We assembled at Pocklington last weekend (November 10/11, 2018) to remember those from our Squadron who made the ultimate sacrifice.
At 1100 on Saturday we gathered at the 'G' George Memorial in the grounds of the Beckside Centre, West Green, Pocklington,to remember the crew of that aircraft which crashed while preparing to join the Main Force on the 29th of March 1943. We were joined on this occasion by Pauline and Roger Griffiths, relatives of the family of the Bomb Aimer, William Hugh Jenkins. After laying an Association wreath and family crosses there was a two minute silence.
On Remembrance Sunday we gathered at a very full St. Catherine's Church, Barmby Moor, where our Chaplain, (who is the Vicar at St. Catherine's), conducted the Service of Remembrance.We have to thank Catherine Dodd, whose brother, Michael David Dolan was killed on operations in 1940, for turning the page in the Squadron's Book of Remembrance and a beautiful recitation of the poem, 'To An Airman', written by James C. Lummis RCAF, just as we came to 11 o'clock. The local primary School children then recited poems from the first World War, a very emotional experience.
Wreaths by representatives of Barmby Moor Parish Council, Pocklington Town Council, RAF linton on Ouse and the Association, were laid in the Commonwealth War Grave in the churchyard, following a Service of Remembrance
We then went on to the Airfield at Pocklington, (the Wolds Gliding Club), where our Service of Remembrance was held at the memorial which stands by the Gliding Clubs headquarters.
Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Pocklington Town Council, the Chairman of Barmby Moor Parish Council, the RAF, the Squadron Association and the Gliding Club represented by Colin Stevens. Family wreaths were laid and included one by Paul Campbell as a lovely tribute to his Uncle Ken who was killed while serving with the Squadron. Special mention has to go to our veteran, Joe Wilson, who insisted on being outside in the rain and wind during the service and then having the energy to recite a poem, with the help of his daughter Jenny, which he wrote while serving at the age of 21!
After tea and biscuits provided by Judith Stevens, John Williams, Graham Horton and I went to Pocklington where we took part in the annual Remembrance Parade, during which Graham laid an Association wreath on the Second World War Memorial.
It was an emotional weekend and I wanted to thank all of those who attended to support us.
"We will remember them."
Photographs will appear on this page in due course
Harry Bartlett
Secretary
