Over the past few weeks, RAF personnel have joined veterans, families and their local communities to commemorate Remembrance in a myriad of ways.
From traditional services of Remembrance to charity walks involving our personnel deployed overseas, here is a look back at just some of the events that took place.
Race for Remembrance
The Motorsport and Forces community came together over Remembrance weekend for the annual Race of Remembrance. Beginning on Saturday, the 12-hour endurance race ran into the night, before pausing for a Remembrance Service on Sunday Morning.
The RAF Motorsport team, using a sustainably fuelled race car, brought home an outright win this year - the only military team to win the event in its 10-year history.
Climbing Everest
On 8 November, nine RAF Regiment personnel, currently deployed in Iraq, took part in a virtual Stairmaster climb, equivalent to the height of Mount Everest, to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The team climbed 2,061 floors on the Stairmaster whilst wearing 15kg of body armour.
Corporal Townend, has served for 13 years and is Section Commander of the detachment in Iraq.
I have chosen to raise money for the Benevolent Fund as even though I haven’t used the Fund’s services myself, I have worked with colleagues both serving and veterans who have, and it has helped them massively in a time of need.
Corporal Townend
IX (B) Squadron Memorial
A stained glass window honouring IX (Bomber) Squadron was dedicated by Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach in St Lawrence Church, Bardney, during the Lincolnshire village’s Remembrance Sunday service.
Now equipped with Typhoon fighters and based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, IX (B) Squadron was stationed at Bardney with Lancaster bombers during World War Two and considers the village to be its spiritual home.
Five current squadron members and 90 former members and relatives made the long annual pilgrimage to join villagers for their church service, and to lay wreaths at memorials nearby.
Festival of Remembrance
In the presence of His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family serving personnel, veterans, and their families gathered at the Festival of Remembrance to share personal testimonies and stories of gratitude with the nation.
Alongside a rousing performance from the RAF Central and Regiment Bands, the programme also featured an inspiring insight into the RAF’s training of Ukrainian pilots on Operation Interstorm.
RAF in Northern Ireland
Earlier in the month, Wing Commander McCleery represented the RAF at the opening of the Field of Remembrance at Belfast City Hall - one of six Royal British Legion Fields of Remembrance across the UK.
Over Remembrance weekend, personnel from 502 (Ulster) Squadron, stood alongside their Royal Navy and British Army counterparts to commemorate the fallen at a ceremony at Belfast City Hall's Cenotaph.
RAF in Scotland
RAF Lossiemouth Station Commander, Group Captain Brewin attended a Remembrance Sunday service in Elgin, where she laid a wreath. She was joined by the Lord Lieutenant, Commanding Officer 39 Engineer Regiment Kinloss Barracks and other local dignitaries.
There were further services in Dallachy where members of the Canadian Air Force joined in the commemorations.
RAF in Wales
No.614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force paid a special tribute with an exhibition at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, hosted by the Senedd (Welsh Parliament).
The display of photographs and artefacts mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1924, and tells the story of this unique Welsh military unit in war and peace.
Among those remembered were soldiers from World War Two, who flew with No.614 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron.
I’m very grateful to Members of the Senedd, Dr Hefin David and Darren Millar for sponsoring this exhibition. It will allow people to learn more about Wales' only RAF reserve squadron and in turn understand and honour the sacrifices of our members in war and peace over the years. I very much hope the people of Cardiff, South Wales and beyond will come and take a look at this fascinating display of photographs and artefacts.
Squadron Leader Matthews
Executive Officer, 614 Squadron
