RNAS Yeovilton's Act Of Remembrance
FLYPAST over the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church as a mark of respect to all who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Service.
Today in the Royal Naval Cemetery of the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church, St Bartholomew’s in Yeovilton village, Somerset, Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton held their annual Act of Remembrance.
This year marks 100 since World War 1 during which the Royal Naval Air Service lost 896 of its personnel. Their average age at time of death 24, a third under 21, the youngest just 17!
More than 1000 people were in the congregation to remember our Armed Forces that lost their lives in the line of duty. Those in attendance included serving members of the Royal Navy (including Royal Marines), the Army Air Corps and Royal Electrical and MechanicalEngineers from the Air Station along with civilians, contractors, veterans and families.
The ceremony holds an extra significance for the Royal Navy; in addition to Armistice Day, the 11th November marks the Anniversary of the Battle of Taranto, the famous World War II decimation of the Italian Fleet inflicted by the Royal Navy and specifically the Fleet Air Arm’s Swordfish aircraft
Over 100 children and teachers from local schools: Preston C of E Primary School, Ilchester Primary and Stanchester Academy and Preston Secondary joined the congregation to honour the fallen members of our Armed Forces.
The service was led by RNAS Yeoviltons Chaplaincy Team with the Chaplain of the Fleet, the Venerable Martyn Gough Royal Navy who delivered a reflection on remembrance.
Following prayers and the reading of The Roll of Honour, the two minutes’ silence was initiated by a bugler sounding the Last Post from the top of the church tower. The ceremony concluded with the Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton, Commodore Nick Tindal laying a wreath on behalf of all at Yeovilton and a flypast of the Royal Navy’s newest helicopter from the Wildcat Maritime Force and a Wildcat from 1 Regiment Army Air Corps, a tribute to those personnel who have given their lives in service..
Lest We Forget …
#ThankYou100