Historic flying aircraft will this year thrill the audience at the Museum’s annual spectacle – the 30th annual Allied Air Forces Memorial Day on Sunday, 7th September. Some 200 members of Service Associations from across the world will be Parading, with some 23 Standards being presented. These include the National Standards of the Royal Air Force Association and the Royal Observer Corps Association, plus the Standard of Souvenir Français and other Branch Standards. The Parade will this year be led by the Yorkshire Royal British Legion Marching Band and Corps of Drums, which will provide a magnificent sense of occasion. The Band will provide the music to accompany the hymns and anthem’s during the Drum Head Service, which this year Commemorates some significant anniversaries: WWI Centenary; 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain; 70th Anniversary of the French Squadron’s returning to liberated France.
A huge range of veterans, civic, diplomatic and miltary special guests will join us for this unique occasion. The formal Salute will take place following the Sunset Ceremony. In addition, Defence / Air Attachés from countries including France; Netherlands; Australia; New Zealand; Canada, the United States of America and many others are expected to attend giving a truly international flavour to this poignant occasion. Local RAF stations will also be represented.
During the day, the Museum will be running a number of our live aircraft for visitors to enjoy. These include the morning, the WWI Eastchurch Kitten and Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a bi-plane fighters, plus the mighty Nimrod MR2 XV250 Douglas DC3 Dakota and Sea Devon. This will be a grand spectacle for our guests and visitors to enjoy before the formalities of the Commemoration Service begin.
Our Honorary Chaplain, the Revd. Charles “Taff” Morgan, himself a former RAF Tornado Navigator will officiate the proceedings.
The Service takes place in the Canadian Memorial Hangar, under the impressive background of our magnificent Halifax Bomber and, although seating will be reserved for guests and Parade Participants, the remaining seats and any standing room will allow for our many visitors to enjoy the occasion with us. FURTHER DETAILS OF PARTICIPATING AIRCRAFT AND GUESTS TO FOLLOW
I live in South Australia and have recently read the book “Home is the Halifax”. I leave home shortly for a visit to the UK with a visit to York which purely by chance coincides with the Memorial Day on 7th September.
Can you please advise if I require to book beforehand as I can imagine there will be many attending.
My late Father served in the RAAF as a pilot attached to RAF Bomber Command 1941 to 1945.
Thanking you.
Best wishes for a successful day
Ian Tonkin