the war memorial and stood quietly as they read each of the 309 names from the memorial.
I wore my medals for the first time ever and we were both proud of each other and proud to be there.
Little Tash was also very impressed to meet a WW2 AG with more medals than chest to pin them on.


Posted from Pprune.org App for Android

[jindabyne]

Unashamed tears again today, with much thoughtfulness.

[Shack37]

Wonderful day. Due to time of year/weather was able to watch both the RBL Festival of Remembrance last night and the Cenotaph ceremony this morning on th BBC TV.
After that a glass or two were raised and a pleasant time was enjoyed explaining to my local friends why I was wearing a Poppy.
There was more than a little dust around during the veteran´s march and some of the family interviews.

[Training Risky]

As I've been on Night watchkeeping all over the weekend I saw none of the live coverage. However, I intend to go and have a look at the Tower Hill poppy memorial when I finish my shift at 0600 and begin the commute home.

As I approach my last year in uniform it feels like the appropriate thing to do.

Per Ardua.

[Tankertrashnav]

Like many thousands of others Mrs TTN and I attended a Remembrance Day service in our local parish church this morning. Lovely service, hymns we all knew, then outside to the war memorial in the graveyard for the Last Post courtesy of two young girls from the local silver band then two minutes silence aided and abetted by the local constabulary who stopped the traffic on the road past the church. Glorious weather, it poured last night and again this afternoon so someone was smiling on us!

Chastening to remember that the reason for all of this is the fact that so many have died needlessly in wars, and probably will continue to do so.

I wanted to see what I wrote last year, and realised it fitted exactly with what happened this year, even down to the luck with the weather. We even stood behind the same couple who we know from our kids schooldays and realised it was a year to the day since we had seen them.

I find this annual repetition of events like this somehow comforting, and the fact that it means that I'm one year nearer the end doesnt really seem to matter. At least I've had better luck than the poor sods we are remembering today, particularly those who died in the last 12 months.

[ricardian]

Good turn out - about 50 folk of all ages - for the 12 noon Service of Remembrance at the war memorial. Weather was good too. Two minute silence only broken by the calls of curlews, honking of geese and the surf breaking on the beach. I remembered last year's service when my late wife, ex-WRAC who died in July this year, had the honour of laying a wreath.

[Heathrow Harry]

I find it interesting that in much off the UK we also have gone back to the 2 minutes silence on the 11th, not just on Remembrance Sunday

Until the mid-80's I can't remember any ceremony on the 11th if it fell on a weekday or Saturday and then re-adoption of the 11th seemed to accelerate through the end of the 1990's

Also much more publicity about the whole thing - -which is good................

[flyingwing]

O valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.

Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.

[Typhoon93]

Harry, I was in Tesco earlier and they had notes taped to the tills saying they would be participating in a 2 minute silence at 11am.

I thought that was very good of them.

[MPN11]

And at 1100 today, at our Poppy Depot, all work on counting and packing ceased for 2 minutes. Just a bunch of elderly* volunteers, with an average age of over 70, many of whom would be remembering The Occupation as well as the Fallen.

Looking around the room, you realise how much effort the really old people put in, year after year, to support Poppy Appeal and the work of the RBL. Half of them can barely walk, but they are still doing their bit ... sat in a chair, at a table, counting and logging piles of coins. As they say in the commercial, "Every little helps". Bless them all**.

Oh, as the Appeal Chairman said at 1100 "Will those of you can, please stand for The Silence" ;)

* I'm one of the young ones ;)
** We have about 900 volunteers here during Poppy, helping in one way or another. Quite amazing, from a population of about 100,000.

[Innominate]

"Until the mid-80's I can't remember any ceremony on the 11th if it fell on a weekday or Saturday and then re-adoption of the 11th seemed to accelerate through the end of the 1990's"

IIRC there was a special effort for 11 November 1995 to mark 50 years since the end of the Second World War. That raised people's awareness, and it gained momentum over the subsequent years.

[Could be the last?]

The turnout at ABW today was good, with the central plaza full to capacity. Although, not particularly religious, I thought the Service was delivered very eloquently, but I was surprised that the ceremony was not completed with the Lord's Prayer...........!

[Heathrow Harry]

Yes - it even extends to business meetings in some places - - and so it should

[Roland Pulfrew]

I think I was the only person on the A325 that turned off the road and stood for the 2 minutes silence (in the pouring rain).

[MPN11]

I know it's a bit tacky to address the mercenary side of things, but Remembrance = Poppy = Care for Beneficiaries.

I have to say that our little Island, with a population of c. 100,000, raised £171,000 for RBL this year. What is needed here gets spent here, on those in need, and the balance goes to the UK to support their work.

The mixture of emotion and practicality is complex.

[26er]

Roland Pulfrew


I heard on Radio 4 this morning that a lady driving in Kensington did that and was given a parking ticket timed at 1100, 11/11/2014.

[Pontius Navigator]

I was in Bruges on Sunday. Lots of poppies in evidence, both British and Belgian, but no silence. Quite possible they observe the 11th alone.