Royal British Legion: Harwell Branch

Remembrance

2020 D Day Service

by Filed Under: D-Day, Remembrance

It is regrettable, if predictable that Harwell RBL Branch have called off the annual D-Day Commemoration Service for 2020 in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. The mass gathering of 100+ member of the public, invited guests and dignitaries, and representatives from a variety of veterans groups and onsite businesses all travel from numerous and variety of locations which has the potential to spread the virus. As such in line with Government advise the event will not be held to avoid this risk.

We hope the Parade will return in 2021, the date for which will be Saturday 5th June.

Peter Davies
Ceremonial Officer
Harwell Branch RBL
harwell.committee1@rbl.community

Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day 2019

by Filed Under: Armistice-Day, Remembrance, Remembrance-Sunday

The 2019 Remembrance Parade and Service at the Village War Memorial was well attended by Parade goers and villagers alike, in crisp, clear, if cold, conditions.

The Parade marched from Townsend to the War Memorial in the High Street. Around 200 people in total and 10 Standards, consisting of the RBL with Local Council representation (District and Parish), local organisations with the Cadet Forces, Scouts and Guides completing the line up.

An estimated 450 villagers attended the Service at the War Memorial conducted by Rev. Dr. Jonathan Mobey with Dr Tony Hughes playing the Last Post to signify the start of the two minute silence.

A collection for the Poppy Appeal went around ahead and after the service and raised £322.89.

Wreaths were laid by VOWH DC, Harwell Parish Council, Royal British Legion Harwell, Harwell History Group, The Harwellian Club, Didcot Detachment Army Cadets, 2410 (Didcot) Sqn Air Cadets, Harwell Scouts and the Milbrook Girl Guides

Following the service, The Parade marched to St Matthew’s Church, where upon the arrival the Standards formed a Guard of Honour at the entrance to the Church. Rev Pam Rolls joined by Rev Mobey took the service.

After the Church Service, about 15 villagers and RBL Branch Members attended the War Memorial at the Commonwealth War Graves in Harwell Cemetery where a wreath was laid on behalf of the Branch.

11th November 2 minute silence

A short commemoration was held at the High Street War Memorial at 11 o’clock in recognition of the two minutes silence held on the 11th November. Around 20 people attended, together with about 25 Harwell School children and teachers.

Branch President Reginald East conducted the ceremony. After saying a few words to indicate the significance of Remembrance the Last Post was sounded by Dr. Tony Hughes, the Two Minutes Silence was observed, and the RBL Standard was dipped by Branch Standard Bearer Charles East. A wreath was laid on behalf of Little Pippins Pre-School.

Thanks are due to all who attended or participated in the Commemorations.

Thanks are also due to Harwell Gardeners Club for replanting and maintaining the flower beds and lawns around the War Memorial and Harwell Parish Council for maintenance of the memorial itself and the surrounding area.

2019 D Day Service

by Filed Under: D-Day, Remembrance

The annual D-Day Service held at the Harwell Stone was this year recognising the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. A significant milestone. The DDay75 Campaign, which was well publicised in the national press with the National activities centred on Portsmouth on 6th June.

Harwell Branch reached out to the local military establishments and were successful in confirming attendance from Vauxhall and Dennison Army Barracks, RAF Benson.

The aircraft taking off from Harwell, destined for Europe, were of 38 Group RAF and we were honoured to have Wing Commander Blacklock attend to represent the modern day 38 Group. Wing Commander Blacklock was also our Guest of Honour and took the lead in the laying of wreaths.

These Senior Military representatives were also joined by local dignitaries, veterans and veteran associations, local youth groups and Harwell Campus Management and Businesses in laying wreaths.

The whole event was again organised by the Harwell Branch of the Royal British Legion, with the support of the Harwell Campus Management and of Harwell and Chilton Churches.

With such a milestone anniversary, interest and attendance was higher than we have seen before. Over 200 people attended the service, with a record 37 wreaths laid at the Memorial Stone. This was partly down to the VIPs invited for this 75th Anniversary, but also more veteran associations and on site businesses getting involved.

A Guard of Honour was formed by Wantage and Didcot Squadrons of the Air Training Corps with the pupils from Chilton School also taking part in proceedings by laying poppies and wooden crosses. A flypast by Historical Army Aircraft Flight was organised, but due to the high winds was unable to take place.

The Service was conducted by Rev. Jonathan Mobey. The Last Post was performed by Dr Tony Hughes with Mr John McFarlane-Horgan accompanying the Parade’s proceedings on the bagpipes.

A collection was made for the Poppy Appeal which totalled £183.62

Thanks are also due to Harwell Campus Management Team for the site preparation and management, printing a significant number of service sheets and granting permission and access to hold the event.

Peter Davies
Ceremonial Officer Harwell Branch RBL