
Before the Ceremony

Before the Ceremony

The crowds gather

Parade of Colours	FONFA Flypast by Red Arrows (Bournemouth Echo photograph)

Major Powell US Army and Betty Hockey

Bye Gone days Ibsley 2004

Display stand showing the History of Winkton Advanced Landing Ground and RAF Sopley

This year we collaborated with Alan Brown to produce information boards on the events on D Day at our New Forest Airfields. Events at RAF Ibsley were detailed in a separate excellent exhibition by the RAF Ibsley Historical Society

The service opened with a parade of standards by ex-servicemen's organisations. Guests included Councillor David Scott, the Deputy Chairman of New Forest District Council, The Mayor of Christchurch Councillor Josephine Spencer, Desmond Swayne MP. Christopher Chope MP, Sqdn Ldr Beasley from RAF Odiham and Lt Col Frank Tipton of the US Army.

An introduction was made by Les White, the chairman of the Friends of the New Forest Airfields who also spoke on the theme of the service, the New Forest Airfields at Peace. Councillor David Scott then spoke on the legacy of the New Forest Airfields.


Councillor David Scott	Canon Ray Hubble

The Chaplain's address was given by The Reverend Canon Group Captain Raymond C. Hubble RAF (Rtd).

"Today...... Sixty years after the close of the Second World War we remember with thanks the Victory achieved and not least the devotion to duty and in some cases the sacrifice of those who flew from these airfields. For this was a victory unlike any before. It was not just a victory for Britain, it was a victory for the values of the human spirit for which the entire free world stands. It was not merely, in Winston Churchill's immortal words, "That those Airmen undaunted by odds, unwearied in their mortal danger, turned the tide of the world war by their prowess and devotion". It was all that and more.

Again epitomising the words of Sir Winston and clearly demonstrated in the role of RAF Transport Command, notably at Holmsley South and Stoney Cross in its humanitarian roles of returning Prisoners of War; opening up new Air Routes and bringing succour not only to the occupied countries but to Germany itself.....................

As we engage in this Act of Remembrance we are not unmindful of those following the end of hostilities who carried on the routine tasks of these Airfields until their closure. And so, for all this and in deep gratitude for the rich heritage which the sacrifice of others has made possible...We give thanks."

There then followed a short act of Rememberance, for those from these Airfields who died in the cause of freedom and whose memory we treasure.

The Last Post was sounded, followed by one minutes silence and then Reveille. Following the reading of the Lords Prayer and the singing of the British National Anthem, Canon Hubble gave a blessing.

Go forth into the world in peace, be of good courage; hold fast that which is good, render to no man evil for evil, Strengthen the fainthearted: support the weak, help the afflicted; honour all men, love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be upon you and those whom you love, always. Amen.





With the New Forest Airfields Memorial enclosure now hosting an American War Memorial to the pilots of the 404th Fighter Group, we have initiated observance of the US Memorial Day each May. The event does not include a religious service as in the USA it is a day for families to remember those who died in the service of the USA. Americans visit memorials and cemeteries to remember the sacrifice of members of their families and their nation and to lay tributes. Old Glory is flown at half mast until noon and at three pm a bugler plays the US bugle call "Taps". Being a British bank holiday we had some difficulty finding our "usual" buglers as they were away on holiday. Following a press appeal we had a volunteer ex RN bugler agree to play TAPS but he had some difficulty playing it on a British Bugle. However his grandson, a cornet player in his school band, had learnt it by listening to his grandfather and he played TAPS for us whilst his grandfather held the music.

The memorial enclosure was available to those who wished to observe the 2 minutes silence. Some of the trustees were in attendance in the morning on each day.


Friday November 11th 2005 shortly after 11:00 am, the tributes have been laid at the New Forest Airfields Memorial

404th Fighter Group Wreath	Friends of the New Forest Airfields Wreath	418 Squadron RCAF wreath

404th Fighter Group Memorial Plaque






With the New Forest Airfields Memorial enclosure now hosting an American War Memorial to the pilots of the 404th Fighter Group, we have initiated observance of the US Memorial Day each May. The event does not include a religious service as in the USA it is a day for families to remember those who died in the service of the USA. Americans visit memorials and cemeteries to remember the sacrifice of members of their families and their nation and to lay tributes. Old Glory is flown at half mast until noon and at three pm a bugler plays the US bugle call "Taps".

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