The annual D-Day Service held at the Harwell Stone returned on Saturday 4th June after a three year gap from its full format as a result of the pandemic. There was a virtual event in 2020, and live streamed minimal attendee event in 2021 so while Acts of Remembrance did continue throughout the pandemic, all were pleased to see a return to the full format permitting attendance in person.
Despite the clash with HM Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend the event was well attended, by local dignitaries, veterans and youth groups and local residents.
Harwell Branch RBL, supported by Steve Guest of Harwell Campus and Harwell and Chilton Churches came together to organise the event, led by the RBL Branch Ceremonial Officer, Peter Davies.
There were some absences due to the Jubilee weekend, in the form of Regular Armed Forces who were unable to send representatives, yet we were honoured by the National Vice-Chairman for the Royal British Legion, Lynda Atkins attending and acting as our Guest of Honour who led the laying of the 33 wreaths from the attending organisations. These included local RBL attendance, Glider Pilots Regiment Society, Parachute Regiment Association and Oxs&Bucks Light Infantry, RAFA, SSAFA, local Air Cadet Squadrons, Scouts, and numerous on site businesses from the Campus, with 15 Standards on parade.
Wantage and Didcot Squadrons of the Air Training Corps formed a Guard of Honour with the pupils from Chilton School also taking part in proceedings by laying poppies
A 2 minute silence was held, announced by the Last Post played by Dr Tony Hughes, and the Service was conducted by Rev. Pam Rolls.
A collection was made for the Poppy Appeal which totalled £40.42
Thanks are due to Steve Guest and the team at the Harwell Campus Management for the site preparation and management, and granting permission and access to hold the event.
The inscription on the stone reads:
“THIS STONE MARKS THE END OF THE RUNWAY FROM WHICH AIRCRAFT OF No. 38 GROUP ROYAL AIR FORCE TOOK OFF ON THE NIGHT OF 5 JUNE 1944 WITH TROOPS OF THE 6th AIRBORNE DIVISION WHO WERE AMONG THE FIRST BRITISH SOLDIERS TO LAND IN NORMANDY ON THE MAIN ASSAULT FOR THE LIBERATION OF EUROPE”
Peter Davies
Harwell RBL Branch Ceremonial Officer
Harwell.committee1@rbl.community
Photo of those who laid a wreath at the Service, the laying of the wreaths were lead by the RBL’s National Vice Chairman, Lynda Atkins (positioned center in red)