RAF Wittering News

Hundreds lined the streets in Leicester on Saturday as Station and A4 Force Personnel from RAF Wittering marched through the city to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25th June.

Organised in conjunction with Leicester City Council, the parade was a commemoration and celebration of the city’s links with the Armed Forces. Leicestershire has many historic links with the Royal Air Force in particular and the city has a fine cultural and ethnic diversity. Aircraft from RAF Wittering defended the skies over Leicester during both World Wars.

The 400-strong parade of personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets from all three Armed Forces stepped off from Jubilee Square at 10.30am, taking in High Street, Gallowtree Gate and Horsefair Street, before making its way to Green Dragon Square. Rousing music from the pipes and drums of the Seaforth Highlanders kept the parade in immaculate step throughout.

Preparations for the parade were meticulous. In the preceding days Warrant Office Daz Rose and his team of drill instructors had rehearsed the Royal Air Force Wittering detachment to perfection. The hours of work were not wasted on the people of Leicester who applauded and cheered in their hundreds, and the sunny weather only added to the inspiring atmosphere.

Wing Commander Mike Dutton was the senior Royal Air Force officer at the parade. He said: “Warrant Officer Rose and Sergeant Clarke have done a fine job in preparing our personnel for this parade. Our troops have done a fine job today and anyone could tell from the warmth of the welcome we received from the people of Leicester just how much they appreciated the parade and, more importantly, how much they appreciate the armed forces.”

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June.  The day is a chance for people to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

The parade concluded with a drumhead service, attended by the Lord Mayor, Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Leicestershire. Drumhead services are an ancient military tradition, held during battles when no church was available, and the military drums were used instead of an altar.

The service was taken by the Bishop of Loughborough, Bishop Saju Muthalaly. In his address, Bishop Muthalaly reminded the congregation of the enduring bond between the British people and their armed forces and the sacrifices that have been made in the cause of freedom.

In Peterborough, Wing Commander Jez Case, RAF Wittering Station Commander, was a reviewing officer for the Armed Forces Day parade. He said: “For more than a century we have been fortunate to enjoy a positive relationship with Peterborough, which Armed Forces Day allows us to formally recognise. The people of Peterborough and Leicester have welcomed the entire Armed Forces family today, serving personnel, veterans and cadets and they have our sincere thanks.”