THE 2011 EAST MOOR FAMILY MEMORIAL SERVICE

Held on 21 May at the Sundial Memorial, Sutton-on-the-Forest, York

There was a relatively large and diverse crowd who participated in this year’s East Moor Family Memorial Service, which honors the memory of those who served and the many who paid the ultimate sacrifice, whilst operating from East Moor as members of 415, 429 and 432 Squadrons.  The Memorial Service followed a well established format and was supported by a Flag Party, two pipers, a bugler and a group of Air Cadets.  The Village Council coordinated the event and the Parish Auxiliary hosted a reception immediately following the Service.  As part of the Order of Service, the Senior Serving Canadian Officer, Major Alan Harvey, gave a well received address paying homage to those who served at East Moor and those that continue to serve Canada and the UK on deployed operations.  Following the laying of wreaths and flowers, of which there were many, O Canada and God Save the Queen were sung.

As time marches on it is inevitable that there will be fewer and fewer WWII veterans at this Service.  This fact was certainly apparent as there were less than a handful of veterans present.  I had hoped to present 415 Alumni Pins to two veterans whom I had come to know at past services.  Unfortunately they did not show and I was unable to establish their status.  That said, there were a significant number of retired service men and women, who continue to frequent this event.  Also there were many more local residents at this year’s Service than in previous years.  Other participants included: five former members of 415 Squadron (Major Al Harvey, Major Rob Pitcher, Warrant Officer Pat Henry, Andre Ravary and Chris Henneberry), five current serving members of 429 Squadron as well as a contingent of five personnel from RAF Leeming led by their Station Commander. 

In the full knowledge that it would be impossible for the veterans to sustain this annual memorial service, approximately five years ago a transition was initiated, which has now resulted in the Village Council assuming full ownership of the event.  As a result of this needed change, there has been a steady increase in the participation of the local villagers and their children, such that over 100 persons were present at this year’s ceremony.  This may have been assisted by a visit to the local grade school on the day before the Service. The 429 Squadron contingent was pleased to meet the entire school population of 98 students and for over one hour we all shared stories, sang songs and learned more about the history of Sutton-on-the-Forest, as well as East Moor.  At the conclusion of the visit, the Principle announced that in the future members of the senior class (11 year olds) will do a history study of East Moor and care for the Sundial Memorial site. The Village Council President, who was in attendance, received this news with enthusiasm.

This was the twenty-first Memorial Service.  I believe that under the direction of the current Village Council, supported by the local school and some form of Canadian military presence, there is every reason to believe that this visible annual act of remembrance will continue.  It is hoped that both 8 and 14 Wings will continue to support this event.  To the extent that is possible, the 415 Squadron Association and 429 Squadron will endeavour to have representation at the 2012 Ceremony. 

In closing, I have been asked to relay the thanks of the Sutton-on-the-Forest Village Council to all those who supported and/or were present at this year’s Memorial Service.

AD METAM

Chris Henneberry

President

415 Squadron Association