Remembrance Parade 2006 at Martlesham Heath
The annual Remembrance parade of the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society was held on Sunday 12th November at their Twin Memorials Barrack Square, Martlesham Heath, on the former site of RAF Martlesham Heath.
The memorials are dedicated to the United States Army Air Force 356th Squadron who were based at Martlesham during World War 2 and to the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth personnel who made the supreme sacrifice so that we might live in a better World.
There was a large gathering and amongst them many veterans proudly wearing their gleaming medals. There was also a young man with his father, a serving sergeant at Aldershot who was proudly wearing his late grandfather's medals on his right breast.
Those laying wreaths were Lt Col Shawn Pederson, Director of Operations, 48th Tactical Fighter Wing Liberty Squadron RAF Lakenheath, Captain Nichelle Brokering RAF Mildenhall on behalf of the 356th Fighter Group, Wing Commander Bone RAF, Sgt Rob Drake Army Air Corp, Rev Ian Naylor, Royal Air Force Association, Supt John Everett Suffolk Constabulary, Royal British Legion, Suffolk Air Crew Association, Richard Barker of Barker Gotelee, and the 1st Martlesham Scout Group.
Lt Col Shawn "Norm" Pederson, Director of Operations of the Liberty Squadron, gave the address. This was very moving. He was accompanied to the service with his young son.
The Rev Ian Naylor St Michael's and All Angels Martlesham took the service He reminded us that 1968 was the only year a British serviceman has not been killed in hostilities since World War 2.
The ceremony was supported by the 356th Air Training Corp, The Suffolk Army Cadets, and the 1st Martlesham Scout Group with Keith Gleen. It was encouraging to see this group of youngsters with their own Standard taking part in the ceremony.
The Salvation Army Band provided the music admirably.
Nichelle Brokering’s Uncle, Eldon Slanker was a pilot of the 356th at Martlesham and was killed in a mid air collision over Hintlesham. His name appears on the Memorial. Nichelle, recently promoted, is a pilot of a KC-130 tanker.
After the parade every one was invited to tea and coffee at the church, a chance to have a chat with our guests and also to bid farewell to Nichelle who is soon returning to the United States.