Whilst Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are always marked with significant events at the Cenotaph in the UK’s capital, every year RAF personnel come together to remember wherever they are based.
Middle East
Aviators based in the Middle East commemorated Armistice Day by leading an international coalition in an Act of Remembrance.
The ceremony was led by the Reverend (Wing Commander) Stevens and the first wreath was laid by the Air Officer Commanding 11 Group Air Vice-Marshal Tom Burke. Senior Officers representing eight other coalition nations also laid wreaths.
Cyprus
Personnel based at RAF Akrotiri continued an annual tradition of marching a collective distance of 453 miles to remember the 453 personnel who lost their lives during the conflict in Afghanistan. The march ended at the Red Arrows memorial, dedicated to Flight Lieutenant Egging and Flight Lieutenant Cunnigham who lost their lives back in 2011.
Falklands
For personnel based at the Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falklands a tri-service Remembrance service and parade through wet and windy weather to remember their forebears.
Northern Ireland
The rain also did not stop hundreds of personnel, reservists and cadets from paying their respects in Northern Ireland, who paraded with pride in Lisburn City centre and across the region, even whilst soaking wet.
Scotland
The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums lead a parade from Edinburgh Castle to the City Chambers on Remembrance Sunday, followed by veterans, Air-Vice Marshal Patterson, Air Officer Scotland, and representatives from all three Armed Services.
Wales
RAF Valley personnel were afforded the enormous privilege of leading the brief Remembrance Service that preceded Wrexham FC’s game at The Racecourse. The solemnity and respectful silence maintained by the crowd - was broken at the end of the two minute silence with an "immaculately executed" airborne salute, by two Hawk T2 aircraft of XXV Squadron.
Valley personnel went on to take part in a further 22 Remembrance Services on Sunday all over North Wales.
Air Cadets
With over 1000 squadrons across the UK and overseas, our Air Cadets gave up their weekends to parade, sell poppies in supermarkets and attend church services to pay respect to those that came before them and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Festival of Remembrance
RAF Music provided yet another rousing performance at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance on Saturday. It was attended by senior members of the Royal Family, including the TM The King and Queen, giving the musicians the honour of playing for royalty as well as the fallen.
