USAAF Boreham remembrance

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Sunday 13th November 2005 at 13.00 G.M.T.

I could repeat the words I typed here just one year ago, for little has changed. Even the photos are similar as are, no doubts, the thoughts of those present.

However, American visitors to this page may wonder why the 13th November has been chosen this year.

It goes back to the date and time when the first world war ended viz. at 11 a.m. on 11th November 1918. For many years after, there was a special commemoration on the same date at the same hour. Of recent years, it has been found more practical to use the nearest Sunday to 11th November. If you consider the large congregation that meet in Whitehall, London for the event, you will understand the traffic problem which would ensue during a weekday.

In order to cater for those who wish to remember at the respective memorials both the British and the Americans who died, the American ceremony takes place at a slightly later hour.

13th Nov. On this day a small group congregated once again before the American Memorial to remember those who had fallen during the 1939-45 war.
As in previous years, the Rev. Tony Rose from Boreham conducted the short service, during which wreaths were laid by The Air Training Corps, by Les Taylor on behalf of The Little Waltham Parish Council and by Tony Fewell on behalf of the 394th B.G. Association. Some of you may also recognise Eric Probert in the gathering.

Click on any of the thumbnail pictures to enlarge.

The 276th Chelmsford Squadron Air Cadets gather under the watchful eyes of Flying Officer Jason Webb R.A.F. (V.R.)T. and the Rev. Tony Rose.

A smaller group of civilians wait at the roadside for Rev. Tony Rose to begin the short service.

Two gentlemen Alan Copson (left) and Doug. Killick (centre) have a special interest in the historic connections we have with the U.S.A.
Alan is researching and building a Remembrance Book of American activities hereabouts, while Doug is pursuing the connections between Chelmsford, Essex and Chelmsford, Conn.

Les. Taylor (left) and Tony Fewell lay wreaths on behalf of the Little Waltham Parish Council and the 394th B.G. Association. Strong winds were trying to blow away the wreaths as soon as they had been placed.

The third wreath was laid on behalf of the Air Cadets.

Click here for the Order of Service
which was conducted by Rev. Tony Rose.

The civilians present included (from R. to L.) Tony Fewell, Les Taylor and the President of the 276th Chelmsford Squadron Air Cadets - Sqd. Ldr Ralph Tyrell

051113p01.jpg (126341 bytes)

In addition Eric Probert visited the new Memorial on the airfield with Brian Targrass who, on behalf of himself and Barbara, widow of Bryan Jones, the former Boreham airfield historian, laid a wreath there also.

Photo : Eric Probert.

6th June 2004 - Sixtieth anniversary of D-day, Bayeux.

Tony Fewell had the good fortune to go over for the commemorations and these are just a few of the pictures that he has brought back.

He also had the opportunity to visit the old airfield 'A13' at Tour-en-Bessin, which veterans visited on the occasion of their first return trip. He was pleased to note that the authorities had laid a wreath at the road-side memorial. He also visited the village itself which they will remember, including the village hall.
On that first return visit veterans, seeing a church which they thought was one of their reference points when coming in to land, were unable to locate the runways. It has since been established by Tony that they were confusing two churches. In fact, the correct church (that of Tour-en-Bessin) was not easily seen from where they were standing even though it was a landmark from the air. Once this fact had been established, Tony was able to locate vestiges of the runway and, walking along a bridle path, he was able to recognise a considerable amount of old landing mat, being used as fencing around the farm fields. Doubtless those landing will remember that although the runways were straight, they were far from flat, rising and falling according to the terrain.

Her Majesty the Queen accompanied by
M. Chirac (the French president) were quietly present.

Tony Blair put in an appearance

At the principal commemoration, with a B.B.C. camera also in the picture.

Click on small image to enlarge.

American Cemetery, Maddingley, Cambridge 31st May
Tony Fewell and Eric Probert were present on the American Veterans Day commemoration.

Note the B17 flying over.

Click on small image to enlarge.

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