Remembrance Day 2012

Dear All,

This was the 10th successive year a contingent of the RAF Police Assoication marched on the Cenotaph Parade. It was a brilliantly sunny autumn day when we gathered on Horse Guards Parade, where a smiling (not laughing) Stew McArdle took the roll call. In addition to Bobbi and Maggie taking photos, we had our new professional photographer, Jim Spiers, an Associate member of the South Downs Branch.

There were just 4 of us present who had marched each year since we started in 2003. These were George Brookes, Jeremy Fenton, Marty Uden and John Walton.

Once again we were led through Horse Guards Arch and on to Whitehall by former Provost Marshal and Association Vice President, retired Group Captain Ted Scaplehorn OBE and our Association Chairman Mr Ted Hellewell. They were "escorted" by retired Group Captains John Rose OBE and David Stanley.

Behind our leaders came Dennis Cothay, pushed this year in his wheelchair by FS Andy Mitchell.

As ever, our regular Right Marker Brian Burgess kept an eye on things from his considerable height. Our Left marker and TV target George Brookes sadly this year was not apparently in focus. But we don't blame George for the very poor BBC coverage of the event.

Our wreath carriers were George Robertson, Mick Griffin and Barry Swallow. After they had handed over the wreaths, we "eyes left" to the Cenotaph. We marched the rest of the way along Whitehall, then 2 right turns and very smartly "eyes right" to Prince Edward. Throughout the march past we were under the active control of FS Max Tate and Sgt John Cahill. Sadly this was Max's last appearance in uniform, but he will attend as an Association member in future just as Bill Veazey did for the first time this year.

After the National Anthem, we all gathered with wives, partners, relatives and friends in the basement bar of the Silver Cross pub. There we enjoyed plenty of excellent food and drink and best of all good company, including the Provost Marshal, Group Captain Mark Sexton.

A collection was taken for the staff of the Silver Cross and a rough quick count showed the excellent amount of £76.00!!

Another anniversary and great occasion in the Association calendar. We thank everyone for attending and in particular we thank the Provost Marshal for allowing our serving colleagues to join us again.

Regards

John Walton

pictures from John Walton

Pictures from Maggie Brookes

Pictures from Bobbi

Pictures from Stewart McArdle

Pictures from Jim Spiers updated 18 Dec 12

Picture and report from Lincoln

Pictures from the Remembrance Sunday Parade held in St.Giles Oxford.

Pictures from John Reid in France

Pictures from Martin Bound in Australia