RAF Wittering News

Stamford and RAF Wittering were reunited in the Act of Remembrance (Sunday 14th November) as Station personnel and citizens marked the armistice together for the first time since 2019.

Because of the global coronavirus pandemic, a full Remembrance parade was impossible in 2020. On Sunday, however, an immaculate detachment from RAF Wittering marched along Broad Street and was brought to attention outside Stamford’s war memorial in front of the historic Browne’s Hospital.

It was the first Remembrance parade as Station Commander for Wing Commander Jez Case. He said: “Today afforded us the opportunity to remember those who gave their lives in the defence of our Nation. We are part of the Stamford community, and the people of the town have supported RAF Wittering since its inception so taking part in Remembrance in the town is an honour. As always, the Royal British Legion did an outstanding job in their 100th year.”

Stamford’s townspeople turned out in healthy numbers and joined with veterans, cadets and local government officials to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the cause of freedom. In the days before Sunday’s act of Remembrance, Station Warrant Officer Hywel Greening and his team spent hours in drill rehearsals, making sure the parades were immaculately dressed and inch-perfect.

The Act of Remembrance not only honours those who have laid down their lives in the two World Wars, but also those who have died in other conflicts. It enables service personnel and civilians to pay their respects to veterans and keeps their service and sacrifice in the minds of younger people.

The Mayor of Stamford, Gloria Johnson said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be here today and see so many Stamfordians. We are gathering at this memorial first used over one hundred years ago, 100 years on we come together again to honour the men and women who have served our country with valour and bravery and in other wars and conflicts since.”

As the parade marched off, the people of Stamford showed their heartfelt appreciation with truly enthusiastic applause. In addition to the parade in Stamford, personnel from RAF Wittering marked Remembrance day in Leicester and Peterborough. Officers from the Station placed wreaths at services in many of the surrounding towns and villages, including Wittering village itself.

A4 Force Elements Commander, Group Captain Nick Huntley, was the senior officer at the Remembrance parade in Leicester. He said: “All of us feel the weight of history on Remembrance Sunday; whether you are in the armed forces, a veteran, or a civilian. It is precisely because those men and women gave their lives in time of war and conflict, that we can enjoy the liberties we have today.”

Wing Commander Case concluded: “Today we reflected on the sacrifice of all those who have died in the service of their country, and the mark it leaves on those left behind, in order that we enjoy the freedoms we do today.”