26 O.T.U. Wing Airfield Memorial Progress Diary
17th November 2021
Bucks Herald RAF Wing Parade
Photo - Kindly Supplied By Charlie White Aircrew Remembrance Society.
Bucks Herald RAF Wing Parade
Photo - Kindly Supplied By Charlie White Aircrew Remembrance Society.
8th November 2021
Wing Memorial Corner Then and Now (By Charlie White)
Wing Memorial Corner Then and Now (By Charlie White)
8th November 2021
It was a great honour yesterday to welcome the A.T.C. back to Wing airfield to host a memorial remembrance parade held by Officers, Warrant Officers, SNCOs and cadets of the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Wing. It was also a great honour for me to be invited to inspect the parade which I gratefully accepted.
Following the remembrance service the cadets were kind enough to assist us in recreating a parade scene that took place on the 27th November 1943 at the same memorial location, to enable us to create a then and now comparison.
Tony and Charlie White were also on hand to again take drone footage of the event and to capture an accurate comparison for our then and now compilation which will be posted soon.
Additional photos and drone footage will also be added soon.
It was a great honour yesterday to welcome the A.T.C. back to Wing airfield to host a memorial remembrance parade held by Officers, Warrant Officers, SNCOs and cadets of the Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Wing. It was also a great honour for me to be invited to inspect the parade which I gratefully accepted.
Following the remembrance service the cadets were kind enough to assist us in recreating a parade scene that took place on the 27th November 1943 at the same memorial location, to enable us to create a then and now comparison.
Tony and Charlie White were also on hand to again take drone footage of the event and to capture an accurate comparison for our then and now compilation which will be posted soon.
Additional photos and drone footage will also be added soon.
8th November 2021
RAF Wing Memorial - Overstone Combined School unveils the first phase of its new display to honour and remember all those who served at RAF Wing.
Thanks to Headteacher Mrs Kirsty Eales and Senior Leadership Team member Mrs Fi Willett for their work to undertake a series of initiatives for the children and families.
In their new display are airforce flags that were presented to the school in person by Wing Commander Steve Thornley of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and sent directly from Canada by Major Fred Paradie of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force flew under the RAF ensign during the time RAF Wing was operational, and so the RAF are sending across their ensign shortly to complete the school display for the main nations present.
Also showing are donated displays of relics from the airfield, including an RAF tunic button and parts of Wellington bomber from a crash site, and inert .303 rounds (safety checked by an armament specialist) from the Vickers Wellington front and rear gun turrets. A copy of the book Wing Over Wing rests on the table - Author Michael Warth was a Deputy Head Teacher there.
A wreath was also provided by the school for laying during yesterday’s RAF remembrance parade.
When the memorial was unveiled in June, the school issued this statement:
“As the Lead School, we recognise the importance of a Memorial for those who sacrificed so much, to protect our freedom.
We are forever in their debt and it is therefore important for the children at Overstone Combined School be involved with this collaboration, to commemorate the history of the former RAF Wing Airfield. Some of our children will have had members of their family who would have worked at the airfield.
Approximately 200 aircrew from ‘26 OTU’ lost their lives, and many ground personnel perished or were seriously injured. There was reported to be one fatality at RAF Wing for every 10 hours flown. The local area is strewn with aircraft crash sites, including aircraft that were visiting or making emergency landings.
RAF Wing had more than 2,500 people working there and was like a small city when compared to Wing village. The personnel came from every corner of the Commonwealth, with the majority being from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Our aim at School will be to work to create a permanent display within school about the airfield, and will look at recording past school members who served there, supported with images and material supplied by the Aircrew Remembrance Society and Nick Ellins. Once the children know more about the airfield and the memorial work, we will undertake a project with their parents and extended family (i.e. grandparents, great grandparents, relatives) to ask for their experiences and thoughts regarding the Second World War and gather any memories and pictures of Wing airfield
As part of the School’s history, we have a link with Sgt Eric George Rushall Taylor, who was stationed at RAF Wing during the war. He loved the area so much that after the war he moved to Wing, and he became the Headmaster of what was then known as, Wing Country Primary School. His wife Marion was a teacher at the school, and still resides in Wing village today, aged 92. A number of the members of the group involved in bringing the memorial about, have children at Overstone school or work there. We believe the memorial work will reveal a number of other families connected with the school that also had relatives who served at RAF Wing.
This partnership seeks to engage Wing school children in the community effort, promoting an understanding of their own local surroundings for the future, engaging their families, building community pride and awareness and educating them as to the rich history of the airfield and the thousands of people who served there. As a school (post pandemic) we will visit the memorial and leading up to Remembrance Sunday, will organise the children to undertake relevant remembrance projects.
As a school, we are thrilled to be involved in this project, and look forward to working with the community to bring about the memorial – a focal point of remembrance and local history for our community.”
RAF Wing Memorial - Overstone Combined School unveils the first phase of its new display to honour and remember all those who served at RAF Wing.
Thanks to Headteacher Mrs Kirsty Eales and Senior Leadership Team member Mrs Fi Willett for their work to undertake a series of initiatives for the children and families.
In their new display are airforce flags that were presented to the school in person by Wing Commander Steve Thornley of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and sent directly from Canada by Major Fred Paradie of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force flew under the RAF ensign during the time RAF Wing was operational, and so the RAF are sending across their ensign shortly to complete the school display for the main nations present.
Also showing are donated displays of relics from the airfield, including an RAF tunic button and parts of Wellington bomber from a crash site, and inert .303 rounds (safety checked by an armament specialist) from the Vickers Wellington front and rear gun turrets. A copy of the book Wing Over Wing rests on the table - Author Michael Warth was a Deputy Head Teacher there.
A wreath was also provided by the school for laying during yesterday’s RAF remembrance parade.
When the memorial was unveiled in June, the school issued this statement:
“As the Lead School, we recognise the importance of a Memorial for those who sacrificed so much, to protect our freedom.
We are forever in their debt and it is therefore important for the children at Overstone Combined School be involved with this collaboration, to commemorate the history of the former RAF Wing Airfield. Some of our children will have had members of their family who would have worked at the airfield.
Approximately 200 aircrew from ‘26 OTU’ lost their lives, and many ground personnel perished or were seriously injured. There was reported to be one fatality at RAF Wing for every 10 hours flown. The local area is strewn with aircraft crash sites, including aircraft that were visiting or making emergency landings.
RAF Wing had more than 2,500 people working there and was like a small city when compared to Wing village. The personnel came from every corner of the Commonwealth, with the majority being from Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Our aim at School will be to work to create a permanent display within school about the airfield, and will look at recording past school members who served there, supported with images and material supplied by the Aircrew Remembrance Society and Nick Ellins. Once the children know more about the airfield and the memorial work, we will undertake a project with their parents and extended family (i.e. grandparents, great grandparents, relatives) to ask for their experiences and thoughts regarding the Second World War and gather any memories and pictures of Wing airfield
As part of the School’s history, we have a link with Sgt Eric George Rushall Taylor, who was stationed at RAF Wing during the war. He loved the area so much that after the war he moved to Wing, and he became the Headmaster of what was then known as, Wing Country Primary School. His wife Marion was a teacher at the school, and still resides in Wing village today, aged 92. A number of the members of the group involved in bringing the memorial about, have children at Overstone school or work there. We believe the memorial work will reveal a number of other families connected with the school that also had relatives who served at RAF Wing.
This partnership seeks to engage Wing school children in the community effort, promoting an understanding of their own local surroundings for the future, engaging their families, building community pride and awareness and educating them as to the rich history of the airfield and the thousands of people who served there. As a school (post pandemic) we will visit the memorial and leading up to Remembrance Sunday, will organise the children to undertake relevant remembrance projects.
As a school, we are thrilled to be involved in this project, and look forward to working with the community to bring about the memorial – a focal point of remembrance and local history for our community.”
8th September 2021
RAF Wing Memorial now a formal visitor attraction for Buckinghamshire and the Chilterns
New airfield Memorial is now included as a recognised visitor attraction within the ‘Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns’ website.
The organisation called ‘Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns’ is…….”the official Destination Management Organisation for the area”.
Their role is……..”to ensure that Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns is a leading destination for tourism, culture and business, and work to boost the visitor economy and support businesses in promoting Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns far and wide as a great destination to visit.”
Our local airfield now sits in the ‘War in Buckinghamshire’ section alongside such important sites as Bletchley Park and Latimer House, Cliveden House and The Trenchard Museum at RAF Halton.
The https://www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/.../the-war-in...
The website tells tourists “Not many know the important role that some of Buckinghamshire's top attractions and accommodations played in World War Two and The Royal Air Force.”
“A new memorial at the old RAF Wing Airfield was unveiled in June 2021 and it's well worth a visit. The airfield at Wing was huge in size, and by 1944 housed 2,500 RAF men and women with 53 Vickers Wellington bombers training under No.26 Operational Training Unit.”
RAF Wing Memorial now a formal visitor attraction for Buckinghamshire and the Chilterns
New airfield Memorial is now included as a recognised visitor attraction within the ‘Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns’ website.
The organisation called ‘Visit Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns’ is…….”the official Destination Management Organisation for the area”.
Their role is……..”to ensure that Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns is a leading destination for tourism, culture and business, and work to boost the visitor economy and support businesses in promoting Buckinghamshire and The Chilterns far and wide as a great destination to visit.”
Our local airfield now sits in the ‘War in Buckinghamshire’ section alongside such important sites as Bletchley Park and Latimer House, Cliveden House and The Trenchard Museum at RAF Halton.
The https://www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/.../the-war-in...
The website tells tourists “Not many know the important role that some of Buckinghamshire's top attractions and accommodations played in World War Two and The Royal Air Force.”
“A new memorial at the old RAF Wing Airfield was unveiled in June 2021 and it's well worth a visit. The airfield at Wing was huge in size, and by 1944 housed 2,500 RAF men and women with 53 Vickers Wellington bombers training under No.26 Operational Training Unit.”
26th June 2021
Memorial unveiling which took place at 11 a.m. Many photos were taken from many sources today and these once sorted will be displayed in a photo gallery as part of the societies Virtual Cenotaph, and Wing Airfield history page that was launched yesterday. As well as considerable photo coverage on the ground like those in Nicks post used to describe the proceedings, and many more that will be posted here by us over the next few days and I am sure by many of those attending, a large amount of drone footage was also taken that has to be edited and links will follow soon. This example is viewable now.
Drone coverage by Charlie White of the long awaited 26 O.T.U. Wing Airfield Memorial unveiling showing David King Chairman of the Aircrew Remembrance Society reading the address at the start of the memorial dedication. Surrounded by Military vehicles organised display positioning curtesy of Chas Jellis and fellow military vehicle owners.
Memorial unveiling which took place at 11 a.m. Many photos were taken from many sources today and these once sorted will be displayed in a photo gallery as part of the societies Virtual Cenotaph, and Wing Airfield history page that was launched yesterday. As well as considerable photo coverage on the ground like those in Nicks post used to describe the proceedings, and many more that will be posted here by us over the next few days and I am sure by many of those attending, a large amount of drone footage was also taken that has to be edited and links will follow soon. This example is viewable now.
Drone coverage by Charlie White of the long awaited 26 O.T.U. Wing Airfield Memorial unveiling showing David King Chairman of the Aircrew Remembrance Society reading the address at the start of the memorial dedication. Surrounded by Military vehicles organised display positioning curtesy of Chas Jellis and fellow military vehicle owners.
25th June 2021
Final touches to the memorial were finished when Alex King fitted the three memorial plaques and information board.
Final touches to the memorial were finished when Alex King fitted the three memorial plaques and information board.
9th June 2021
With the many contrasting colours of the timber used in the fence construction it was decided that the boundary fence should be painted to provide a more uniformed look, black was decided as the best colour for a backdrop to the memorial and shingle. I was happy to donate the paint and was able to paint the fence yesterday the 8th June, also adding reflectors on the approach side to the Memorial.
With the many contrasting colours of the timber used in the fence construction it was decided that the boundary fence should be painted to provide a more uniformed look, black was decided as the best colour for a backdrop to the memorial and shingle. I was happy to donate the paint and was able to paint the fence yesterday the 8th June, also adding reflectors on the approach side to the Memorial.
7th June 2021
Aerial views of the memorial taken by Richard Minney who purchased this flight kindly donated for our fundraiser by Kevin O'Neil (Letsflyright)
Took my flight today from the fundraising offer. Lovely weather for a few passes. Need to go through the other 85 photos, so will add more over the next few days.
Managed to zoom in on the memorial site, though took a bigger lens, so couldn't zoom in much due to the cockpit being snug and the canopy being in the way. The airfield shots are zoomed out more and only to get as much in as possible.
With thanks to Letsflyright for the flight and great evening.
Aerial views of the memorial taken by Richard Minney who purchased this flight kindly donated for our fundraiser by Kevin O'Neil (Letsflyright)
Took my flight today from the fundraising offer. Lovely weather for a few passes. Need to go through the other 85 photos, so will add more over the next few days.
Managed to zoom in on the memorial site, though took a bigger lens, so couldn't zoom in much due to the cockpit being snug and the canopy being in the way. The airfield shots are zoomed out more and only to get as much in as possible.
With thanks to Letsflyright for the flight and great evening.
4th June 2021
With the memorial wall completed yesterday (3rd June) by our builder Simon Clarke, this morning a step further was taken in the now final stages of construction, when Alex and I were at the airfield at 8 a.m. to meet the delivery of the shingle for the memorial base. The base of the boundary fence was completed, membrane installed and the base finished with the levelling of the shingle over the memorial site!
With the memorial wall completed yesterday (3rd June) by our builder Simon Clarke, this morning a step further was taken in the now final stages of construction, when Alex and I were at the airfield at 8 a.m. to meet the delivery of the shingle for the memorial base. The base of the boundary fence was completed, membrane installed and the base finished with the levelling of the shingle over the memorial site!
30th May 2021 (Act of Remembrance)
The first 15 Airmen killed while serving with 26 O.T.U. were remembered today at the Wing Airfield memorial site, on this the 79th Anniversary of the first 1,000 Bomber Raid that took place on the night of 30th/31st May 1942. The 15 names of those who died were read out in their memory, and a minuets silence was held as an act of remembrance.
The 15 Aircrew lost this night were as follows.
Flying Officer WILLIAM ROBERT HUMPHREY WHITING Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant JOHN HARTAS GEORGE GARRICK Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant JAMES MILTON HALL Royal New Zealand Air Force
Sergeant RICHARD CHARLES WILLIAMS Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant ALLEN NORMAN YOUNG Royal New Zealand Air Force
Flight Sergeant EDWIN JOHN FORD Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. D.F.M.
Pilot Officer DOUGLAS CLAUDE AUGUST Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Flight Sergeant FREDERICK FRANK BARKER Royal Air Force
Flight Sergeant JOHN THOMPSON Royal Air Force
Sergeant JOHN JAMES DIXON Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant BRIAN BUCHANAN CAMLIN Royal Air Force
Sergeant DENNIS HOWARD FLETCHER Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Pilot Officer ARTHUR CYRIL WHITE Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant DAVID STANLEY BONNER VINCENT Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant HECTOR LESLIE SMITH Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
We will remember them.
The first 15 Airmen killed while serving with 26 O.T.U. were remembered today at the Wing Airfield memorial site, on this the 79th Anniversary of the first 1,000 Bomber Raid that took place on the night of 30th/31st May 1942. The 15 names of those who died were read out in their memory, and a minuets silence was held as an act of remembrance.
The 15 Aircrew lost this night were as follows.
Flying Officer WILLIAM ROBERT HUMPHREY WHITING Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant JOHN HARTAS GEORGE GARRICK Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant JAMES MILTON HALL Royal New Zealand Air Force
Sergeant RICHARD CHARLES WILLIAMS Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant ALLEN NORMAN YOUNG Royal New Zealand Air Force
Flight Sergeant EDWIN JOHN FORD Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. D.F.M.
Pilot Officer DOUGLAS CLAUDE AUGUST Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Flight Sergeant FREDERICK FRANK BARKER Royal Air Force
Flight Sergeant JOHN THOMPSON Royal Air Force
Sergeant JOHN JAMES DIXON Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant BRIAN BUCHANAN CAMLIN Royal Air Force
Sergeant DENNIS HOWARD FLETCHER Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Pilot Officer ARTHUR CYRIL WHITE Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant DAVID STANLEY BONNER VINCENT Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Sergeant HECTOR LESLIE SMITH Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
We will remember them.
16th May 2021
26 O.T.U. Wing Airfield Memorial (Progress update 16th May 2021)
With our proposed memorial dedication date of 31st May 2021 fast approaching, a meeting was held by the Aircrew Remembrance Society Organisers, Alex King, David King and Nick Ellins, on Friday the 14th, when the feasibility of achieving this proposed date was disused. Recent circumstances including the late arrival of some ordered materials, other materials that have still not arrived to date, along with the recent spell of bad weather that has coincided with days available to carry out voluntary work, has meant that delayed stages that we had hoped to have been completed by now, have overrun into other week-ends that were allocated in our time scale to complete the two other final stages. We have therefore now decided to extend our deadline for the dedication, which will now take place on the 26th June 2021. (Attached are photos of the memorial location taken this morning that also show the resurfaced road section adjacent to the memorial location.)
Our original preferred dedication date that was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first 26 O.T.U. unit losses, that occurred on the night of the first 1,000 bomber raid (30th/31st May 1942) Over this May bank holiday week-end we will still visit the memorial site to mark the 79th Anniversary of this event, in remembrance of the 15 aircrew lost when 4 of the units Wellington aircraft failed to return from this operation.
I am sure you all appreciate the Covid restrictions imposed on us at present, and after step 3 of the government road map that will be introduced tomorrow the 17th May, this still restricts us to only 30 people for an outside gathering, which is the criteria our memorial dedication currently has to follow. This has been a very difficult situation for us as the list of those donating and offering to contribute to the memorial dedication, by providing Vehicles and other related ways of enhancing the day’s proceedings, far outnumbers the current 30 allocation. We are working on ways to cover the dedication to be viewed by as many as possible on the day, live streaming, drone coverage and a second sitting of 30 to view on the day?
Updates regarding progress and attendance availability will be more frequent over the weeks leading up to the 26th, and of course there is the possibility that further people may be able to attend after the government announcement of Step 4 scheduled for the 21st June, but distancing caution and common sense will still prevail.
Statement from government website regarding Step 4.
Social contact
By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.
Business, activities and events
We hope to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3. This will be subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme to test the outcome of certain pilot events through the spring and summer, where we will trial the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection. The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.
As we move through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.
Best regards to all,
David.
26 O.T.U. Wing Airfield Memorial (Progress update 16th May 2021)
With our proposed memorial dedication date of 31st May 2021 fast approaching, a meeting was held by the Aircrew Remembrance Society Organisers, Alex King, David King and Nick Ellins, on Friday the 14th, when the feasibility of achieving this proposed date was disused. Recent circumstances including the late arrival of some ordered materials, other materials that have still not arrived to date, along with the recent spell of bad weather that has coincided with days available to carry out voluntary work, has meant that delayed stages that we had hoped to have been completed by now, have overrun into other week-ends that were allocated in our time scale to complete the two other final stages. We have therefore now decided to extend our deadline for the dedication, which will now take place on the 26th June 2021. (Attached are photos of the memorial location taken this morning that also show the resurfaced road section adjacent to the memorial location.)
Our original preferred dedication date that was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first 26 O.T.U. unit losses, that occurred on the night of the first 1,000 bomber raid (30th/31st May 1942) Over this May bank holiday week-end we will still visit the memorial site to mark the 79th Anniversary of this event, in remembrance of the 15 aircrew lost when 4 of the units Wellington aircraft failed to return from this operation.
I am sure you all appreciate the Covid restrictions imposed on us at present, and after step 3 of the government road map that will be introduced tomorrow the 17th May, this still restricts us to only 30 people for an outside gathering, which is the criteria our memorial dedication currently has to follow. This has been a very difficult situation for us as the list of those donating and offering to contribute to the memorial dedication, by providing Vehicles and other related ways of enhancing the day’s proceedings, far outnumbers the current 30 allocation. We are working on ways to cover the dedication to be viewed by as many as possible on the day, live streaming, drone coverage and a second sitting of 30 to view on the day?
Updates regarding progress and attendance availability will be more frequent over the weeks leading up to the 26th, and of course there is the possibility that further people may be able to attend after the government announcement of Step 4 scheduled for the 21st June, but distancing caution and common sense will still prevail.
Statement from government website regarding Step 4.
Social contact
By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.
Business, activities and events
We hope to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3. This will be subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme to test the outcome of certain pilot events through the spring and summer, where we will trial the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection. The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.
As we move through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.
Best regards to all,
David.
6th May 2021
Wings Over Wing - Possible Limited Edition Reprint.
As a direct result of the increasing local interest created by the Wing airfield memorial, a number of people have advised they would like to get hold of a copy of the now out of print book ‘Wings Over Wing’ by Michael Warth. We know very few ever come up for sale.
Michael has contacted me to say that if there was enough interest, he would be willing to look at the possibility of getting a limited edition reprint of the original book. It would probably need to be a run of no less than 100 copies to be viable.
Wings Over Wing - Possible Limited Edition Reprint.
As a direct result of the increasing local interest created by the Wing airfield memorial, a number of people have advised they would like to get hold of a copy of the now out of print book ‘Wings Over Wing’ by Michael Warth. We know very few ever come up for sale.
Michael has contacted me to say that if there was enough interest, he would be willing to look at the possibility of getting a limited edition reprint of the original book. It would probably need to be a run of no less than 100 copies to be viable.
8th May 2021
The second stage of the memorial construction began yesterday Friday 7th May, when the first courses of bricks were laid. The majority of materials for the build had arrived over a week ago minus the blue coping stones, and had been stored for safe keeping on Andrew Alexander’s farm, however on unpacking the pallets on site it was found that the blue stones for the three base courses was light by 60 bricks, fortunately we were able to source these from Bletchley, and Alex King who was on site with our builder Simon Clarke to supply and source water for the build, was able to collect the missing bricks to enable Simon to begin the memorial construction. Sourcing materials for the project has been difficult as the demand for building materials is very high at the moment, but the coping stones to complete the build have been promised for next week. This top course will be placed on top of a single course of historic bricks salvaged from the remains of former airfield constructions, sourced by Nick Ellins.
The second stage of the memorial construction began yesterday Friday 7th May, when the first courses of bricks were laid. The majority of materials for the build had arrived over a week ago minus the blue coping stones, and had been stored for safe keeping on Andrew Alexander’s farm, however on unpacking the pallets on site it was found that the blue stones for the three base courses was light by 60 bricks, fortunately we were able to source these from Bletchley, and Alex King who was on site with our builder Simon Clarke to supply and source water for the build, was able to collect the missing bricks to enable Simon to begin the memorial construction. Sourcing materials for the project has been difficult as the demand for building materials is very high at the moment, but the coping stones to complete the build have been promised for next week. This top course will be placed on top of a single course of historic bricks salvaged from the remains of former airfield constructions, sourced by Nick Ellins.
2nd May 2021
RAF Wing Memorial - As the foundations have gone in this weekend and the memorial site is prepared, the three plaques to be fitted on to the memorial walls have just arrived.
Constructed from aircraft grade aluminium to keep with the history of the site, we enjoyed a great partnership with the Impressions engraving company, who have manufactured laser etched plaques for a number of Royal visits and important memorial sites.
Thank you to Jason Hardy and all of their factory and design team for their work to deliver exactly to plan, and to manage to embed the new full colour 26 OTU unit badge in to their manufacturing process.
RAF Wing Memorial - As the foundations have gone in this weekend and the memorial site is prepared, the three plaques to be fitted on to the memorial walls have just arrived.
Constructed from aircraft grade aluminium to keep with the history of the site, we enjoyed a great partnership with the Impressions engraving company, who have manufactured laser etched plaques for a number of Royal visits and important memorial sites.
Thank you to Jason Hardy and all of their factory and design team for their work to deliver exactly to plan, and to manage to embed the new full colour 26 OTU unit badge in to their manufacturing process.
1st May 2021.
Wing Memorial corner. Then and Now. 27-11-43. 01-05-21 (6.45 a.m.) 01-05-21 (7.15 p.m.)
After many weeks of planning, fundraising, sourcing materials and equipment, the first major stages of the memorial construction took place yesterday 1st May 2021. In attendance for the construction were Alexander King, Dave Keen and David King. The work carried out included centralising memorial wall locating, creating template for memorial wall foundations, laser levelling for fence and foundation height, excavating site base to determine road edge for gravel boundary, precisely marking out, excavating and constructing memorial wall footings, erecting an eight post, post and rail fence boundary around the memorial and re-landscaping top soil removed from site corner in farmers adjacent field. A very productive thirteen and a half hour day of remembrance.
Wing Memorial corner. Then and Now. 27-11-43. 01-05-21 (6.45 a.m.) 01-05-21 (7.15 p.m.)
After many weeks of planning, fundraising, sourcing materials and equipment, the first major stages of the memorial construction took place yesterday 1st May 2021. In attendance for the construction were Alexander King, Dave Keen and David King. The work carried out included centralising memorial wall locating, creating template for memorial wall foundations, laser levelling for fence and foundation height, excavating site base to determine road edge for gravel boundary, precisely marking out, excavating and constructing memorial wall footings, erecting an eight post, post and rail fence boundary around the memorial and re-landscaping top soil removed from site corner in farmers adjacent field. A very productive thirteen and a half hour day of remembrance.
17th April 2021 Wing Memorial update.
The first of materials required for the construction of the Wing 26 O.T.U. Memorial were collected and delivered to the site today by Alex and David King, in the form of ballast required for the construction of the memorials footings which will take place within the next two weeks.
The first of materials required for the construction of the Wing 26 O.T.U. Memorial were collected and delivered to the site today by Alex and David King, in the form of ballast required for the construction of the memorials footings which will take place within the next two weeks.
14th April 2021
RAF Wing Memorial - More Cublington Crier articles: Operation Exodus
Thanks to Gary Brazier at the Cublington Crier village magazine for publishing the latest in the series of articles about RAF Wing and the impending memorial.
This article is about the mass repatriation of nearly 33,000 allied ex prisoners of war from 21 nations on to the runways of Wing airfield in 1945. One of the plaques on the upcoming airfield memorial will formally commemorate the significant contribution made by No.26 Operational Training Unit to the lives of so many young men and their waiting families.
The men and women of RAF Wing were mentioned in the formal unit records for the compassion and caring approach they provided, as they operated 24/7 for weeks to give all those coming back a homecoming experience and safe passage on to hospital care or further military service.
You can find out more about the Crier magazine, and subscribe to it or advertise in it here https://www.cublington.com/sample-page/the-cublington-crier/
RAF Wing Memorial - More Cublington Crier articles: Operation Exodus
Thanks to Gary Brazier at the Cublington Crier village magazine for publishing the latest in the series of articles about RAF Wing and the impending memorial.
This article is about the mass repatriation of nearly 33,000 allied ex prisoners of war from 21 nations on to the runways of Wing airfield in 1945. One of the plaques on the upcoming airfield memorial will formally commemorate the significant contribution made by No.26 Operational Training Unit to the lives of so many young men and their waiting families.
The men and women of RAF Wing were mentioned in the formal unit records for the compassion and caring approach they provided, as they operated 24/7 for weeks to give all those coming back a homecoming experience and safe passage on to hospital care or further military service.
You can find out more about the Crier magazine, and subscribe to it or advertise in it here https://www.cublington.com/sample-page/the-cublington-crier/
6th April 2021
Leighton Buzzard Observer & RAF Wing - Our sincere thanks go to John Mason, reporter at the LBO, who has taken a great interest in the RAF Wing memorial, promoted the community fundraising effort and told the stories behind those who flew from there.
John has now moved in to a new role with his employers, and he kindly posted a few more articles before he moved on. One of these is attached. Thank you John, it is appreciated.
Leighton Buzzard Observer & RAF Wing - Our sincere thanks go to John Mason, reporter at the LBO, who has taken a great interest in the RAF Wing memorial, promoted the community fundraising effort and told the stories behind those who flew from there.
John has now moved in to a new role with his employers, and he kindly posted a few more articles before he moved on. One of these is attached. Thank you John, it is appreciated.
31st March 2021
Further work behind the scenes in relation to the construction of the memorial, along with online Cenotaph. Correspondence with suppliers for material deals.
Further work behind the scenes in relation to the construction of the memorial, along with online Cenotaph. Correspondence with suppliers for material deals.
19th March 2021
A Badge of Honour - We have been trying to locate an original colour version of the No. 26 Operational Training Unit badge, for the group and community to have access to and use in their own commemorations.
To date, there has only been the black and white image reproduced in the Michael Warth book ‘Wings Over Wing’, and it was hard to make out the detailed image in the centre of the badge. We now know that the original artwork was sent to 26 OTU in 1944, and it believed this was scrapped after the unit was finally closed.
The College of Arms in the City of London kindly researched their archive and were able to tell me that the badge was officially granted to the unit in 1944, and the blazon (the description of the whole badge in heraldic language) is: “On a sun in splendour a hawk jessed rising from a gauntlet holding a hawk's hood.” In essence, the unit badge was of a hunting bird being trained to attack - which of course was the ultimate job of No.26 OTU.
David King of the Aircrew Remembrance Society resolved the original colours and pointed to common features across all the RAF badges.
Step up Nick Haine, amazingly talented graphics designer and artist from the Aitch Em design company in Buckingham. He agreed to rebuild it from scratch, and insisted on donating his efforts and the image as a contribution to the remembrance of the airfield and those who served there.
A combination of the help I received from Nick, plus our main aviation museums and institutions, design input from the Aircrew Remembrance Society and additional composition research and design by Aviation Research, means we now have a beautiful new badge.
I have attached the black and white version and the newly rebuilt version so you can see old and modern. The badge is available for free use in private research and where members of this group or the community wish to use it for family remembrance and any non commercial purposes. Anyone wishing to have a version suitable for printing (I.e. which does not have the small RAF Wing Memorial words included) can just contact me via Direct Message on Facebook and you are most welcome.
A great team effort, but the biggest thank you goes to Nick Haine for a generous and highly talented addition to the RAF Wing memorial effort.
A Badge of Honour - We have been trying to locate an original colour version of the No. 26 Operational Training Unit badge, for the group and community to have access to and use in their own commemorations.
To date, there has only been the black and white image reproduced in the Michael Warth book ‘Wings Over Wing’, and it was hard to make out the detailed image in the centre of the badge. We now know that the original artwork was sent to 26 OTU in 1944, and it believed this was scrapped after the unit was finally closed.
The College of Arms in the City of London kindly researched their archive and were able to tell me that the badge was officially granted to the unit in 1944, and the blazon (the description of the whole badge in heraldic language) is: “On a sun in splendour a hawk jessed rising from a gauntlet holding a hawk's hood.” In essence, the unit badge was of a hunting bird being trained to attack - which of course was the ultimate job of No.26 OTU.
David King of the Aircrew Remembrance Society resolved the original colours and pointed to common features across all the RAF badges.
Step up Nick Haine, amazingly talented graphics designer and artist from the Aitch Em design company in Buckingham. He agreed to rebuild it from scratch, and insisted on donating his efforts and the image as a contribution to the remembrance of the airfield and those who served there.
A combination of the help I received from Nick, plus our main aviation museums and institutions, design input from the Aircrew Remembrance Society and additional composition research and design by Aviation Research, means we now have a beautiful new badge.
I have attached the black and white version and the newly rebuilt version so you can see old and modern. The badge is available for free use in private research and where members of this group or the community wish to use it for family remembrance and any non commercial purposes. Anyone wishing to have a version suitable for printing (I.e. which does not have the small RAF Wing Memorial words included) can just contact me via Direct Message on Facebook and you are most welcome.
A great team effort, but the biggest thank you goes to Nick Haine for a generous and highly talented addition to the RAF Wing memorial effort.
27th March 2021
Along with a number of articles that have been added to the memorial site by society members, a number of other interesting contacts have also been made and interesting photos have come to light.
These received kindly sent from Lee Waring with his original description -
(some of my mums photos from Wing RAF days of hers with her friends (she's back row, 2nd from right) and their RAF pals)
Along with a number of articles that have been added to the memorial site by society members, a number of other interesting contacts have also been made and interesting photos have come to light.
These received kindly sent from Lee Waring with his original description -
(some of my mums photos from Wing RAF days of hers with her friends (she's back row, 2nd from right) and their RAF pals)
12th March 2021
Team video call, planning towards memorial design and details discussed regarding additional parts of the memorial construction.
Material cost breakdown and research into other suppliers etc.
Team video call, planning towards memorial design and details discussed regarding additional parts of the memorial construction.
Material cost breakdown and research into other suppliers etc.
8th March 2021.
Attempts were made to source compatible imperial bricks so as to incorporate bricks from old demolished structures at the airfield, coping stones were a problem and these viewed at a reclaim yard were unsuitable. It has now been decide that new bricks will be the best way forward, although it is still hoped that a number could be used on the centre wall top course.
16th May 2021
26 O.T.U. Wing Airfield Memorial (Progress update 16th May 2021)
With our proposed memorial dedication date of 31st May 2021 fast approaching, a meeting was held by the Aircrew Remembrance Society Organisers, Alex King, David King and Nick Ellins, on Friday the 14th, when the feasibility of achieving this proposed date was disused. Recent circumstances including the late arrival of some ordered materials, other materials that have still not arrived to date, along with the recent spell of bad weather that has coincided with days available to carry out voluntary work, has meant that delayed stages that we had hoped to have been completed by now, have overrun into other week-ends that were allocated in our time scale to complete the two other final stages. We have therefore now decided to extend our deadline for the dedication, which will now take place on the 26th June 2021. (Attached are photos of the memorial location taken this morning that also show the resurfaced road section adjacent to the memorial location.)
Our original preferred dedication date that was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first 26 O.T.U. unit losses, that occurred on the night of the first 1,000 bomber raid (30th/31st May 1942) Over this May bank holiday week-end we will still visit the memorial site to mark the 79th Anniversary of this event, in remembrance of the 15 aircrew lost when 4 of the units Wellington aircraft failed to return from this operation.
I am sure you all appreciate the Covid restrictions imposed on us at present, and after step 3 of the government road map that will be introduced tomorrow the 17th May, this still restricts us to only 30 people for an outside gathering, which is the criteria our memorial dedication currently has to follow. This has been a very difficult situation for us as the list of those donating and offering to contribute to the memorial dedication, by providing Vehicles and other related ways of enhancing the day’s proceedings, far outnumbers the current 30 allocation. We are working on ways to cover the dedication to be viewed by as many as possible on the day, live streaming, drone coverage and a second sitting of 30 to view on the day?
Updates regarding progress and attendance availability will be more frequent over the weeks leading up to the 26th, and of course there is the possibility that further people may be able to attend after the government announcement of Step 4 scheduled for the 21st June, but distancing caution and common sense will still prevail.
Statement from government website regarding Step 4.
Social contact
By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.
Business, activities and events
We hope to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3. This will be subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme to test the outcome of certain pilot events through the spring and summer, where we will trial the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection. The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.
As we move through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.
Best regards to all,
David.
Attempts were made to source compatible imperial bricks so as to incorporate bricks from old demolished structures at the airfield, coping stones were a problem and these viewed at a reclaim yard were unsuitable. It has now been decide that new bricks will be the best way forward, although it is still hoped that a number could be used on the centre wall top course.
16th May 2021
26 O.T.U. Wing Airfield Memorial (Progress update 16th May 2021)
With our proposed memorial dedication date of 31st May 2021 fast approaching, a meeting was held by the Aircrew Remembrance Society Organisers, Alex King, David King and Nick Ellins, on Friday the 14th, when the feasibility of achieving this proposed date was disused. Recent circumstances including the late arrival of some ordered materials, other materials that have still not arrived to date, along with the recent spell of bad weather that has coincided with days available to carry out voluntary work, has meant that delayed stages that we had hoped to have been completed by now, have overrun into other week-ends that were allocated in our time scale to complete the two other final stages. We have therefore now decided to extend our deadline for the dedication, which will now take place on the 26th June 2021. (Attached are photos of the memorial location taken this morning that also show the resurfaced road section adjacent to the memorial location.)
Our original preferred dedication date that was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the first 26 O.T.U. unit losses, that occurred on the night of the first 1,000 bomber raid (30th/31st May 1942) Over this May bank holiday week-end we will still visit the memorial site to mark the 79th Anniversary of this event, in remembrance of the 15 aircrew lost when 4 of the units Wellington aircraft failed to return from this operation.
I am sure you all appreciate the Covid restrictions imposed on us at present, and after step 3 of the government road map that will be introduced tomorrow the 17th May, this still restricts us to only 30 people for an outside gathering, which is the criteria our memorial dedication currently has to follow. This has been a very difficult situation for us as the list of those donating and offering to contribute to the memorial dedication, by providing Vehicles and other related ways of enhancing the day’s proceedings, far outnumbers the current 30 allocation. We are working on ways to cover the dedication to be viewed by as many as possible on the day, live streaming, drone coverage and a second sitting of 30 to view on the day?
Updates regarding progress and attendance availability will be more frequent over the weeks leading up to the 26th, and of course there is the possibility that further people may be able to attend after the government announcement of Step 4 scheduled for the 21st June, but distancing caution and common sense will still prevail.
Statement from government website regarding Step 4.
Social contact
By Step 4 which will take place no earlier than 21 June, the government hopes to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.
Business, activities and events
We hope to reopen remaining premises, including nightclubs, and ease the restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3. This will be subject to the results of a scientific Events Research Programme to test the outcome of certain pilot events through the spring and summer, where we will trial the use of testing and other techniques to cut the risk of infection. The same Events Research Programme will guide decisions on whether all limits can be removed on weddings and other life events.
As we move through each of these phases in the roadmap, we must all remember that COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. We are going to have to keep living our lives differently to keep ourselves and others safe. We must carry on with ‘hands, face, space’. Comply with the COVID-Secure measures that remain in place. Meet outdoors when we can and keep letting fresh air in. Get tested when needed. Get vaccinated when offered. If we all continue to play our part, we will be that bit closer to a future that is more familiar.
Best regards to all,
David.
