Embedded Files
The 2025 commemorative ceremony, took place on June 13th, what a memorable day we had at the Arboretum. The weather was lovely, possibly even a little too warm for our marvellous Parade who all looked splendid in their uniforms, but of course they can be a bit hot in the sunshine. The Parade marched down to our Memorial and assembled ready for the arrival of Our Association Patron, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester.
Our VIPs were presented to His Royal Highness by The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir Ian Dutton and his wife Lady Jane Dutton, just before the entrance to the memorial area, along with two representatives from the National Memorial Arboretum:
His Excellency, Professor Stephen Montefort, High Commissioner for Malta.
Nerissa Sultana, Malta High Commission.
Pat Scott, Association Secretary, George Cross Island Association
Ray Wrigglesworth Association Chairman, George Cross Island Association
Peter Robinson MBE, Chairman George Cross Island Association, Malta Branch
Stephen White, Chairman RUCGC Association
Helen Owen National Memorial Arboretum Chair
Philippa Rawlinson Director of Remembrance
The service was led by The Reverend Jennifer Midgley-Adam which she began with a tribute and moments silence for those killed in the Air India plane crash and condolences extended to their families and friends. Following the Spiritual Welcome by the Revd, Pat Scott read a Welcome message to His Royal Highness form our Association President, Judge Joseph Galea Debono in which he thanked HRH for assenting to be our Patron and for his valued and inspirational attendance at our service. There then followed a beautiful prayer read in Maltese by Nerissa Sultana from the Malta High Commission in London.
The service continued with prayers, a tribute written and read by Mr Peter Robinson, the GCIA prayer read by Michael Gaw, Ray Wrigglesworth recited the Exhortation after which bugler and GCIA member Terry Hissey performed the Last Post faultlessly whilst the Standards dipped and a 2 minute silence followed. The Standards were raised as Terry played the Reveille after which Ray recited the Kohima Epitaph
Lindsay Thacker announced the wreath laying which was led by His Royal Highness, followed by HE Prof Stephen Montfort, Sir Ian Dutton, Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ray Wrigglesworth, Peter Robinson and Stephen White. We greatly appreciated the number of cadets who attended, some of whom were wreath bearers for our VIPs.
We were then delighted by messages which were sent to and read out by Francis Dickinson MBE- firstly from Commander David Childs CBE, who wish us all a very joyous and successful day. He said that GCIA has a special place in my memory mainly for creating a memorial in what was the muddy, rough landscape of recovered gravel pit that was the NMA. He referred to the very muddy day that our plot was dedicated but it was a joyous event.
The next message was sent by CWGC Director General Claire Horton CBE who extended her warmest wishes to all at this important event and endorsed that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has the immense privilege of caring for the graves and memorials of casualties from both world wars at its unique sites across Malta.
Francis has also been in contact with Tim Lewin who has given a GCIA medallion which used to belong to his father, The Lord Lewin who was the first President of the George Cross Island Association and who was Admiral of the Fleet at the time of the inception of the GCIA
The service concluded with a vote of thanks by our Association Chairman, Ray Wrigglesworth to all those who participated in and attended our service. An Inspection of the Standards then took place, after which the Parade was dismissed to march back to Aspects and to form a Guard of Honour to await the arrival of His Royal Highness at the hospitality suite.
We then all enjoyed a splendid luncheon produced and served by the catering department of the NMA. During lunch, His Royal Highness visited every table and spoke to each person. He also looked at the Malta Defiant & Triumphant Rolls of honour 1940-1943, the GCIA medallion owned by The Lord Lewin and photographs of him with HRH Prince Philip.
His Royal Highness signed the NMA visitors book before departing to London in readiness for His Majesty King Charles III birthday and Trooping of The Colour
A few candid photos taken during the day - our thanks to our photographer Ann Tomlin and all the guests and members who sent photos in to me. (more photos will be added this week)
I would like to give special thanks to Tony Matthews who organised the Parade and attendance by the cadets. His help was invaluable in ensuring a successful ceremony.
I will also thank Nicolle Parsons of the NMA who was our Events Organiser. Her advice and help was very much appreciated.
Page updated
Report abuse