A meeting with two World War ll veterans at the Memorial Museum - Daily Express VE Day 2020
Victory in Europe Day 8th May 2020
The country is in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many events that were planned to commemorate and celebrate VE Day had to be cancelled: no street parties, no proud displays by military forces, no 1940’s era dancing; in fact, NO gatherings at all, we had to stay safe distanced apart.
However, that did not stop this country and all its people finding a way to stay in touch with each other, to honour both our living veterans and those who gave their lives for us.
Many streets, all decorated with red, white and blue flags and bunting, held safe distance parties, each family collecting on their doorsteps or in their front gardens. Some played music, danced, drank and ate together, but apart; the camaraderie lived on.
The wonderful technology of the modern day gave us opportunity to hold virtual meetings with veterans and family members who are far away. The Queen spoke to the nation, as her father did 75 years ago. The nation did not forget.
At the RAF Chapel at Biggin Hill, a small group of three gathered, (all keeping the safe distance of 2 metres away from each other), on the green grass in front of the Chapel, near the flagpole.
However, that did not stop this country and all its people finding a way to stay in touch with each other, to honour both our living veterans and those who gave their lives for us.
Many streets, all decorated with red, white and blue flags and bunting, held safe distance parties, each family collecting on their doorsteps or in their front gardens. Some played music, danced, drank and ate together, but apart; the camaraderie lived on.
The wonderful technology of the modern day gave us opportunity to hold virtual meetings with veterans and family members who are far away. The Queen spoke to the nation, as her father did 75 years ago. The nation did not forget.
At the RAF Chapel at Biggin Hill, a small group of three gathered, (all keeping the safe distance of 2 metres away from each other), on the green grass in front of the Chapel, near the flagpole.
VE day bunting fluttered in the breeze on the railings in front of the Gate Guardians, the Spitfire and Hurricane. The sun shone, warming the two motorcyclists and the NHS ambulance and crew who had drawn up and stopped outside the gates, as 11o’clock approached. Katie Edwards, the Museum Director, one of the three present, stepped forward to remind us why we were gathered there and gave the signal.
All fell silent for two minutes of time, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, our own family members, the nations’ forces, all those who worked together to protect our country, our people and those around the world. So many people, so many memories, so small a space in time.
Reverend Alison Newman said a prayer honouring the memory of all who had fallen, followed by one for peace in our time.
All fell silent for two minutes of time, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, our own family members, the nations’ forces, all those who worked together to protect our country, our people and those around the world. So many people, so many memories, so small a space in time.
Reverend Alison Newman said a prayer honouring the memory of all who had fallen, followed by one for peace in our time.
Then, the bell in the Chapel tower rang out, one toll for every name on the reredos in the Chapel;
453 airmen who lost their lives flying in active combat from the Biggin Hill Sector.
A two bell peal sounded from St. Mark’s Church, Biggin Hill;
75 times - a peal for each year since VE Day 1945.
453 airmen who lost their lives flying in active combat from the Biggin Hill Sector.
A two bell peal sounded from St. Mark’s Church, Biggin Hill;
75 times - a peal for each year since VE Day 1945.
As the last chime faded away people departed and the Chapel and Garden were left empty of any physical presence but the memories of those long gone lingered, still remembered in the peace and calm of this iconic place.
We will meet again.
Never forgotten, always remembered, forever honoured.
Margaret Wilmot,
Secretary Of FoSGC and Chapel Assistant to Reverend Alison Newman
We will meet again.
Never forgotten, always remembered, forever honoured.
Margaret Wilmot,
Secretary Of FoSGC and Chapel Assistant to Reverend Alison Newman
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The Marksman -Spitfire Mark 5
This year May 2020, Marks and Spencer have produced a commemorative tin of shortbread….. and it brings to mind the question…. Why?
Here is the story.
In 1941, the workforce at Marks and Spencer Ltd., (as it was then) was mostly made up of wives and mothers of British servicemen engaged in the fighting at home and abroad.
They decided to do their bit for the ‘boys’ and proceeded to raise through personal donations the grand sum of £5,000, enough to buy a Spitfire Mark5.
The Spitfire was constructed by Vickers Armstrong and aptly named, ‘Marksman’.
It was handed to the RAF on 6th May 1941. On 1st June 1941, it joined B Flight of 609 ‘West Riding’ Squadron at Biggin Hill RAF Station.
Sergeant Pilot ‘Tommy’ Riegler engaged in fierce fighting above the beaches of Dunkirk flying the 'Marksman' Mk. 5 Spitfire. He shot down and destroyed 3 enemy aircraft at 20,000ft above the French town. He was awarded the ‘Distinguished Flying Medal’ and ‘Distinguished Flying Cross’.
Tommy Riegler survived the war and retired holding the rank of Squadron Leader.
October 1941 saw the 'Marksman' transferred to 411 ‘Grizzly Bear’ Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), flying from RAF Digby in Lincolnshire and later, RAF Southend. It mainly flew convoy protection patrols over the English Channel.
In March 1942, whilst being flown by 21year old Canadian Pilot Officer John Sills, the 'Marksman' was attacked by enemy fighters. The Spitfire was shot down and sadly John Sills was killed in action.
He is interred in the military section of Pihen-les-Guines cemetery, near Calais.
Here is the story.
In 1941, the workforce at Marks and Spencer Ltd., (as it was then) was mostly made up of wives and mothers of British servicemen engaged in the fighting at home and abroad.
They decided to do their bit for the ‘boys’ and proceeded to raise through personal donations the grand sum of £5,000, enough to buy a Spitfire Mark5.
The Spitfire was constructed by Vickers Armstrong and aptly named, ‘Marksman’.
It was handed to the RAF on 6th May 1941. On 1st June 1941, it joined B Flight of 609 ‘West Riding’ Squadron at Biggin Hill RAF Station.
Sergeant Pilot ‘Tommy’ Riegler engaged in fierce fighting above the beaches of Dunkirk flying the 'Marksman' Mk. 5 Spitfire. He shot down and destroyed 3 enemy aircraft at 20,000ft above the French town. He was awarded the ‘Distinguished Flying Medal’ and ‘Distinguished Flying Cross’.
Tommy Riegler survived the war and retired holding the rank of Squadron Leader.
October 1941 saw the 'Marksman' transferred to 411 ‘Grizzly Bear’ Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), flying from RAF Digby in Lincolnshire and later, RAF Southend. It mainly flew convoy protection patrols over the English Channel.
In March 1942, whilst being flown by 21year old Canadian Pilot Officer John Sills, the 'Marksman' was attacked by enemy fighters. The Spitfire was shot down and sadly John Sills was killed in action.
He is interred in the military section of Pihen-les-Guines cemetery, near Calais.
