Commemorating the Declaration of WWI, Monday 4th August 2014

5 August 20146 August 2014 Karl Webb Bill Small, Graham Holt, Karl Webb

On Monday 4th August 2014, commemorations remembering the 100th anniversary of the declaration of war between Britain and Germany took place throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. The event, hosted by the Mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Bill Hensley, was Huntingdon Town’s contribution to the memory of those lost in the First World War. S/Ms Bill Small and Karl Webb represented the Huntingdon & District Branch at this parade.

Town Councillors, members of the Armed Forces, Military Associations and guests gather at the Town Hall

As Standard Bearers from RAF Wyton, the RNA, RBL, and RAFA took to their places, they were met by the President of Huntingdon Branch, S/M Graham Holt, who was (as always) very impressed with the turnout of our Standard Bearer (and Chairman) S/M Bill Small.

At 1100, the Mayor read out the statement given by Prime Minister Herbert Asquith in 1914, to advise the nation that a state of war existed between Great Britain and Germany.

Huntingdon & District Branch President, S/M Graham Holt, chats to the Standard Bearers

Then the civic party and guests took their place in front of the War Memorial, Standards were lowered as a single flower was presented by each representative of the community.

Standards are lowered for during the two minute Silence

RAF Wyton personnel were represented by members of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

Wg Cdr Fashade, Station Commander RAF Wyton, and representatives from the Army and Navy lay flowers of Remembrance

It was a short service, but one that was taking place throughout the country.

Standards are carried at the end of the Service

On completion, all participants were invited in to the Town Hall for refreshments and a chance to reflect on this important anniversary.

This was not the end of Huntingdon & District Branch’s participation in commemorating the start of the Great War, in the afternoon, S/M Karl Webb attended a church service at RAF Wyton. Part of this service included listening to various poetry written by the armed forces and their families. Commemorative bibles had been reproduced and handed out to those at the Service. Finally, S/M Karl Webb lit a candle on behalf of the Branch, a candle that would be extinguished at 2300 that night when the people of Britain ‘turned out the lights’ in their homes and buildings as a mark of remembrance.

St George's Chapel, RAF Wyton (CROWN COPYRIGHT) — St George’s Chapel, RAF Wyton (CROWN COPYRIGHT)

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Click on the thumbnails below to view more images from the commemoration in Huntingdon.