Cremona, Italy - November 2025
For the sixth consecutive year, Marco Baratto, member of the Royal British Legion National Memorial Arboretum Branch and in collaboration with the Municipality of Cremona, has organised the ceremony in remembrance of the British fallen of the First World War.
Over the years, this initiative has gained ever-greater significance for the local community, becoming a moment of shared memory dedicated to the Commonwealth soldiers who, far from home, sacrificed their lives on the battlefields of Europe.
The ceremony aims to honour their courage, sense of duty and commitment to defending peace—values that remain a vital reference point for future generations.
The act of remembrance at the graves and symbolic sites was accompanied by solemn moments and reflections on the meaning of the Remembrance tradition, which each November invites citizens and institutions worldwide not to forget the cost of war.
Thanks to the ongoing work of Marco Baratto and the Royal British Legion, Cremona has embraced this gesture of respect, making it a recognised and well-attended annual event.
Special thanks go to the Municipality of Cremona for its consistent institutional presence and sensitivity. The local administration has also confirmed that the appointment following Remembrance Sunday will become a permanent fixture in the city’s calendar, guaranteeing its support for future editions. This decision highlights the importance placed on historical memory and international dialogue—elements that enrich civic life and strengthen the sense of community.
The joint commitment of the Royal British Legion and the Municipality of Cremona stands as a tangible sign of respect for the past and responsibility towards the future, ensuring that the sacrifice of the fallen is never forgotten.
It is a great privilege for me to organise commemorative events in the places where British soldiers
are buried in northern Italy. I do this for two reasons. The first is that the Allies and the British gave
my country its freedom, a gesture that is not sufficiently remembered in Italian historical narratives based
on a “self-liberation” that never really existed. The second is to express my gratitude for the civility,
fairness and generosity with which my grandfather, a POW, was treated by Her Majesty's army. He always
remembered the humane treatment he received and the recognition of his dignity as a soldier.
By doing what I do, I also feel that I serve as an “honorary citizen” of Her Majesty and the United Kingdom.
Best Regards
Marco
Pedal to Paris 2024
Following a busy time on return to the UK from the Pedal to Paris, I have finally managed time to tell
you all how it went and my plans for next year.
I signed up for the 2025 Pedal to Paris. The ride was nearly 300 miles over four days from London to
Paris and in aid of our parent charity the Royal British Legion. I had an aim to raise about £3,000, as I
felt it might not be achievable to match my efforts in 2024 when I raised £8,250.
The weather was awful in the UK, with torrential rain from the start to Ashford, but we did dry out
before boarding the ferry in Dover. Whilst it was a bit windy, giving us some challenging conditions,
we were blessed with beautiful sunshine from Calais to Paris.
The camaraderie was amazing again this year as we carried out our remembrance services in all the
towns we started and finished each stage in.
I am pleased to announce the ride was a huge success and the 130 riders raised nearly £300,000. I
personally exceeded both my target and last year’s total, raising £8,360. A huge thank you to all
those that sponsored me. I was the top individual fundraiser again which meant I got to lead the
peloton into Paris, up the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe which was a huge honour.
To my total surprise, I was also asked to lead the parade carrying the wreath, which I presented to
the Military attaché and the Director General of the RBL to lay at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This was very humbling, emotional and technically challenging! Marching on cobbles in cycling
shoes after a couple of beers is not the easiest thing I have ever done!
Safe to say the experience has left me yearning to do it all again. I have signed up, and want to
try and beat my fundraising in 2026. In order to do this I am intending to do a number of challenges
over the year, should everything work out, including the Poppy Ride Shropshire, Pedal the Somme
and I am considering pedalling to Paris from the midlands making it 500 miles, possibly starting from
the Arboretum or another RBL location.
If anyone has any crazy ideas of how I can break this years total let me know, and if you want to
support me with a donation I would be very grateful. Here is the link to my fundraising page to
donate or just follow progress: https://royalbritishlegion.enthuse.com/pf/Andy-Ansell-cycling-challenges-2026-including-the-30th-Pedal-to-Paris
By Branch Member Andy Ansell
Service of Remembrance for soldiers of Jewish faith
On Sunday 28th September, a ceremony was held at the Commonwealth Cemetery in Milan, to honour the memory of the two Jewish soldiers buried there.
Organised by Marco Baratto, a member of the Royal British Legion - National Memorial Arboretum Branch, the event was attended by local dignitaries and religious representatives.
At the close of the commemoration, Rabbi David Sciunnach, of the Jewish community of Milan, delivered a thoughtful speech.
The organisers intend for this event to become an annual occasion.
By Branch Member Marco Baratto, September 2025
Service of Remembrance for soldiers of Muslim faith
A solemn ceremony in memory of the Muslim soldiers who fell fighting under the banner of the Allied Army during the Second World War was held on June 15 at the Trenno War Cemetery in Milan. The initiative, organized by Marco Baratto, member of the Royal British Legion – National Memorial Arboretum Branch, saw the participation of diplomatic and religious authorities, as well as representatives of the Islamic communities present in Italy.
Among the most significant presences, that of the Consul of the Kingdom of Morocco, who with his participation wanted to underline the deep bond between his country and the values of freedom, sacrifice and shared memory. He was joined by numerous representatives of the Albanian Muslim community, witnesses of the gratitude and respect that unites different generations in the memory of those who gave their lives for the liberation of Europe from the yoke of Nazi-fascism.
During the ceremony, Muslim soldiers from various territories of the former British Empire – from the Maghreb to South Asia – were remembered. Although often far from European logic and events, they chose (or were called) to fight for the cause of freedom and justice. Their sacrifice, too often forgotten in history books, has today been reaffirmed as an essential part of European collective memory.
On behalf of the Royal British Legion – National Memorial Arboretum Branch, Marco Baratto said:
"This moment of recollection is a tangible sign of our commitment to an inclusive historical memory, which recognizes the fundamental contribution of all peoples and religions who fought for freedom. Remembering the fallen Muslims also means fighting every form of oblivion, stereotype or discrimination, rediscovering the role of minorities in building our peace."
The most touching moment of the commemoration was undoubtedly the prayer led by Imam Youssef Zahir, who raised words of peace and mercy in Arabic, invoking eternal rest for the souls of the deceased and harmonious coexistence between peoples. The Imam underlined the importance of interreligious dialogue and mutual respect as the foundation for building a more just Europe, aware of its multicultural past.
"In the memory of our fallen brothers" - said Imam Zahir - "we find the inspiration for a society that knows how to take on the pain and value of every single human life. Their sacrifice is a bridge between peoples, faiths and nations."
The Trenno War Cemetery was chosen as the symbolic place for this commemoration precisely because of the high historical and moral value it represents. Today's event is part of a broader path of valorisation of shared memory, promoted by the Royal British Legion through Marco Baratto
The ceremony ended with a moment of silence and reflection
With this event, Milan wanted to pay homage not only to the fallen, but also to the values of solidarity, respect and unity that must continue to guide our present and our future.
By Branch Member Marco Baratto - June 2025
Remembrance Sunday at the NMA
On Sunday 10th November 2024, the NMA hosted a national service of Remembrance.
Our Chairman, Tony Matthews MBE, delivered the Kohima Epitaph on behalf of the NMA Branch of the Royal British Legion.
Tony received his MBE as part of the King's Birthday Honours this year and the award was presented by HRH The Princess Royal at Windsor a few days prior to Remembrance. This was one of Tony's first public engagements "properly dressed"!
By Darren Cockcroft - November 2024
UK & Commonwealth Service of Remembrance - Lidzbark Warmiński, Poland
On Tuesday 5th November a service of Remembrance was held to remember all those of the Commonwealth of Nations who gave their lives at sea, on land and in the air in two world wars. We also remembered the brave people of the Polish Armed Forces who fought and died here on their soil and abroad alongside their comrades from the Commonwealth.
By Branch Member Trev Hill
80th Anniversary of the Breaking of the Gothic Line at Coriano Ridge
Branch Member Marco Baratto has created this video of the 80th Anniversary celebrations and commemoration of the Breaking of the Gothic Line at Coriano Ridge, Italy, in September 1944.
After a paralyzing bombardment from 700 artillery pieces and bombers, the Canadian 5th Armoured Division and the British 1st Armoured Division launched their attack on the night of 12 September. The Coriano positions were finally taken on 14 September. Once again, the way was open to Rimini.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGhjyI1NT7I&t=1s
By Branch Member Marco Baratto - September 2024
The Pyrenees Escape
"In September 2024 I completed the Pyrenees Escape, following in the footsteps of Flt Sgt "Chalky" White. (Nigel Cairns)
Chalky was a Spitfire pilot with the RNZAF who was shot down over northern Normandy. Chalky escaped by crossing France from North to South, over the Pyrenees to the British Consulate in Barcelona, finally being repatriated from Gibraltar. You can read more about Chalky and his remarkable journey in this very thorough article - The breathtaking story of a war escape from Occupied France in WW2 (trekpyrenees.com)
Nigel Cairns is a proud Member of the NMA Branch, completing this arduous act of Remembrance, laying a Poppy cross at the border between France and "neutral" Spain. Nigel is raising funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, who the RBL work alongside to support our Armed Forces community. If you would like to donate in memory of Chalky, and in support of Nigel's achievement, please follow the link -
Our fundraising from this challenge is now closed.
I raised £4,789.
Team Mad Mules topped this up to £7,379.
Thank you for sponsoring me, the Team and donating to the Army Benevolent Fund who are there for soldiers for life.
By Branch Member Nigel Cairns and Darren Cockcroft - October 2024
"On Friday the 19th in Voghera, a few kilometres from Pavia, in the presence of sixty pupils from the town's schools, Member of Parliament Alessandro Cattaneo, the Mayor of Voghera, the Chaplain of the Church of England in Milan, and a representative of the British Army, I organised the commemoration of the British soldiers of the First World War. School children sang the English anthem and made plastic poppy wreaths".
By Branch Member Marco Baratto - January 2024
"I got there early and filed in smoothly. It was a friendly atmosphere with tri-service veterans chatting with strangers and friends alike.
The Riders Branch were very hospitable!
I hear there were 10,000 of us on parade.
It was a wonderful atmosphere.
I am glad and proud to have been part of something so special.
We must continue these ceremonies of Remembrance to make us prevent wars and be prepared to defend ourselves if necessary."
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.
By Branch Member Nigel Cairns - November 2023
"Here are photos of the Cremona Commemoration at the Municipal Cemetery in the British soldiers' section.
Together with the Military Attaché at the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Italy".
By Branch Member Marco Baratto - November 2023
