THE 2010 EAST MOOR FAMILY MEMORIAL SERVICE

Under sunny skies and with a approximately 100 people in attendance the East Moor Remembrance Ceremony was held at Sutton-on-the-Forest on Saturday 22 May 2010. This annual ceremony is conducted to remember those who served on 415, 429 and 432 Squadrons, whilst operating from the East Moor Airfield.

It also marked the twentieth anniversary since the Sundial Stone was laid in the Village. For the second time, this year's ceremony was coordinated completely by the Parish/Village Council. A formal Order of Service was followed, the National Anthems were sung and as is the custom a reception was held in the Village Hall immediately following the Ceremony. In the past Mr Doug Sample, a wartime member of 415 Squadron who passed away last Fall, played a key role as an organiser of this event. With his passing, the role now played by the Council is absolutely critical to the future of this Act of Remembrance. Also important is the presence of Veterans or in their place serving Canadian Air Force personnel.

This year there were only three Veterans present, one from each of the Squadrons. However, six current serving members of 429 Squadron and two members of 14 Wing, including Major Ron Doiron a former member of 415 Squadron, were in attendance. Their presence was warmly received and their interaction with locals contributed greatly to the success of the event.

As a former member of one of the three Canadian Squadrons which operated at East Moor, I feel a special bond with those who served there so many years ago. This bond has been nurtured by a number of Veterans who served at East Moor and from whom I have learned much. As a result, I will continue to work with the Village and encourage current serving Air Force personnel in Canada to participate in this special Ceremony - a memorial, which helps ensure that the role played by 415, 429 and 432 Squadrons, whilst they operated from East Moor, is not forgotten.

If at all feasible, I would encourage your attendance at future East Moor Ceremonies. I can assure you that your presence will be appreciated and that you will enjoy your visit to Yorkshire. There is lots to see and do in this beautiful part of the Britain.

The next East Moor Family Memorial Service will be held on Saturday 21 May

2011 at the Sundial Stone in the village of Sutton-on-the-Forest.

Chris Henneberry
415 Squadron Association