On a misty June afternoon, RAF St Mawgan welcomed a special visit from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, accompanied by the Royal Air Force senior leadership team. The visit provided an opportunity for station personnel to engage directly with the RAF’s top leadership, who shared updates on the latest service developments and hosted a lively Q&A session.
A moving moment of the day was the team’s visit to the station's poignant Area of Reflection, a tribute dedicated to all who have lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. This unique and touching memorial stands proudly on the station grounds as a gentle, yet powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by so many service personnel. Metal silhouettes of Armed Forces personnel reflecting the tri-Service nature of RAF St Mawgan, overlook bespoke wooden planters which provide a home for stunning scallop shell poppies, handmade by local school children, youth groups, Air Cadets and station personnel. The beautiful floral tribute was created using shells donated by Newlyn fishmongers and bamboo from the Eden Project thanks to the station's existing relationship with the Defence Garden Scheme. The carefully crafted enhancements added to develop the area around the existing memorial stone not only provide a focal point of reflection for all of those stationed at RAF St Mawgan, but also provide an opportunity for station personnel to continue to engage with local schools and youth groups, helping bring to life the core values around Remembrance for a new generation.
We are very proud of the Area of Reflection and what it stands for. It is a reminder of not just those within our Service family who have lost their lives, but a community working together to ensure that they will not be forgotten. It is great to be able to share the pride and passion of our people and their families with those at the very top of the Royal Air Force.
Wing Commander Helen Simpson, Station Commander at RAF St Mawgan.
The senior leadership team were visibly moved by the display, reflecting on the significance it holds for the serving and wider local community alike.
