An event remembering the original Chapel, 80 years on
Commandant (Squadron Leader) René Mouchotte DFC
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On Saturday 26th August, Jan Leeming, well known to many TV viewers, gave a very interesting talk and presentation about how she researched the pilot of the Free French Airforce, Commandant René Mouchotte DFC on having agreed to sponsor his name on the Foxley-Norris Wall at Capel Le Ferne. She shined as the professional she is and was, as a newsreporter with the BBC. Everyone was listening to every word, you could have heard a pin drop. It was because of her enthusiasm that René's diary has been reprinted in a book titled 'Free French Spitfire Hero'. His diary is very personal and fascinating to read. It draws the reader in to his world, wanting to find out what happens next. While many wrote accounts of their wartime experience after the war, he wrote during it.
On Sunday, the next day, there was a Memorial Service held for René, 80 years to the day he died.
It was lead by the Chaplain to the Chapel, Reverend Alison Newman who explained how René and others were the inspiration for the original Memorial Chapel created in 1943. The organist Eric Johnstone played superbly, on the organ and the piano. There were hymns and finally a rousing rendition of the Marseillaise sung by all in French. The French Air Attaché Colonel Xavier Rival and a colleague, Colonel Raphael Deflaux (both looking resplendent in their French Air Force uniforms), attended. Colonel Rival gave a eulogy. The London Borough of Bromley Mayor Mike Botting and Mayoress Kim Botting added gravitas to the special occasion and service.
Cadets from 2427( Biggin Hill) Squadron Air Training Corps formed a welcome party at the Chapel entrance and paraded their banner in the service. Wing Commander Andy Simpson RAFVR (Ret'd), a previous Commanding Officer of Biggin Hill Squadron and present Trustee at Capel Le Ferne Memorial, also attended.
Most people took their copy of the service away, which doesn't usually happen! There are just a few remaining so if you would like a copy of this unique booklet, please send your request and postal address to margaret.wilmot207mw@gmail.com and pay £5 to the The Friends of St George's Chapel : Acc. 43927353, Sort code 23-05-80 . This will go to funding more special services.
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You can view the service ...........click here →
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After the Memorial Service
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Colonel Rival and Jan Leeming
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Col Xavier Rival Jan Leeming Col Raphael Deflaux
Len Alfiere RAF Regiment Veteran, Col Rival, J Leeming
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Wg Cdr Andy Simpson and Colonel Rival pointing to
René's name on the reredos. 
After the presentation in the Chapel
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Cols Deflaux, Rival, Jan, Air Cdre Bell and Mayor Botting
