Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2007 – THE NATIONAL ACT OF REMEMBRANCE

The ranks fell silent, each individual anticipating the approaching silence. Service men and women again stood shoulder to shoulder some wearing faded medals presented many decades before. Young faces, the current generation, stood in file wearing the medals of recent campaigns - similarly struggling to control powerful emotions, the vivid reality of past times, the risks, the loss and in balance an overwhelming sense of respect and a steely pride. Then a young girl, perhaps only 8 years of age accompanied by only her mother, pinned to her coat was a single medal, a recent campaign medal - my heart was lost to her.

The Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) Association again joined the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Thousands of retired Service men and women gathered together on Horseguard’s Parade. Many members from the retired associations were strong and able, others needed a little support from friends or family, some determined to attend were assisted in wheelchairs. Together, everybody including Royalty, Members of Parliament, Heads of Service and others including members from the PMRAFNS Association attended the Remembrance Ceremony before parading past the Cenotaph. Gp Capt (Reid) Annie Reid lead the Association whilst a serving nurse WO Debbie Meikle kept step alongside the PM contingent during the parade – the Association’s wreath carried and presented by Squadron Leader (Retd) Geoff Holiday as the contingent paraded past the Cenotaph – the wreath blending into a sea of red poppies at base of the Monument. Cheering and applauding crowds (a grateful nation) carried the parade to the Guards Memorial for the Royal Salute this year attended by the HRH Duke of Edinburgh. The retired contingents formed up on Horseguard’s Parade facing the Guard’s Memorial for the National Anthem that was played in concert by two full Service Marching Bands that stood either side of the memorial. Following the event was an informal hot meal in the RAF Club, a chance to relax and catch up friends.

Below are a number of anecdotes from retired PMs that attended this year.

“A wonderful day meeting old friends. Great camaraderie. My main pleasure of the day was to see so many people - a great many young people. So many had served so many years after the great wars.” Janet Bangay

“I would like to express how fantastic it feels to be part of the PMRAFNS again. Thank you to the British Legion for making this possible: by inviting ex PMs to walk in Remembrance Day ceremonies. My greatest love is the RAF and my times in the PMs were the best years of my life. I feel that part of me belongs to the RAF and to be given this chance to be among PMs again means so much to me. My daughter who attended the lunch feels as though she is among 'her kind of people'. They are certainly my kind of people and I am happy and proud to be here. Squadron Leader Ian Swain makes this occasion a very happy one and I thank him sincerely for the part he plays.” Tessa Lawless

“Today - 11th November - has been an emotional and moving experience.” Liz Eilley (ness Waymen)

“A special day with special memories. An honor to be part of it with the PMRAFNS.” Jean Gee (ness Glasscock)

“Once again we've had the privilege and honor to uphold the PMRAFNS tradition at the Cenotaph.” Anonymous

“I felt prouder this year than I did last - may it ever continue.” Anonymous

“The dinner after was perfect it bought us all together socially.” Anonymous

“There is always somebody you don't remember that somebody else does.” Anonymous

“Started as a lovely, friendly, informal atmosphere - people from other associations coming to chat and exchange experiences whilst waiting for the ceremony to start. It then became very emotional as we stood for the minute’s silence and remembered what we were all there for. The solemn service - then, waiting for our march past. Us clapping as the other Ex Service columns went past - those who have served in war and those who had served their country in other ways - and then ourselves being applaud - it was very emotional, I felt quite overwhelmed that people wanted to show their appreciation to us. Overall, a really good day and I thoroughly enjoyable experience - I look forward to next year.” Jill Brooks

“A good chance to catch up and think of lost friends.” Anonymous

“My second time and just as impressive and emotional as the first. I was proud to have served in the PMs and be here today was a privilege.” Anonymous

“Today is a wonderful and poignant experience. The feeling as you stand close to the Cenotaph makes you very proud to have served in the PMRAFNS. Anonymous

“A privilege to be associated with such a great organization and to take part in an emotional and poignant day.” Anonymous

“A wonderful and thought provoking experience to be part of the many who have the privilege to participate in this very special day of remembrance.” Anonymous

“It is a great privilege to be part of such an angust assembly. I have always been extremely proud of being part of the PMRAFNS but I was very humbled to talk to the RAF Prisoners of Wars (POS) Association members, who spoke of their experiences with such reticence.” Anonymous

The PMRAFNS Association will again support the Royal British Legion at the Cenotaph for the National Act of Remembrance in 2008. If you are an Association member and wish to join us - information will be displayed on the website in the coming months. If you would like to attend but have mobility concerns be assured that every effort will be made to support your attendance.

Squadron Leader Ian Swain

Garden of Remembrance

During the days before Remembrance Sunday the gardens at Westminster Abbey are dedicated to the National Act of Remembrance – Garden of Remembrance. Each year somebody arranges the plot and this year Mrs Ostler represented the PMs amidst the hundreds that attend. In recent years many serving and some retired PM have also attend and met Royalty and other VIPs as they visit and spend time with those that attend the Garden of Remembrance.