Remembering the fallen
Parades and services held across the borough
The Uxbridge Gazette Series RUISLIP residents lined the streets to welcome a military parade as part of Remembrance services on Sunday November 8.
The largest RAF Northolt contingent marched from Ruislip Underground Station to Ruislip Memorial at the end of Ruislip High Street.
The Parade featured RAF airmen and women, the British Forces Post Office and 621 Explosive Ordnance Squadron.
RAF Northolt station commander, Group Captain David Manning, joined Hillingdon deputy mayor John Hensley to review the parade and laid a wreath on behalf of RAF Northolt at Ruislip War Memorial.
They were accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Lloyd MBE, who laid a wreath on behalf of the British Forces Post Office and Major Tom Bennett, who laid a wreath on behalf of 621 Explosive Ordnance Squadron.
Group Captain Manning said: “In this year of significant anniversaries for Victory in Europe day and the 75th Anniversary of Battle of Britain, it was a great honour to act as reviewing officer in Ruislip and attend the Remembrance service in Uxbridge.
“It was a humbling and moving experience to see so many people gathered together, unified in their desire to pay their respects and honour the memory of those who have given their lives.”
Joined by hundreds of local residents, RAF personnel laid wreaths at war memorials in Ruislip, Eastcote, South Ruislip and Uxbridge to honour the memory of those that gave their lives in armed conflict.
On Wednesday last week (November 11) more than 600 military and civilian personnel based at Northwood Headquarters held services.
Northwood HQ is home to five commands, including the Permanent Joint Headquarters, the organisation that manages the UK’s military operations overseas.
Wing Commander Jonny Wylie, the Padre, led the service and paid tribute to the fallen.
He said: “After many years as a military padre this will be my last remembrance service in the role, so this was very special for me.
“In our busy lives it is good to pause for a few moments and let the silence speak about the many that have gone before us”
The Last Post was played by a Royal Marine Bugler and the two minutes silence was instigated by the L118 Light Guns of the Honourable Artillery Company and 7 Para Royal Horse Artillery.
Wreathes were laid by senior military representatives on the site, led by General Sir Richard Barrons the Commander of Joint Forces Command.
Captain Kevin Shaw, Northwood ’s Commanding Officer said: “In Northwood’s multinational operational environment we are keenly aware of the hard work and dedication of both our own forces and those of our Allies around the globe in order to make the world a safer place.
“We must never forget and always honour those who have given their all for that service to their country.”