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Royal Air Force Queen's Colour Squadron honour RAF Victoria Cross recipient

Queen’s Colour Squadron (QCS) Honour RAF Victoria Cross (VC) recipient as Lewisham Council unveil Commemorative Paving Stone.

royal air force queen colour squadron honour RAF Victorian cross recipient

The QCS formed the honour guard at the unveiling of a commemorative paving stone to Lieutenant Alan Jerrard VC at the Lewisham Memorial site on Saturday 24th of March 2018.

Lt Jerrard was awarded his VC for his actions before, and on, 30 March 1918. His citation reads

“Lt Jerrard had greatly distinguished himself on four previous occasions, within a period of twenty-three days in destroying enemy machines, displaying bravery and ability of the very highest order”.

Lewisham council are honouring First World War VC recipients, born in the borough of Lewisham, as part of the national Remembrance events marking WW1. The unveiling of Lt Jerrard’s plaque is the last of six VC Lewisham recipients.

Lewisham council unveiling the commemorative slab

Air Commodore David Lee, representing the RAF said

“We are celebrating the gallantry of one of our very first officers. The action took place two days before the formation of the Royal Air Force. So, we are jointly celebrating here with the Army. We consider Alan Jerrard one of our very first heroes and I am delighted to be here to celebrate his gallantry."

The service for the unveiling was led by Father Steve Hall aided by Reverend (Flight Lieutenant) Mark Perry and Captain Sean Randall of the Mercian Regiment. Also taking part was Cadet Sgt Hollie Lane, of 1921 Squadron Air Training Corps, who read the poem High Flight.

RAF serviceman commemorating RAF Victorian Cross recipient

Lt Jerrard attended schools in Lewisham. Dr John Craggs, Chairman of Governors, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar school and Mrs Sarah Kerr-Dineen Head of Oundle school paid tribute.

Afterwards Sir Steve Bullock, the Mayor of Lewisham who opened proceedings said

“The unveiling of the memorial to Lt Jerrard was the final part of our recognition of the six Lewisham born VC recipients. It has been a very moving process we have been through, learning the stories of these men who are true heroes. The response of the local people has been overwhelming and it is something I am very proud of and that this is something we have been able to do here in Lewisham”.

RAF serviceman part of the queens colour squadron