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D-DAY SERVICE AT THE RAF HARWELL MEMORIAL STONE 7th JUNE 2025

This years’ Commemoration was supported in good numbers, despite the poor weather forecast. Fortunately, the rain stopped and the skies cleared just for the duration of the Service.

The event was jointly organised by the Harwell Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Natalie Gelder of Harwell Campus with the support of Harwell and Chilton Churches.

The attendees were welcomed by Group Captain David Drew, President of Berkshire and the Vale County RBL. The Guest of Honour was Major Jim Sibbald, National Trustee of the RBL. He explained the significance of the site and commemoration, and the new artwork which had been unveiled during the previous week.

A total of 40 wreaths were laid by a wide range of organisations: The wreath laying was led by the Guest of Honour, followed by Chilton Parish Council, Vale of the White Horse District Council, Didcot, Wantage and Abingdon Town Mayors, and Councillors from Harwell and Grove. The Armed Forces were represented by Officers from 4 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps from Dalton Barracks, 11 Explosive Ordinance Disposal Regiment from Vauxhall Barracks, and RAF Benson.

Wreaths were also laid by many Veterans organisations from across Oxfordshire and Berkshire, as well as representatives from Campus businesses and other local organisations, concluded by Chilton School pupils who laid Poppies and Crosses.

A joint Guard of Honour was formed by the Didcot Detachment Army Cadet Force, and the Wantage and Didcot Squadrons of the Air Training Corps. Standards were not paraded due to the weather conditions, so the Standard Bearers formed part of the Guard of Honour.

The Parade was marshalled by Angela Logue of Newbury Branch and Berkshire County RBL. The Service was conducted by Rev. Jeremy Parsons, and The Last Post was sounded by Richard Selvidge of the Wantage Silver Band.

Poppy Appeal collection buckets and a card reader were circulated during the event and raised £115, with thanks to Hazel Benton for her efforts.

Thanks are also due to Natalie Gelder of Harwell Campus for the site preparation and management, printing a significant number of service sheets and granting permission and access to hold the event, and to Alan Proctor (and team) for managing the car parking and event security, also St. John Ambulance for providing first aid cover.