The unveiling of The Runnymede Memorial

As we are fast approaching Remembrance Sunday I thought I'd post the Order of Ceremony for the unveiling of the Runnymede Memorial. The copies are taken from the original Order of Ceremony belonging to my late mother, along with mum and grandmother I attend the Ceremony, at the time I was 12 years old.

The aerial photo was taken on the day of the service.

 

Peter,

Were you also there in 2003 for the rededication?




Owen, my wife and I were indeed at the rededication ceremony, I was invited by the CWGC. In fact I shook hands and chatted with the Queen and read a prayer for the victims of war in front of her Majesty, a very emotional time. (see photo)

At the following reception I was in the company of Squadron Leader Terence Malcolm Bulloch DSO* DFC*. Bulloch was my fathers flight commander on 120 Squadron at the time of my fathers loss.

All in all a very moving day of which I was proud to be part of.

 

You may be interested to know - if you don't already - that the British Pathe newsreel of the opening ceremony is available on line at

QUEEN HONOURS AIR FORCE DEAD - British Pathe

I am the schoolboy wearing my father's campaign medals in the shot about 23 seconds in, I was 10 years old. My two seconds of fame. This newsreel was shown in my local cinema a week or two after the ceremony. The main feature was the Hollywood epic 'Quo Vadis' I believe. I just found this newsreel yesterday, it is the first time I have seen it since then. You can buy the video for £30.

 

Helo Dai and welcome to the forum. Thanks for sharing the video-I'm sure some of the RAF chaps will be interested in it.

Cheers
Andy

 

Hi Dai,

Welcome to the forum.

I was at the opening ceremony with my mother and grandmother, if I recall right it was a very dull and damp day but a day I will never forget.

Regards
Peter