As many of you are aware, since 1990 there has been an annual memorial ceremony held at the village of Sutton-On-The-Forest in Yorkshire UK. The Ceremony commorates the period of active service of 415, 429 and 431 RCAF Squadrons at East Moor Airfield, which was located approximately three kilometers south of the village. The airfield has long since reverted to a farm, however a memorial cairn is located in the village "pound" located across the street from the Community Hall. The four sided Cairn displays the RCAF and Squadron crests.

Following a period of decreased attendance, over the past three years there has been an increased participation at the Ceremony by both local townsfolk and cadet organizations. At the 2009 Ceremony there were representatives from both 415 and 429 Squadrons, RAF Leeming and Linton-on-Ouse, the RAFA and Royal British Legion, the Yorkshire Air Museum and the Sutton-on-the-Forest Parish Council. For almost 20 years, Mr Doug Sample, a former 415 gunner, led the planning for this event. Over the years he had received considerable assistance from friends and acquaintances in Yorkshire, many of whom have now passed on. Thankfully the village of Sutton-on-the-Forest agreed to play a greater role in the planning of last year's Ceremony. This in turn has led to much greater participation by members of the village.

Unfortunately Doug Sample passed away on 02 November 2009. I had not heard from him since the Ceremony and decided to send him an email at Thanksgiving. His son responded to the email in late October and subsequently in mid-November. I did not have the opportunity to say good-bye to Doug, but I know he was pleased with the turnout at the 2009 Ceremony and that he was looking forward to the 2010 event. An article on Doug's passing has also been placed on this Website.

The Village of Sutton-on-the-Forest has now taken on responsibility for planning the 2010 Memorial Ceremony. I have been in touch with the organizers and the event will occur on 22 May 2010. It would be great to see a few more Canadians present. To this end I have requested that the 14 Wing Commander, Colonel Bill Seymour, consider sponsoring a few current serving former Swordfish. I have also been in contact with the Commanding Officer of 429 Squadron, LCol Ian Huddleston, who is also a former Swordfish, in the hopes that representation can be arranged from Trenton. It is my intent to be present once again and I will use the opportunity to say thank you to the Village Council for their efforts to keep this Act of Remembrance as an annual event.

Chris Henneberry