Huntingdon RNA: Passchendaele Centenary, 31 July 2017
On Monday 31st July 2017, members of Huntingdon & District RNA, and St Neots RNA attended a flag-raising ceremony and wreath laying service to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele.
The day began with Standard Bearers from the Royal British Legion mustering outside of the Town Hall. Shipmates Karl Webb, President of Huntingdon Branch, and shipmate Mike Milne, Chairman of St Neots Branch met up with the Mayor and Mayoress of Huntingdon, and other VIPs including the Mayor of St Neots.
The Mayoral parade departed the Town Hall and made their way to Huntingdon District Council’s main offices where they were met by the Chairman of HDC.
Shipmate, Reverend Andrew Milton, Blessed the Flag before it was hoisted up the mast by Gordon Glenton, Royal Anglian Regiment (Rtd), RBL and RAFA Standards were dipped in the usual mark of respect.
On completion of the flag raising, the Mayoral procession headed back into Huntingdon Town Centre and gathered in front of the War Memorial where the Last Post would be played and wreaths placed in front of the memorial.
The marking of the centenary did not end there, in the evening shipmates Karl Webb and Bill Small joined the Mayor and Mayoress of Huntingdon and members of the RBL to mark the start of an overnight vigil at the memorial by the RBL (including shipmate Bill Small).
At 0715 on Tuesday morning, another wreath was placed at the foot of the memorial marking the end of the vigil and completion of the commemoration of the Battle of Passchendaele. BZ to all those who took part.
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More photos from the Passchendaele Centenary in Huntingdon (click on the first (or any) image and use the scroll bars to view):
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