EVENTS 2024

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VISIT TO RAFA YORK BRANCH BY RAFA HQ SENIOR STAFF

At the end of January, our Branch was notified of a forthcoming visit in March by three members of the RAF Association HQ trustees, namely the RAFA President, Air Marshal Sir Baz North KCB OBE, the RAFA Chairman, Air vice Marshal Alastair Reid CB and the RAFA Secretary General/CEO, Mr Nick Bunting OBE. Arrangements were made between HQ, our Branch and Branch Club officers to host our VIP guests at the Club on Tuesday 5 March. They had been visiting various locations in the north of England and Scotland, and had visited RAFA Kidzone facilities at RAF Boulmer and RAF Leeming earlier that day.

Although this was not a usual “Club night,” members rallied round and we met our visitors a at about 6pm. As it was still daylight when they arrived, they requested that they have a look around the outside of our Branch Club building. The Branch Chairman escorted them and then brought them into the Club where they were able to meet and chat with our Committee members and several of our Branch members. Refreshments were provided by the Branch Club Chair, Denise Edgar, and some members also brought in food, which was most welcome. Branch President, Dick Gray, gave the visitors a guided tour of the internals of our building and described our plans to open up the ground floor for easier access and use, and also the need for new toilet facilities.

Later in the evening, the Branch Chairman presented Sir Baz North with a cheque for £1000.00 towards facilities at RAFA’s Rothbury House, which is now a residential care home for RAF veterans. This funding from the Branch Welfare Account, is made possible due to the healthy state of the welfare fund at present.

Photos below show (l to r) AVM Reid, Nick Bunting and Sir Baz North at our Branch Club on 5 March.

RAFA YORK BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

The Branch Annual General Meeting took place, as planned, on Saturday 9 March at 12 noon. The meeting was well attended, more members than last year in fact. In total 30 members, including the Branch Committee members, attended the meeting. All those members who had put their names forward for Trustee and Officer committee roles were voted in. The vacant Deputy Standard Bearer’s role was filled by Adrian Gunn. There are still too many Branch Committee duties being undertaken by one or two individuals, and we hope that more members will come forward to take on some of the duties over the next 12 months.

BRIAN MENNELL

1946 2024

Brian Mennell died on 4 February 2024 and his funeral took place at York Crematorium on Tuesday 12 March. A large contingent of RAFA members and Air Cadet officers formed a guard of honour and the Branch Standard was carried by Gordon Murden. The service was conducted by our RAFA Branch Padre, the Rev. David Simpson. The eulogy was read by Brian’s son, Gary and his Grandson, Oliver Mennell, spoke about some of the amusing occurrences in Brian’s life. A reading was given by York Branch Chairman, Andy Bryne.

There were many RAFA York Branch members present as well as friends and colleagues from Brian’s time in the Air Cadets as a Volunteer Reserve Training officer. Brian was a member of the RAF Association for 23 years and he was York Branch Chairman for 5 years and vice-Chairman for some years prior to that.

As a young teenager, Brian wanted to join the RAF as a radar technician, but his father, who had served in the RAF, felt that this was no career for a young lad. Brian was not put off completely by this parental advice and had joined the air cadets as soon as he could, when he enrolled with No 110 City of York Squadron, rising to the rank of cadet warrant officer. Later, he was an enthusiastic member of No 2487 Easingwold Squadron Air Cadets. Brian also researched the history of several RAF stations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and wrote books on these topics. He was a member of the Aircrew Association (White Rose) Branch until it closed, and produced the Branch newsletter “The Gen.”

Brian’s first job after leaving school was as an apprentice technician with the Post Office. for whom he worked for several years. In 1963, the Great Train Robbery took place and the British Transport Police came to the Post Office in York seeking expert opinion on how the criminals had bypassed the railway signals and it was at the this time Brian applied to join the British Transport Police. Starting in the Hull area, Brian was in the British Transport Police for over 25 years and rose to the rank of Inspector, commanding the York region for the British Transport Police.

In 1985, Brian renewed his passion for the Air Cadet Organisation and re-joined as a Civilian Instructor at 2487 (Easingwold Sqn), but was quickly commissioned into the RAF VR(T). This began a long association with Easingwold Squadron, eventually becoming its Commanding Officer and later Chairman. It was also about this time that he renewed his interest in gliding, having first gone solo with the Air Cadets at RAF Spitalgate, near Grantham in the 1960’s. Many weekends were spent at Dishforth, flying with the RAF Gliding and Soaring Association. After leaving the Police, gliding became his full-time job, being the Airfield Manager at Rufforth Gliding Club. Here, he was an instructor and tug pilot and accumulated many flying hours. He also taught David Jason to fly motor-gliders whilst he was in Yorkshire filming a Touch of Frost in the 1990’s.

After retiring from the VR(T), he was asked to come back and assist as the Regional Public Relations Officer, a role he particularly enjoyed as it meant he could put his interest in photography to good use, he also rose to the rank of Squadron Leader. Brian later became a Fraud Investigator for the City of York Council, once again using the skills he had learnt as a Detective in the Police. He also undertook a degree in criminology.

One of Brian’s greatest interests was touring old battlefields across Europe and visiting the Commonwealth War Graves sites associated with them. Over the years, he visited sites in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland and Italy. Some of these tours included group tours with members of RAFA York Branch. In 2005, together with son Gary, Brian began researching a book on the war graves at RAF Scampton, this led to three more books on a similar subject and also a book on the history of Easingwold Squadron Air Cadets.. The books were published and sold several thousand copies. Whilst these books provide a lasting legacy of Brian’s interest in military and aviation history, most of us will remember Brian for his dedication to RAFA York Branch, both as a member and a highly valued trustee.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION AT RAFA ROTHBURY HOUSE.

On 14 March, York Branch Welfare Officer, Mr Ron Ford, presented a cheque for £1000 to Mr David Dick, RAFA Rothbury House Manager. The funds will be used to purchase much needed garden furniture for the Rothbury House residents.

TURNING OF THE PAGE CEREMONY 2 APRIL 2024.

On Tuesday 2 April 2024, a number of York b/ranch members, together with members of Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron took part in the Turning of the Page ceremony for April, which commemorates the founding of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918.

The page was turned by RAFA York Branch member Hazel Birchall, Flt Lt Simon Kinnersley YUAS and Officer Cadet Wilson, YUAS, representing the past, present and future of the Royal Air Force. At the end of the ceremony, prayers were led by the Rev John Hetherington, Padre at RAF Leeming. The ceremony was overseen by our Branch President, Dick Gray and the Branch Standard was carried by Gordon Murden, with Tim Kitching bearing the Royal Observer Corps Association Area Standard.

As usual, after the ceremony, Branch members and guests made their way to the Branch Club in Aldwark for refreshments. The photos below show the page turning ceremony participants (left) and members and guests at the Branch Club afterwards.

ANNUAL ELMS SERVICE AT EDEN CAMP MUSEUM – 27 APRIL 2024

The Annual World War Two Escape Lines Memorial Society service and parade took place, as usual, at Eden Camp Museum on Saturday 27 April at 11 am. A number of our Branch members attended and the Branch Standard was carried by Gordon Murden. Branch Chairman Andy Bryne laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch, whilst Denise Edgar, in her role as RBL President, also laid a wreath.

The service opened with an address from Roger Stanton MBE, who explained the background and the reasons for ELMS. The prayers were led by the Rev. Canon John Manchester and the closing remarks by Roger Stanton MBE. Music was provided by the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers, whose repertoire included a drums only piece, which was very impressive.

Students from Hernani in the Basque region of Northern Spain and from San Benedetto del Tronto in Italy attended the event. Both regions were significant in their residents’ assistance in helping Allied escapees and evaders to reach safety during World War II. Given the passing of the years, it is more important than ever to engage younger people in aspects of the history of their forebears, as nearly all the veterans of that conflict have now passed on.

RAF EAST MOOR MEMORIAL SERVICE – 11 MAY 2024

The annual RAF East Moor memorial service took place at the Royal Canadian Air Force Memorial at Sutton on the Forest on Saturday 11 May. The weather was warm and sunny. Ten members of RAFA York Branch attended, including our Standard Bearer, Gordon Murden. Indeed, our Branch Standard was the only one present, a noticeable difference from previous years, where at least four of five other standards would be paraded. The guest of honour was Lieutenant Colonel Patrick LeBlanc, Royal Canadian Air Force, who is currently based in the UK at RAF High Wycombe. Also present was Rachel Semlyen MBE from the Yorkshire Air Museum, air cadets from No 2487 (Easingwold) Squadron and members of the Sutton on the Forest village community.

Two pipers were present and they signalled the commencement of the service. An address of welcome was given by Lieutenant Colonel LeBlanc RCAF, followed by reflections and prayers led by Revd Steve Whiting. The Act of Remembrance, led by Squadron Leader Henry Morgan RAF (Retd)

The Last Post and Reveille were sounded by Mr Jamie Higdon and wreaths were laid by representatives of the organisations present, starting with Lieutenant Colonel Patrick LeBlanc who laid wreaths and flowers on behalf of No 415 and 429 squadrons RCAF. Mr Robert Sheffield laid a wreath on behalf of Sutton on the Forest and Rachel Semlyen MBE laid a wreath on behalf of the Yorkshire Air Museum, whilst York branch Chairman Andy Bryne laid the RAF Association York Branch wreath. Wreaths were also laid by a member of Easingwold Squadron Air Cadets and by Oliver Mennell.

After the closing remarks by Mr Robert Sheffield, representing Sutton on the Forest Parish Council and the playing of the Canadian and UK national anthems, those present made their way to the Grey Village Hall, where excellent refreshments were provided by the ladies of Sutton on the Forest YCA.

RAF East Moor was home to two RCAF squadrons during the Second World War. The station opened in 1942 and was initially part of RAF No 4 Group. The first squadron to be based there was No 158 Sqn RAF, flying Halifax II bombers. In November 1942, the station was handed over to the RCAF, and No. 429 Squadron RCAF formed at the airfield on 7 November 1942 initially only flying the Vickers Wellington Mk III until January 1943 when the Wellington Mk. X was added. On 19 September 1943 the next squadron arrived being 432 Squadron which initially used the Avro Lancaster Mk II before being re-equipped with the Halifax Mk III in February 1944 and the Mk. VII Halifax in July 1944. The squadron disbanded on 15 May 1945 at the airfield.

The last Canadian squadron to use the airfield was No 415 Squadron which flew the Halifax III from 26 July 1944. The unit inherited the additional Mk VII versions during March 1945 but disbanded shortly after on 15 May 1945 at the airfield. After the end of the war in Europe, RAF East Moor was taken over by the RAF for a short while before being closed in late 1946. However, the memorial at Sutton on the Forest ensures that the sacrifices made by RAF and RCAF personnel which flew from RAF East Moor will not be forgotten.

YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM FRENCH AIR FORCE ELVINGTON 80TH ANNIVERSARY

On 16 May 1944, French Air Force personnel arrived at RAF Elvington and, shortly afterwards, commenced operations over Nazi-occupied Europe, flying Handley Page Halifax bombers. No 346 “Guyenne” Squadron was formed on 16 May 1944 with No 347 “Tunisie” Squadron also forming at Elvington on 20 June 1944. The French squadrons remained at Elvington until October 1945, when they flew their Halifax aircraft to Bordeaux, marking the end of the French Air Force wartime association with RAF Elvington.

However, this was not the end of the association, which has grown over the years, especially with the establishment of the Yorkshire Air Museum and Allied Air Forces Memorial in 1985. To mark the 80th anniversary of the raising of the French Tricolour at RAF Elvington, a special ceremony was held at the exact location on the morning of 16 May 2024. The ceremony commenced with an address and service led by the Air Museum Padre, Rev Taff Morgan. The French Tricolour was raised by Messrs Paul Bogaert and Alain Mallia. The ceremony concluded with the reading of a letter to Paul Bogaert, the retiring president of the Association des Anciens et Amis des Groupes Lourdes. Paul’s dedication to the association between the French Association and the Yorkshire Air Museum has ensured that the links today remain as strong as the dark days of the Second World War. Around 2300 French airmen and groundcrew were based at Elvington in 1944-45 during which time 41 aircraft and 216 airmen were lost in the cause of freedom.

The ceremony was followed by a guided tour of a new exhibition (1944-45) and a chance for a close-up tour of the Museum’s Halifax BIII bomber, which is currently on display outside the hangar. The event ended with a buffet lunch for invited dignitaries and guests with speeches by Rachel Semlyen and Ian Richardson, and a toast to the Entente Cordiale by M. Sebastian Bidaud, Deputy Head of Mission, French Embassy, London.

Guests attending the event included the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, the Sherriff of North Yorkshire, the Lord Mayor of York and Civic Party. Several Royal Air Force personnel also attended as well as Mr Ken Cook, a surviving veteran of the 1944 D-Day landings. There was considerable local media present to record the event.

It was an honour for Pat and I to represent RAFA York Branch at this event, together with our Branch Club Chairman, Denise Edgar, in her role as Royal British Legion York Branch President.

D-DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE AT YORK RAILWAY STATION

A special commemorative service, organised by the York Branch of the Royal British Legion, in conjunction with LNER York, was held at the York Normandy Veterans’ Association Memorial Bench on Platform 3 at York Railway Station at 1100 hrs on Thursday 6 June 2024. This was one of many similar events taking place in the UK and in Normandy to mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of occupied Europe.

The service was attended by a number of Royal British Legion (RBL) members and also several members of RAF Association York Branch. The guest of honour at the service was Mr Joe Thomas, Royal Navy, aged 99, who took part in those momentous events on 6 June 1944.

The short service commenced with the Act of Homage, given by Denise Edgar, the President York Branch, Royal British Legion. The Last Post and Reveille, were sounded by Jamie Highton, York Railway Institute Band. Wreaths were laid by the Sherriff of York, Ms Fiona Fitzpatrick, Denise Edgar on behalf of York Branch Royal British Legion and Andy Bryne, Chairman RAF Association York Branch, on behalf of the York RAFA Branch. Prayers and a Reading were given by Revd. David Hobman, RBL York Branch Padre and Helen Bartlet, York Railway Chaplain.

This was followed by an Address, “Returning Heroes”, read by The Sherriff of York, Ms Fiona Fitzpatrick and a poem, “No Crosses”, read by Mr Martin Rowley Vice-Chairman, York RBL

The service concluded with a poem, “Normandy,” by D-Day Veteran Cyril Crain (97), read by Denise Edgar.

The event received considerable interest from staff and passengers at the Station and also from local media.

TURNING OF THE PAGE CEREMONY – 7 JUNE 2024

The second Turning of the Page Ceremony for 2024 took place on Friday 7 June at York Minster at 1100 hrs. The page turners were, Mrs Janet Hazelwood (RAFA York Branch), Group Captain David Melmoth (RAF Halton) and Officer Cadet Katie Thompson (Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron) representing the past, present and future of the Royal Air Force respectively. This ceremony marks the official Birthday of the Monarch, King Charles III.

The ceremony was under the command of our Branch President, Dick Gray and the Raison d’etre and RAF Association dedication were read by Branch Chairman Andy Bryne. Gordon Murden carried the York RAFA Branch Standard and Tim Kitching carried the ROCA Area Standard. In addition, a small contingent of Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron personnel were in attendance and a good number of RAFA York Branch members.

After the ceremony, most attendees attended the Branch Club in Aldwark for refreshments, the Bar being staffed by Mike Birchall and Jean Snelling. Refreshments were prepared and served by Hazel Birchall, Pat Harrington and Kate Woods.

Photos below L to R: Prior to ceremony, Page turners, turning the Page of Remembrance (last 2 courtesy of Kate Woods).

ARMED FORCES DAY EVENTS 2024.

This year, our Branch took part in two Armed Forces Day events, the first being a Wings Appeal City street collection on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 29 June and the second being at the LNER Stadium at Monks Cross York on Saturday 6 July.

On Saturday 29 June, a number of Branch members, organised by our Wings Appeal Officer, Ian Smith, went out in the City centre to collect for the Wings Appeal. In addition, we also had our gazebo erected in Parliament Street, where some of our lady members were able to promote the Association, sell RAFA items and to collect funds for the Wings Appeal. They were able to collect over £270.00 for our Wings fund, which, when combined with the street collectors and on-line donations, made an impressive total of over £2900.00. This was an excellent result, given the wet start to the day. Fortunately, the rain eased off and most of the day was dry, without the very hot weather of this time last year! (Below left: Laura, Janet & Yvonne at the RAFA York Stall in Parliament Street on 29 June)

Our Branch was invited to attend an Armed Forces Day event at the LNER Stadium at Monks Cross on 6 July. Our Gazebo was erected and manned by a number of our Branch members during the day. It would appear that the footfall at the event was not high and so very little money was raised for our Branch and for Wings. By way of contrast, over £850 was raised at the Wings Collection at Vangarde on Friday 12 July. (Below right: Dick, Steve and Chris at the RAFA York stall at the LNER Stadium on 6 July)

JOINT ANNUAL CHURCH SERVICE AT ALL SAINTS PAVEMENT.

Our Branch was the lead organisation this year for the joint Annual Church Service with the Royal British Legion York Branch at All Saints Pavement Church in York. The service commenced at 1030 am and the chief guests were the City of York Civic Party, led by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Margaret Wells and her Consort, Mr Paul Midgley. They were accompanied by the Sherriff, Ms Fiona Fitzpatrick and her Consort, Mr Geoff Cossins.

The Service was led by our Branch Padre, Rev. David Simpson, and the sermon was delivered by Rev. David Hobman. The Lord Mayor gave the first reading and the RAFA York Branch Chairman, Andy Bryne, gave the second reading and also led the Act of Remembrance. Our Branch Standard was paraded by Gordon Murden and the Royal British Legion Standard by Ernest Sawdon.

After the Service, attendees were invited back to the RAFA Branch Club in Aldwark for refreshments, which had been arranged by our Branch Club Chairman, Denise Edgar. Regrettably, due to a busy schedule, the Lord Mayor and Consort were unable to join us at the Club, but the Sherriff and her Consort were able to attend.

Unlike some previous years, attendance at this year’s Joint Church Service was very low for some reason, and we may have to consider the future of this annual service given the very low attendance by both RAFA and RBL members. (Photos by Dave Ruddock)

RAFA YORK BRANCH VISIT TO SHERBURN AERO CLUB – 16 JULY 2024

On Tuesday 16 July, a group of 15 York Branch members visited the airfield and café at Sherburn. The visit was arranged by Branch Secretary, Steve Pearson (who, unfortunately could not attend on the day) in response to an invitation by Digby’s Café staff at Sherburn Aero Club. As this visit was agreed by the Branch Committee to be classed as welfare, a mini-bus was provided for those members without transport or who would have difficulty travelling.

The group assembled at the RAFA Club at 1130 and, apart from those making their own way to Sherburn, boarded the mini-bus for the visit. On arrival at Digby’s Café at the Sherburn Aero Club, a table was reserved for us and we ordered our lunches and drinks.

After an excellent lunch, we were given a guided tour of the Flying School facilities, including the hangars nearest to the Club HQ. Sherburn is home to a large number and variety of general aviation machines, including many Piper Cherokee aircraft (several being owned by the Aero Club and used as basic training “workhorses”. There were a few surprises in the hangars, including two immaculate Boeing Stearman biplanes and also two dH Tiger Moth biplanes, one in RAF livery. We were informed by our guide that Sherburn is one of the busiest light aviation airfields in the UK; it was certainly busy while we were being shown around, with several aircraft landing and taking off.

Sherburn airfield has a long history. An airfield certainly existed before the First World War as it was commandeered by the Armed Forces. By 1918 it covered 177 acres and, on the western side by the railway, there were 8 hangars, 21 storage sheds and associated camp buildings. After the War, the site was used for a variety of uses until the Yorkshire Aeroplane Club was formed in 1924 ‘to gather together those interested in flying, to teach flying, to provide a number of machines for the members’ use, and to help those interested to obtain a thorough knowledge of the construction, maintenance and repair of aeroplanes’.

Sherburn was chosen as the location for the Club and the opening ceremony took place on 20 January 1926. The membership at this time was 240. Flying training soon commenced and the first Yorkshire Air Pageant was held on 24 July 1926 with an estimated attendance of between 5,000 and 8,000 people. The Club later moved to Yeadon (Leeds-Bradford Airport). In June 1935 Robert Blackburn purchased the airfield and then in 1937 he bought a further 64 acres enlarging the airfield to a total of 164 acres. Robert was an enthusiastic supporter of the club and saw an opportunity to develop a training school. However, at the start of World War 2 in 1939, the airfield and the club’s aircraft were impressed for military service and the site was also used as an aircraft factory and storage facility for the War effort. After the War, civil aviation gradually re-emerged and, as the cost of private flying increased, more flying clubs were formed, such as the one now at Sherburn.

The Sherburn Aero Club was formed in 1964 and went on to become one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of largest in the country. The flying club opened its flight training school in the 1970’s which was followed by a number of major investments including a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars and an extended clubhouse. The Sherburn Aero Club is a flying club and a flight training school which offers services such as; flight experiences, flight training, hangarage for aircraft, servicing and repairs, aircraft sales and aviation equipment.

Our visit ended all too soon, and we left Sherburn around 3pm, having had a lovely visit. I would certainly recommend going there for a meal or even just a coffee, whilst watching the aircraft come and go!

WINGS COLLECTION AT YORK RACECOURSE

On Wednesday 21 August, with kind permission of York Racecourse, a group of our Branch members raised almost £3000 for our Wings Appeal contribution for 2024 at one of the Ebor race meetings. The total was not as high as 2023, due in part to the less pleasant weather (fortunately it didn’t rain) and the fact that the RAF Falcons parachute display team were not present this year. Nevertheless, it was still a successful day and brought our Wings total to over £17000. The photo shows our Wings Appeal Officer, Ian Smith, with his cousin (she was not collecting, but was attending the race meeting!).

ALLIED AIR FORCES MEMORIAL DAY 1 SEP 24

The 2024 Allied Air Forces Memorial 2024 took place, as usual, at the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington. Events commenced from 11 am with the arrival of a number of VIPs and invited guests, including the Lord Mayor of York and representatives of the Royal Air Force, the French Air Force, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the United States Air Force.

The service in the Halifax Hangar commenced at 2.15pm with an introduction by Jonathan Brewer, Yorkshire Air Museum Director and CEO, and was led by the Revd Taff Morgan, assisted by the Revd. Dr Kevin Maddy.

Music, as usual, was provided by the Yorkshire Military Band & Corps of Drums, supported by the Elvington Community Choir. The first Reading was given by Revd. Dr Kevin Maddy and the second Reading by Rachel Semlyen MBE, Chair of Museum Trustees.

The turning of the pages of the Museum Book of Remembrance and the 77 Squadron Association Roll of Honour were carried out by Air Commodore Adam Sansom and Andrew Brown respectively.

After the service, the Band formed up outside the hangar, followed by at least 30 Standard bearers, including our Branch Standard Bearer, Gordon Murden. These were followed by a group of the RAF Association WRAF Branch and then some Service veterans. Sadly these were very few in number this year. A very large contingent of Air Cadets, from several squadrons, brought up the rear of the parade.

The weather was cooler than last year but still quite warm. Rain had stopped by the time we arrived just after 12 noon. After a snack in the NAAFI (Café 77) we had a look around part of the museum before going to the Hangar for the service.

Overall, it was a very good event, and better than last year we thought. It was sad not to see more York Branch members present though, and some of our erstwhile colleagues are no longer well enough to attend or have passed away. In this service, we had a chance to remember them all. (Photos: top row-Andy Bryne, bottom row: David Hodgson)

REDEDICATION OF AIRCRAFT CRASH MEMORIAL AT YORK MAZE

On the 7 September 2024, a rededication service was held for a memorial to the last German aircraft to crash on British soil during the Second World War. The aircraft was a Junkers JU88, which crashed into a farmhouse near Elvington, killing the crew and 3 civilians in the farmhouse in the early hours of 4 March 1945. The memorial is twinned with a memorial to a RAF Lancaster shot down in Germany. These memorials represent the friendship and reconciliation between the Doncaster Air Gunners and the German Night Fighter Pilots’ Association. The ceremony was organised by the Friends of Doncaster Air Gunners Flightpath of Friendship Reconciliation Group. Our RAFA York Branch was represented by the Branch Secretary, Steve Pearson, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch, and Branch member Gordon Murden who paraded the Standard.(Photos: Steve Pearson)

Steve Pearson

ALL SERVICES PARADE & SERVICE – EDEN CAMP

On the 8th September 2024, the annual All Services Parade and Service took place at Eden Camp. The Parade and Service is held in remembrance of all military and civilian personnel involved in the conflicts of the last 100 years. Music was provided by the Yorkshire Volunteer Band and a large number of standards were on parade. Representatives of many associations and organisations took part in the parade and we were blessed with fine weather during the course of the parade. The RAFA York Branch was represented by Branch member Gordon Murden who paraded our Standard and Branch Members, Mike Birchall and Steve Pearson, who took part in the Parade. (Photos: Steve Pearson)

Steve Pearson.

2487 EASINGWOLD SQUADRON AIR CADETS AWARDS EVENING 2024

No 2487 (Easingwold) Sqn Air Cadets awards night took place on Friday 13 September. Our Branch Secretary, Steve Pearson, presented the RAFA York Branch prize for the best SNCO in the Squadron (winner CDT WO Harry Miller). Jonathan and Oliver Mennell were also given a print of Brian Mennell in a glider. Another copy will be displayed in the Sqn. They also announced that 2 planters would be placed either side of the entrance to the Sqn in memory of Ray Kidd and Brian Mennell to recognise their pivotal roles in founding the Sqn (Ray) and as Sqn commanders ( both of them). Oliver also received the Squadron Commander’s special award and his Duke of Edinburgh’s bronze award. (Photo: Steve Pearson)

Steve Pearson

BATTLE OF BRITAIN WINGS APPEAL STREET COLLECTION - 14 SEPTEMBER 2024.

The annual Battle of Britain Wings Appeal street collection took place on Saturday 14 September. We were extremely fortunate in having excellent weather (unlike the following day when it rained heavily!) and this ensured that a very significant amount of money was raised towards our 2024 total.

The collectors were booked in and out of the Branch Club by our Wings Appeal Officer, Ian Smith, who controlled the day’s operation. The Gazebo stall was erected in Parliament Street and looked after by a number of our Branch members and also some of the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron cadets. The sum of £321 was raised by the stall alone. Some Air Cadets from No 110 (City of York) Squadron also helped with collecting donations.

By the time collections had finished, around 1530 hrs, a total of £2317.54 had been raised, which, when card donations had been added, came to £2386.41.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN SERVICE & TURNING OF THE PAGE CEREMONY - YORK MINSTER - 15 SEPTEMBER 2024.

The annual Battle of Britain service and Turning of the Page ceremony took place in York Minster Quire on Sunday 15 September as part of the 4pm Evensong service. This year, the date coincided exactly with Battle of Britain Day. A good number of our Branch members attended as well as Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron officer cadets and air cadets from No 110 (City of York ) Squadron.

The service was led by the Dean of York Minster, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, and the sermon was delivered by the Revd Canon Maggie McLean. The first lesson was read by the Revd John Hetherington, Chaplain, RAF Leeming and the second lesson by the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells.

The Turning of the Page ceremony was conducted by RAFA York Branch Chairman, Andy Bryne, representing the past, Squadron Leader Reece, representing the present and Officer Cadet Laura Gatus, representing the future. Both the RAF Association York Branch and Royal Observer Corps York Area standards were paraded.

After the service, the Branch Club was open as usual, and several members and guests met up for a drink and light refreshments. As the service was part of Evensong, photography is not permitted, so there are a couple of images taken in the Club afterwards.

CHEQUE PRESENTATION AT ROTHBURY HOUSE – 7 OCTOBER 2024.

On the 7th of October our Branch Welfare Officer, Mr Ron Ford, visited Rothbury House, ex-RAF members living accommodation in Northumberland, and presented the cheque for £1000-00 to the manager David Dick on behalf of the members of the RAFA York branch. (See photo below.) David asked him to thank all the members for their kind donation and, in discussions he said that the £1000.00 donation sent by our Branch in March had not yet been used. Therefore they now have £2000.00 and, with this additional amount, the money would be used to purchase some aluminium garden furniture which would be placed on the patio at the rear of the home.

In addition, David noted that, at the request of the RAF Association, all room doors had been adorned with brass plaques denoting the names of RAF Victoria Cross holders and, there is no other suitable door to place our (intended) brass plaque, he asked if we would agree to a black slate plaque being sited on the patio alongside the new furniture with the annotation that it was donated by members of the York branch. (The exact wording to be decided by the RAFA York Branch Committee.)

REMEMBRANCE EVENTS 2024

As usual, the period of Remembrance is a busy one for our Branch. This year, members attended Remembrance events at a number of locations, including the Remembrance Sunday parade and service in the City of York. The formal opening of the Garden of Remembrance at the South Africa Memorial in Duncombe Place, was held on Saturday 2 November. Our Branch Standard Bearer, Gordon Murden, paraded the Standard. Branch Chairman, Andy Bryne, also attended. The following day, 3 November, the RBL York Festival of Remembrance was held at St Peters School.

On Sunday 10 November, a number of Branch members took part in the parade and service in York. The Branch Standard was paraded by a senior air cadet from No 110 (City of York) Squadron, with Branch President, Dick Gray and Branch Chairman, Andy Bryne, as escorts. Branch member Catherine Hanson laid a wreath at the memorial on behalf of the War Widows Association. After the parade, the Branch Club was open and we were able to welcome several members of the Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron and the Yorkshire Universities Naval Unit to join us at the Club. Also on Sunday 10 November, Gordon Murden, accompanied by Ron Ford, paraded our Standard at two services in Elvington; one in Elvington Village at 11am and the second at the Yorkshire Air Museum at 2pm.

Representing our Branch during the events in London at the Cenotaph were Branch members Steve (Branch Secretary) and Ros Pearson and Janet Hazelwood, who marched with her Great Grandson in the Blind Veterans section.

Remembrance events concluded on Monday 11 November, when several of our Branch members attended the short service at the North Eastern Railway War Memorial on Station Rise. The memorial had recently been cleaned and restored.

The photos above show (Left to Right): Opening the Field of Remembrance on 2 November, Branch President and serving member Si Milner, Chairman & Cadets after the parade in York on 10 November.

The photos below show Branch member Catherine Hanson laying a wreath on behalf of the War Widows Association and (Right) members and guests in the Branch Club after the parade on 10 November.