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Wreath laying ceremony marks Anglo/German friendship

Laying the wreath.
Laying the wreath to commemorate the British and German soldiers who lost their lives while serving their country. 

The RAF and German Air Attaché to the UK have each laid wreaths at an annual ceremony held at the RAF Memorial at Embankment in London.

Representing the RAF was Air Commodore Adam Sansom who was joined by Group Captain (Oberst) Stephan Breidenbach from the Luftwaffe at the short service held by the Thames to honour the personnel of both nations who lost their lives in the service of their country.

The poignant ceremony was attended by a lining party of the Queen’s Colour Squadron, and a Trumpeter of the Royal Air Force Music Service who played the last post.

A Trumpeter plays the last post in-front of the London Eye.
A Trumpeter of the Royal Air Force Music Service who played the last post.

“I was deeply honoured to join with Oberst Breidenbach in today’s moving ceremony to commemorate all those who lost their lives while serving their country.  As a graduate of German Staff College, I know from personal experience how close our two Services are today and I celebrate the friendship and professional respect that the Royal Air Force and the Luftwaffe share with one another."


Air Commodore Adam Sansom

Personnel stand in-front of the memorial.

Traditionally held in May, the wreath-laying ceremony at the RAF Memorial is synchronised with a mirror event in Germany at the Luftwaffe Memorial at Furstenfeldbrück. Normally attended by the British Air Attaché, this year’s event in Germany has been postponed until later in the year due to the extant pandemic regulations there.

Personnel saluting.