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Here is a snap taken by my wife Sonia, I was in Scotland, of Messrs. Brian Symonds, Bob Strachan, Reg Lamb and Brian Crossin at yesterdays Repatriation at the JR.

Mike Lester

11 March 2010

A repatriation ceremony was held today to bring home five more soldiers, all members of The Rifles, who were recently killed in Afghanistan. Tributes today were for Corporal Richard Green, 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, who was shot dead while manning a vehicle checkpoint near Sangin, Helmand province on the 2nd March, Rifleman Jonathon Allott, 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, died from injuries sustained in an explosion while on foot patrol near Sangin on the 5th March, Rifleman Liam Maughan, 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, died after being wounded by small arms fire near Sangin on the 6th March, Corporal Stephen Thompson, 1st Battalion, The Rifles, was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Sangin area on the 7th March and Lance Corporal Tom Keogh, 4th Battalion, The Rifles, died from gunshot wounds received in an attack on his patrol base near Sangin, also on the 7th March. As the hearses approached the town of Wootton Bassett, the lone church bell began to toll and the hundreds of people lining the street fell silent, the 32 Standards on parade were lowered and the uniformed Serving personnel and ex-Service men and women saluted while others stood in respectful silence to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers. The silence only being broken by the tolling bell and the muffled crying from the relatives and friends of those being repatriated. There was an extended period at the war memorial while flowers were placed on the five hearses, a ripple of applause could be heard as it passed through the relatives and friends as the hearses started to move off to continue the journey to Oxford. RAFPA members paying their respects today were Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Crossin, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie, Tony Lake and Bob Strachan.

Brian Flinn

23^rd March 2010

On a damp chilly afternoon the Repatriation Ceremony held today for Pte James Grigg and L/Cpl Scott Hardy, both of the 1^st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment serving with the Household Cavalry Regiment Battle Group passed through Wootton Bassett High Street where hundreds had gathered to pay their respect to two more casualties of the Afghanistan conflict. 24 Standards from a wide variety of Military Organisations and Associations dipped in salute whilst the two hearses paused at the War Memorial for two minutes silence. Numerous floral tributes were placed on the hearses from the many relatives and friends. Prior to the departure of the cortege to the John Radcliffe Hospital a loud round of applause was heard together with many voices calling out their good byes to another two brave young men who had given their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Representing our Association at the John Radcliffe were: - Brian Crossin, Bryan Simmonds, Bob Strachan, Mike Lester, Reg Lamb and Patrick Plumridge; and at Wootton Bassett, Veda and Jack Sharp, Mike Archer, Kim Hassall, Vic Smith, Ron Glover and Tony Lake.

Tony Lake

30^th March 2010

On a cold and very wet, almost wintry afternoon yet another Repatriation Ceremony took place today at Wootton Basset and later at the John Radcliffe Hospital. On this occasion many hundreds of people lined Wootton Bassett High Street to pay their respects to three soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan and to support the relatives and friends of the deceased. Those being repatriated on this occasion were, Sjt Steven Campbell aged 30 of 3^rd Battalion, The Rifles who was killed whilst on foot patrol in Sangin,Helmond Province on 22nd March; L/Cpl of the Horse, Jonathan Woodgate, aged 27 killed by a grenade whilst on foot patrol near Sangin and Rfn Daniel Holkham of 3^rd Battalion, The Rifles who died after a suicide bomber detonated himself in Helmand on 26^th March. 27 Standards dipped in silent tribute as the cortege stopped for two minutes silence at the War Memorial. During this brief stop numerous floral tributes were placed on the 3 hearses before leaving to go the John Radcliffe Hospital. As they left the High Street a male relative of one of the deceased was heard to shout his thanks to all those attending followed by a round of spontaneous applause.

Representing our Association at the John Radcliffe were, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Bob Strachan, Brian Crossin, Patrick Plumridge and Bryan Simmonds and at Wootton Bassett, Ivan Carey, Ken Ivie, Kim Hassall, Mike Archer and Tony Lake

Tony Lake

At 2.30pm on Friday 9th April,a beautiful sunny Spring day,the High St at Wootton Bassett fell silent. As yet again two of our fallen came home to their families and friends.They were Guardsman Michael Sweeney,1st Battalion Coldstream Guards,and Rifleman Mark Turner,3rd Battalion The Rifles. 24 Standards were lowered in salute as the cortege stopped at the War memorial.The RAFPA was represented by Jack and Veda Sharp,Ron Glover,Ken Ivey,Tim Clarke,Ray Orgill and myself. Also standing with us was Phil Horton aka ' Unknown' he is ex RN and Ex Civi Pol and attends with us when he can.

We left knowing that we will have to return again next week.

At the John Radcliffe Hospital the RAFPA was represented by Brian Crossin,Bryan Simmonds,Reg Lamb and Pat Plumridge. There were 14 Standards present and well over 200 people.

Kim Hassall.

On Thursday 15th April at 2.15pm ,this time a cold grey spring day,the High St,at Wootton Bassett fell silent yet again. Fusilier Jonathan Burgess,1st Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers came home for the last time to his family and friends. Despite there being a much smaller gathering than normal there were still 16 Standards lowered in salute as his cortege stopped at the War Memorial.The RAFPA was represented by Jack and Veda Sharp,Ron Glover and myself.Phil Horton was also with us again. We can but hope that this will be the last, for a while at least.

Kim Hassall

On Thursday 15th April the following gathered at the JR, Oxford to pay their respects to Fusilier Jonathan Burgess, 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Regiment. Those representing the RAFPA Association were Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Bryan Simmons, Bob Strachan and Pat Plumridge.

Reg Lamb

7 May 2010

At today's repatriation ceremony, the first in over three weeks, we paid our respects to three more brave soldiers who have had their lives cut so tragically short while serving in Afghanistan. Brought home today were Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment who was killed in an explosion while providing protection to other soldiers in the Sangin area of Helmand province on the 2nd May, Lance Corporal Barry Buxton, 21 Engineer Regiment who died as the result of a road traffic accident after a road collapsed causing his vehicle to roll into a canal on the 3rd May and Sapper Daryn Roy, also 21 Engineer Regiment who was killed when his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand province on the 3rd May. As the hearses carrying the coffins approached Wootton Bassett, the now familiar routine of the single church bell began to toll, the 18 Standards of various organisations were lowered in salute and all those present paid their silent respects to the fallen and the family members present. The vehicles then stopped at the war memorial to allow the families and friends to place flowers on the hearses carrying their loved ones. After the customary period of silence, the hearses moved off to continue their sad journey to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. Wootton Bassett then returned to it's normal routine, albeit sad in the knowledge that this routine would undoubtedly be repeated again in the not too distant future. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett were Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Tim Clarke, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake and Jack & Vida Sharp. At the John Radcliffe Hospital we were represented by Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Patrick Plumridge and Bryan Simmonds.

Brian Flinn

Here are some pictures kindly taken by Pat Plumridge’s wife showing the light hearted camaraderie generated on these solemn occasions prior to the arrival of the cortege. In the two or sometimes three hours wait spirits are kept up and friendships made with comrades from all branches of the service. However once the blue flashing lights of the motorcycle escorts appear at the foot of Headley Way this is all put aside and we are back on Parade to pay our respects.We were joined as always by Graham the Redcap.

Mike Lester

13 May 2010

A repatriation ceremony was held today through Wootton Bassett in order to pay respects to yet another tragic victim of the conflict in Afghanistan. Today we witnessed the return of Corporal Christopher Harrison, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was killed by a bomb blast while on foot patrol in the Sangin area of Helmand province on the 9th May. Family and friends gathered near the war memorial and placed flowers on the hearse as it stopped for the minutes, dignified, silent tribute. Royal Marine colleagues of Corporal Harrison lined the road to say their farewells as the 16 Association Standards paraded were lowered in salute. Members of the general public and veterans alike paid their own tribute as the Union Flag draped coffin passed through the town. The RAFPA was again well represented at both Wootton Bassett and the John Radcliffe Hospital by Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Crossin, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Patrick Plumridge, Sam & Hilda Sillet and Vic & Val Smith.

Brian Flinn

26 May 2010

At approximately 1330 hours on Wednesday 26^th May members of the RAF Police Association assembled in the High Street Wootton Bassett to pay tribute to PO Andrew Brookes who was killed in a road traffic accident in Bahrain on 16^th May and Cpl Stephen Walker, 40 Commando, Royal Marines killed in an explosion near Patrol Base Almas in Sangin on 21^st May. Those attending were Veda and Jack Sharp, Ivan Carey, Kim Hassall, Tim Clarke, Badger Brookes and Tony Lake who joined hundreds of servicemen, and civilians in paying tribute to the two servicemen. Nineteen Standards dipped in salute as the solitary church bell tolled during the two minutes silence as the cortege stopped at the town’s War Memorial.

Later the same day Mike Lester, Pat Plumridge, Reg Lamb, Brian Crossin, Bob Strachan and Brian Simmonds joined many veterans and civilians at the entrance to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford to pay their tributes to our two servicemen on behalf of the RAF Police Association.

It is with sadness that as I write this article I learn of the death of two more of our servicemen killed in action in Afghanistan taking the death toll to 288

Tony Lake

3^rd June 2010

Once again hundreds of local residents, veterans, serving service personnel, friends and relatives stood in silent tribute in the High Street as the hearses bearing the bodies of three more servicemen killed in action in Afghanistan stopped for two minutes at the War Memorial. As the solitary church bell tolled twenty two standards dipped in salute.

On this occasion we had all gathered to pay our tribute to and support the families of Gunner Zak Cusack of the 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery, who was shot whilst on foot patrol with Afghan Army personnel in Helmand; Cpl Stephen Curley of 40 Commando Royal Marines who died whilst on foot patrol in Helmand and Marine Scott Taylor, also of 40 Commando who died in an explosion whist on foot patrol in Helmand.

Representing our Association at Wootton Bassett were Veda and Jack Sharp, Kim Hassall, Ivan Carey and Tony Lake; and at the John Radcliffe were Reg Lamb, Brian Crossin, Mike Lester, Patrick Plumbridge and Bryan Simmonds.

At the time of writing this an, as yet unnamed, Royal Marine was known to have been killed on Monday in Helmand and it is expected his repatriation will take place next week.

Tony Lake

10 June 2010

A repatriation ceremony was held today to bring home the bodies of four more Servicemen who have recently lost their lives on active service in Afghanistan. Hundreds of people lined the cortege route through Wootton Bassett to pay their respects to Marine Anthony Hotine, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province on the 2nd June, Corporal Terry Webster and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran both from the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, who were both killed in an exchange of small arms fire with insurgent forces in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on the 4th June and Lance Bombardier Mark Chandler, 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, who was killed by small arms fire in a contact with insurgents in the Nad Ali area of Helmand province on the 8th June. The 21 Association Standards paraded were lowered as the four hearses passed by and halted at the war memorial where the families and friends of the four soldiers placed their flowers. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett were Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie and Vic & Val Smith. We were represented at the John Radcliffe Hospital by Brian Crossin and Bryan Simmonds.

Brian Flinn

17 June 2010

Another repatriation ceremony was held today to pay respects to two more soldiers recently killed in Afghanistan. Once again Wootton Bassett fell silent, save for the tolling of the lone church bell, as the hearses carrying the Union Flag draped coffins came to a halt for a minutes silence at the war memorial. The Standards of 14 Associations were lowered and those gathered paid their respects as the family and friends laid flowers on the hearses. As the hearses re-commenced their journey a short applause broke the silence. Being repatriated today were Private Jonathan Monk, 2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, who was killed while on foot patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on the 9th June and Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze, 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, who was killed by a roadside explosion, also in the Nahr-e Saraj district, on the 12th June. Representing the RAF Police Association at Wootton Bassett were Ivan Carey, Brian & Joy Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken & Ann Ivie, Tony Lake, Jack & Vida Sharp and Ken & Marguerite Stubbs. Representing us at the John Radcliffe were Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb, Mike & Sonia Lester, Pat Plumridge, Bryan Simmonds and Bob Strachan.

Brian Flinn

24 June 2010

Hundreds of people again lined Wootton Bassett High Street today to pay respects to three more soldiers being repatriated from Afghanistan. This ceremony was held in respect of Corporal Taniela Rogoiruwai and Kingsman Ponipate Tagitaginimoce, both from 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment who were both shot, in separate incidents, while on foot patrol in the Nad Ali district of Helmand province on the 15th June and Trooper Ashley David Smith, Royal Dragoon Guards who was killed by a blast while guarding comrades in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on the 18th June. There was a very large Fijian presence, numbering approximately 60 people, at the ceremony. The family and friends, including Serving Fijian soldiers from a number of different regiments gathered at the war memorial to sing traditional songs. There were also approximately 50 Serving soldiers in uniform representing the Royal Dragoon Guards. As the hearses approached the war memorial, the 19 Association Standards paraded were lowered and those present paid their respects. Instead of the usual minutes silence, the family and friends of the two Fijian soldiers continued to sing their hymns, this departure from the usual silence made the whole ceremony even more emotional and poignant than it normally is. The hymns were being sung because this would be the only opportunity for many of the friends and family to say their farewells due to the fact that the soldiers bodies would be flown home to Fiji for formal burial. The RAFPA members representing the association at Wootton Bassett and the John Radcliffe Hospital today were Ivan Carey, Brian Crossin, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Pat Plumridge and Bryan Simmonds.

Sadly at the time of writing, the next repatriation ceremony is expected to take place on Thursday 1st July for the further seven soldiers who have died since 21st June.

Brian Flinn

29 June 2010

Due to two contributing factors, the later time and the number of soldiers being repatriated, Wootton Bassett was considerably busier than it has been for some of the more recent repatriation ceremonies. It is believed that the numbers of those present was in the thousands as opposed to the hundreds. Being repatriated today were Marine Paul Warren, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was killed by a blast while on a reassurance patrol to improve local security in the Sangin district of Helmand province on the 21st June, Lance Corporal Michael Taylor, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was killed in a gun battle with insurgents, also in the Sangin district on the 22nd June and Sergeant Steven William Darbyshire, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was shot dead while on a patrol to reassure locals, also in the Sangin district, on the 23rd June. Four more soldiers being repatriated today also died on the 23rd June when the vehicle in which they were travelling rolled over into a canal near Gereshk in Helmand province, they were Colour Sergeant Martyn Simon Horton, Private Douglas Niall Halliday, Private Alex Isaac, all from 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment and Lance Corporal David Andrew Ramsden, 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment. As the lone church bell tolled and the town fell silent, approximately 40 Standards from various association and cadet organisations were lowered in salute as the seven hearses carrying the Union Flag draped coffins approached the war memorial. The wait at the war memorial was slightly extended to allow the many family and friends of the repatriated Servicemen to place their flowers on the hearses of their respective loved ones. This was another dignified ceremony with some understandable outpouring of emotion, made particularly more poignant by the crying of some of the children of the deceased. Another difficult and emotional time for all those who were in attendance in the town. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett today were Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie, Tony Lake, Jack & Vida Sharp and John Williams. Our representatives at the John Radcliffe Hospital were Reg Lamb, Bryan Simmonds and Bob Strachan.

Brian Flinn

6 July 2010

Another repatriation ceremony took place today in order to pay respects to yet another soldier recently killed in Afghanistan. Repatriated today was Corporal Jamie Kirkpatrick, 101 Engineer Regiment, who was killed in a firefight with insurgents in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on the 27th June. As the cortege carrying the coffin of Corporal Kirkpatrick entered Wootton Bassett, the church bell began to toll, the town fell silent, and the Standards of 25 Associations were dipped in salute. While the cortege was halted at the war memorial for a moment of silent reflection, the family and friends present in the crowd placed flowers on the hearse. As the funeral cortege departed Wootton Bassett a ripple of applause was heard amongst those assembled. The RAFPA was represented by Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake, Jack & Vida Sharp and Vic Smith at Wootton Bassett and Brian Crossin and Bryan Simmonds at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Brian Flinn

8^th July 2010

For the second time in seventy-two hours hundreds of Serving Personnel, Local Dignitaries, Veterans and Civilians from Wootton Bassett and many towns and villages throughout the area gathered in the High Street to honour another Serviceman killed in Afghanistan. On this occasion we were honouring Trooper James Leverett, aged 20, of the Royal Dragoon Guards who was killed in an explosion whilst on vehicle patrol in Nahr-e Saraj in Helmand Province on the 5^th July 2010.

As the single church bell tolled, fifteen standards of various Service Organisations dipped in salute as the cortege stopped for two minutes at the Town’s War Memorial. Once again numerous flowers were placed on the hearse from the many relatives and friends of the deceased. The silence was only broken by the quiet sobbing of Trooper Leverett’s family and friends as the cortège slowly left the War Memorial to continue on its way to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.Prior to the gathered assembly leaving the High Street a gentle round of applause was heard coming from his Regimental Colleagues and family in appreciation of those who had attended this brief but very significant ceremony.

Representing our Association at the John Radcliffe were Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester and Pat Plumridge and at Wootton Bassett, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ivan Carey and Tony Lake.

It is a very sad reflection of the times to arrive home and learn of the death of another of our servicemen; on this occasion a member of the 5^th Regiment, Royal Artillery was killed today whilst on foot patrol in Sangin.

Tony Lake

15 July 2010

Hundreds of people lined Wootton Bassett High Street to pay their respects to two more soldiers who had been killed in Afghanistan this month. Being repatriated today were Bombardier Samuel Robinson and Marine David Charles Hart, both were killed by separate explosions while on their respective foot patrols in the Sangin district of Helmand province on the 8th July. Bombardier Robinson was a member of the 5th Regiment, Royal Artillery and Marine Hart was a member of 40 Commando, Royal Marines. The now all too familiar routine of the town falling silent to the toll of the lone church bell, the 18 Standards being lowered and those present paying their silent respects, was again enacted as the coffin laden hearses halted at the war memorial for a minutes silence, during which, the relatives and friends of the fallen placed their flowers on the hearses. The funeral cortege then departed, to a dignified silence, on it's sad journey to Oxford. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett today were Mike Archer, George Brookes, Ivan Carey, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake and Jack & Vida Sharp. Our representatives at the John Radcliffe Hospital were Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Pat & Maureen Plumridge, Bryan Simmonds and Bob Strachan.

Brian Flinn

20 July 2010

Thousands of people gathered in Wootton Bassett again today to pay tribute to four more soldiers who had given their lives while serving in Afghanistan. Repatriated on this occasion were Marine Matthew Harrison, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was killed while on foot patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province on the 13th July, Major James Joshua Bowman, Lieutenant Neal Turkington and Corporal Arjun Purja Pun, all from 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, who were all killed by a renegade Afghan soldier. Major Bowman was shot while he slept and Lieutenant Turkington and Corporal Pun died when a rocket-propelled grenade was fired into their command centre on the 13th July. Once again, the regular routine of the single tolling bell, the lowering of the 28 paraded Standards and the silent tributes of all those gathered took place amid the silence. While the hearses were halted at the war memorial, the relatives and friends placed their flowers on the hearse carrying the coffin of their loved one. The dignified, solemn silence continued as the funeral cortege departed Wootton Bassett for Oxford. The RAF Police Association was represented at Wootton Bassett and the John Radcliffe Hospital today by Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Crossin, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim & Marillyn Hassall, Tony Lake, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Pat & Maureen Plumridge, Jack & Vida Sharp, Bryan Simmonds, Vic Smith and Bob Strachan.

Sadly, we are already aware that another repatriation will take place on Thursday for another four soldiers killed on the 16th and 17th of July.

Brian Flinn

22 July 2010

Once again, what appeared to be thousands of people gathered in Wootton Bassett for another repatriation ceremony, the second this week and the fifth this month, to pay their respects to four more soldiers killed in Afghanistan over the past weekend. Brought home today was Marine Jonathan Crookes, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths, 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, Sergeant David Monkhouse, Royal Dragoon Guards and Staff Sergeant Brett Linley, Royal Logistic Corps. Marine Crookes was killed in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province on the 16th July. Senior Aircraftman Griffiths died as the result of a vehicle crash while on patrol in the Camp Bastion area, also on the 16th July. Staff Sergeant Linley was killed by a blast while clearing improvised explosive devices in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on the 17th July and Sergeant Monkhouse was killed by an explosion while on foot patrol of the Nahr-e Saraj district, also on the 17th July. Wootton Bassett fell silent as the funeral cortege arrived at the war memorial, the 31 Standards were lowered in salute and all those present paid respects in their own personal way. There was a very large uniformed presence from all the Units involved with the repatriated soldiers. There was also a very large group of family and friends present amongst the gathered crowd. The hearses remained at the war memorial for a far longer period than usual due to the large amount of flowers that were being placed on them. There was a tangible feeling of grief among those gathered to say farewell to the fallen. Contrary to what some say, these occasions do not get any easier, we do not grow hardened to them, and every one brings different and difficult emotions each and every time the Union Flag draped coffins halt in front of our eyes. RAF Police Association members present at today's repatriation ceremony were Mike Archer, Brian Crossin, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake, Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Pat Plumridge, Brian Tegg, Bryan Simmonds and Bob Strachan.

Brian Flinn

Some of the members of the RAFPA London Home Counties Branch from the Oxford area who attended the Repatriation for Marine Matthew Harrison, 40 Commando, Royal Marines, who was killed while on foot patrol in the Sangin district of Helmand province on the 13th July, Major James Joshua Bowman, Lieutenant Neal Turkington and Corporal Arjun Purja Pun, all from 1st Battalion, The Royal Ghurkha Rifles, who were all killed by a renegade Afghan soldier.

Mike Lester

In attendance - Reg Lamb, Brian Crossin, Brian Symonds, Bob Strachen, Mike Lester, Pat Plumridge

This photo opportunity was organised by the Royal Marine Vet on the left, carrying the RAF PTI Standard. In a previous life he was an RAF PT Instructor. On the extreme right is RAFPA Member Brian Tegg with the RAF Regiment Standard as a mark of respect to Senior Aircraftman Kinikki Griffiths, 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment. Brian returned to Civvy Street after leaving the RAF Police and then remustered to Roc!! A!! sorry the RAF Regiment.

On the left is an incredible F/Sgt. Military Nurse who is working at the JR and who spends time at the sharp end in Afghanistan dealing with stuff of nightmares, looking after the badly injured, escorting them back home on C17’s and putting up with inane remarks of visiting politicians.

On the right a 97 year RAF Vet wearing a replica RAF Corporals uniform, apparently given to him by his daughter for his Birthday, that he wears with pride and doesn’t miss a single repatriation.

Hope this gives a glimpse of what is happening at Oxford at these sad occasions, hopefully for not much longer.

Dotted amongst the crowd are the local members of the RAFPA LHC Branch.

Regards

Mike Lester

30th July 2010

Once again hundreds of relatives, friends, colleagues, service personnel, ex-servicemen and women, and civilians lined the High Street at Wootton Bassett on a cool summer evening on Thursday 29th July to pay their respects to the three soldiers recently killed in Afghanistan. On this occasion Cpl Matthew James Stenton, The Royal Dragoon Guards, L/Cpl Stephen Daniel Monkhouse, 1st Battalion Scots Guards, who were both killed on 21st July trying to save a wounded colleague; and Sapper Mark Antony Smith, 36 Engineering Regiment, Royal Engineers, killed whilst on a mine clearing operation on 26th July, were repatriated.

At approximately 1950 hours the single church bell commenced hits mournful toll as the cortege stopped at the War Memorial for two minutes silence; hundreds of flowers were placed on the three hearses by grieving relatives, friends and colleagues of the deceased. 16 standards of various service organisations were dipped in salute during this solemn time. A few moments later the cortege left the High Street to commence its quiet and sorrowful journey to Oxford.

Representing the Association at Wootton Bassett were Ted and Gill Hellewell, Ivan Carey, Kim Hassall, Ron Glover and Tony Lake and at the John Radcliffe Hospital Mike Lester, Reg Lamb, Pat Plumbridge, Brian Crossin and Bryan Symmonds.

Tony Lake

6^th August 2010

At approximately 1700 hours on Thursday the 5^th August 2010 Wootton Bassett High Street fell silent except for the plaintiff toll of the single church bell announcing the arrival of yet another cortege carrying the bodies of our servicemen killed in action in Afghanistan. On this occasion hundreds of servicemen, local dignitaries, civilians and veterans had gathered to support the families and pay their respects to L/Sgt Dale Alonzo McCallum, aged 31, of 1^st Battalion, Scots Guards and Marine Adam Brown, aged 25, of Alpha Company, 40 Commando, Royal Marines. Both were shot whilst on duty in Helmand Province on 1^st august 2010.

Sixteen standards of various service organisations dipped in salute for the two minutes silence before the cortege left the High Street on its journey to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. At the hospital our Association was represented by Reg Lamb, Mike Lester Brian Crossin, Bob Strachan, Pat Plumridge and Bryan Simmons and at Wootton Bassett by Veda and Jack Sharp, Val and Vic Smith, Ivan Carey, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall and Tony Lake.

I would also like to mention the hundreds of people of all walks of life who pay their respects along the roads to the hospital, including those at the County Police Station, the Military College at Shrivenham, in Farringdon and the many lay-bys along the route every time a repatriation takes place

Tony Lake

10th August

Today I attended a local church for the funeral with full military honours, of SAC Kinikki Griffiths (Griff), RAF Regiment. He was killed in Afghanistan on 16 July 2010.

The church (Littleham near Exmouth) and grounds were packed with relatives, friends, local people plus about 200 all ranks (AC to AC) of the RAF Regiment. There were also a few each of the RAFA, RMA, Paras Assoc, RBL, and 5 standards.

The service was very emotional with several tributes being paid to this outstanding son and gunner. The drill by the Queens Colour Sqn was of the highest standard.

A very moving event.

Regards

John Walton

19 August 2010

Once again hundreds of people lined the street in Wootton Bassett to pay their respects to two more soldiers recently killed in Afghanistan. The repatriation ceremony was held today to pay respects to Sapper Ishwor Gurung, Queen's Gurkha Engineers, who was shot while he was assisting to improve defences at the forward operating base, Shahzad, in the Nad Ali district of Helmand province on the 13th August and Sapper Darren Foster, 21 Engineer Regiment, who was killed by small arms fire in the Sangin district of Helman province, also on the 13th August. The now familiar, although no less poignant, routine commenced with the tolling of the single church bell as the funeral cortege approached Wootton Bassett. The 15 Association Standards were lowered in salute and those gathered paid their respects as the families and friends of the fallen placed flowers on the hearses. The large number of Nepalese people in attendance paid their quiet, dignified respects during the minutes silence at the War Memorial before the funeral cortege moved off to continue the sad journey to Oxford. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett were Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie, Tony Lake and Jack & Vida Sharp. At the John Radcliffe Hospital we were represented by Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb, Pat & Maureen Plumridge and Bryan Simmonds.

Brian Flinn

28^th August 2010

On Friday 27^th August 2010 shortly after 5pm Ivan Carey, Ken Ivie, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall and Tony Lake were at Wootton Bassett to represent the RAF Police Association at the repatriation ceremony for L/Cpl Jordon Bancroft of The First Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, who was killed by small arms fire in Southern Nad-e Ali on 21^st August.

The High Street was bathed in sunshine as 17 standards from various service and veterans’ association dipped in silent salute. The tolling of the solitary church bell heralded the arrival of the cortege whilst hundred of mourners, including many family and friends of the deceased, service personnel, veterans, local dignitaries and civilians stood in pensive tribute; during this time numerous floral tributes were placed on the hearse before it commenced its sad journey to the John Radcliffe Hospital where our Association’s representatives Reg Lamb, Pat Plumbridge, Mike Lester, Brian Crossin and Brian Simmonds joined many others to pay their respects to the 332nd member of our Armed Forces to lose his life in Afghanistan.

Tony Lake

9^th September 2010

On Thursday 9^th September 2010 yet another Repatriation Ceremony took place through Wootton Bassett. On this occasion many relatives, friends, locals, service personnel and veterans had gathered to pay their respects to Lance Corporal Joseph Pool of the 1^st Battalion, The Royal Scots Regiment who was killed in Afghanistan on the 5^th September 2010.

Eighteen standards from a variety of ex-service organisations dipped in silent tribute as the cortege paused for two minutes silence at the War Memorial; the silence was only broken by the mournful toll of the single church bell; after this brief moment of quiet reflection the cortege left the High Street to continue its journey to the John Radcliffe Hospital In Oxford.

On this occasion our Association was represented at Wootton Bassett by Vic and Val Smith, Ivan Carey, Ken Ivie, Mike Archer, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall and Tony Lake.

Tony Lake

24^th September 2010

On Thursday 23^rd September at six in the evening, Association Members Jack and Veda Sharp, Ivan Carey Kim Hassall, Ron Glover and Tony Lake joined hundreds of service personnel, veterans, local dignitaries and civilians in Wootton Bassett High Street to pay their respects with the relatives and friends of two more servicemen killed in Afghanistan.

On this occasion we were remembering and honouring Trooper Andrew Howarth of the Queens Royal Lancer Regiment and Sergeant Andrew Jones of the Royal Engineers both of whom were killed in an explosion on 18^th September.

As the lone church bell tolled, twenty standards dipped in salute as the cortege paused at the War Memorial for two minutes silence during which numerous floral tributes were placed on the two hearses before they resumed their journey to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where our Association was represented byPat and Mrs Plumbridge, Brian Simmons, Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb and Mike Lester.

Tony Lake

1^st October 2010

On 30^th September 2010 at 15.00hours hundreds of people gathered in Wootton Bassett High Street to pay their respects at the repatriation of Corporal Matthew Thomas of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers who was killed in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province when his vehicle hit a roadside mine.

Besides numerous civilians, service personnel, local dignitaries and veterans, many of Corporal Thomas’s relatives and friends had travelled from the Swansea district to honour the deceased. As the cortege drew to a halt at the Town War Memorial for the customary two minutes silence twenty two standards from a wide variety of Service and Veteran Organisations dipped in salute; at the same time many floral tributes were placed on the hearse. The two minutes silence was greatly extended to allow the relatives and friends pay their tearful respects at this very sad occasion. As the cortege left the High Street a sustained period of clapping was heard.

On this occasion our Association was represented by Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie and Tony Lake and by Brian Crossin, Brian Simmons and Pat Partridge at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Tony Lake

8 October 2010

Another repatriation ceremony took place today, once again passing through the town of Wootton Bassett en route to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. This repatriation ceremony was held to pay tribute to Rifleman Suraj Gurung, 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, who was killed in an explosion while on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province of the 2nd October. As the hearse carrying the Union Flag draped coffin entered the town, the lone church bell began it's now very familiar toll, the Standards of the 12 ex-Service Associations were lowered in salute and those lining the roadside paid their respects to yet another fallen soldier. A large contingent of Gurkha soldiers, both in uniform and civilian attire, paid their own respects and then placed flowers on the hearse. Rifleman Gurung had only recently married and his wife had been awaiting a married quarter in order for her to come to join her husband in England. Sadly, her first visit to this country was to see her husband driven through Wootton Bassett. Family and friends were with her as the hearse stopped at the War Memorial for a minutes silent tribute, broken only by the sounds of those grieving. This was, once again, a very emotional farewell. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett were Ivan Carey, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie, Tony Lake and Jack & Vida Sharp. In Oxford we were represented by Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb, Pat & Maureen Plumridge and Bryan Simmonds.

Brian Flinn

14 October 2010

As dusk settled over Wootton Bassett and the church bell began to toll, the funeral cortege carrying the flag draped coffin of yet another lost soldier to the conflict in Afghanistan entered the town. We had gathered on this occasion to pay our respects to Sergeant Peter Anthony Rayner, 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, who was killed in an explosion while on patrol in the Nahr-r Saraj district of Helmand province on the 8th October. The hearse stopped at the War Memorial for the minutes silence, the 9 Association Standards present were lowered in salute and those lining the road, both Serving soldiers and civilians, paid respects in their own particular way. Flowers were placed on the hearse by the family and friends of Sergeant Rayner in a quiet dignified manner, after which the cortege moved off to continue the journey to Oxford. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett today were Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie, Tony Lake and Jack & Vida Sharp. Our representatives in Oxford were Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Pat & Maureen Plumridge and Bryan Simmonds.

Brian Flinn

29^th October 2010

On Thursday 28^th October 2010 hundreds of people gathered in the High Street, Wootton Bassett to honour and to pay their respects to Corporal David Barnsdale, 33 Engineer Regiment, aged 24 years of Tring in Hertfordshire who died whilst clearing explosive devices on 20^th October. Amongst those supporting Cpl Barnsdale’s family and friends were numerous service personnel, civil dignitaries, and veterans. As the single church bell tolled its mournful sound seventeen standards dipped in salute as the cortege stopped at the War Memorial for the customary two minutes silence, during which many floral tributes were placed on the hearse.

Representing our Association on this occasion were Veda and Jack Sharp, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ivan Carey and Tony Lake at Wootton Bassett and Brian Crossin and Pat Plumbridge at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Tony Lake

5 November 2010

The town of Wootton Bassett again came to a standstill today to pay respects to another soldier who had become the latest victim of the conflict in Afghanistan. Those gathered paid their respects to Sapper William Blanchard, 101(City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), who had been killed by small arms fire while investigating a suspect device in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on the 30th October. As the hearse entered the town to the toll of a church bell, 20 Standards from a variety of ex-Service Associations and cadet organisations were lowered in salute. During the two minutes silence at the War Memorial, flowers were placed on the hearse by family and friends of the repatriated soldier. This was a very quite, dignified and respectful passage through the town. The RAFPA was represented by Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Tim Clarke, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake, Jack & Vida Sharp and Vic & Val Smith. Representing us all at the John Radcliffe Hospital were Reg Lamb, Mike Lester, Pat & Maureen Plumridge, Bryan Simmonds and Bob Strachan.

Brian Flinn

16 November 2010

A repatriation ceremony took place in Wootton Bassett today to honour the return of Senior Aircraftman Scott Hughes, 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, who died in Cyprus on the 7th November following a tragic accident while en route to the United Kingdom on completion of his operational tour of Afghanistan. As usual, the High Street was lined with civilian and Service personnel alike to show their respects to another victim of the conflict of Afghanistan. The 17 Association Standards were lowered in salute as the hearse, carrying the Union Flag draped coffin, entered the town to the peel of the single church bell. The hearse halted at the War Memorial where family and friends of Scott Hughes placed flowers on the vehicle. Another sad home coming made even more poignant by the fact that Scott Hughes, who had completed his six month tour, should be killed when he was thought to be safe from the horrors of Afghanistan. Representing the RAF Police Association at this repatriation ceremony were Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Jack & Vida Sharp and Vic Smith.

Brian Flinn

At 3.30pm on Friday 19th November a bright setting Sun shone along the High St, at Wootton Bassett. Out of this Sun shine came three Police motorcycle outriders and a Traffic car,all with their blue lights flashing. Almost silently they drifted slowly along the street as the single Church bell tolled. A large number of servicemen and veterans snapped up salutes and 23 Standards were lowered as the cortege of Ranger Aaron McCormick of A Company,1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment came slowly to halt in front of his family and friends and along side the War Memorial. It was so much more fitting than normal when you realised that he had been killed in an explosion in the Nad-e-Ali district on Remembrance Sunday. As the cortege then pulled slowly away and the bell toll stopped,a complete and very dignified silence fell on the High St. Which remained until the cortege had left the street.

Present for the association were Ron Glover,Mike Archer and I. At the John Radcliff Hospital where 10 Standards were flown,were Brian Crossin,Reg Lamb, Bryan Simmonds and Pat and Maureen Plumridge. Sadly we already know we will be back again next week.

Kim Hassall

25 November 2010

Today saw the repatriation ceremony of the 100th Serviceman to be killed in Afghanistan this year. Bright and sunny, but extremely cold, Wootton Bassett High Street was again lined with people who had braved the freezing temperatures to pay their respects to Guardsman Christopher Davies, 1st Battalion Irish Guards, who was shot and killed in an ambush while on patrol in the Nahr-e-Saraj district of Helmand province on the 17th November. As the hearse entered the town, the 20 Association Standards on parade were lowered in salute, and those gathered paid their own silent tribute to Guardsman Davies. During the two minutes silence at the War Memorial, family and friends placed flowers on the hearse before the funeral cortege departed for it's onward sad journey to Oxford. RAFPA members at Wootton Bassett today were Mike Archer, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Ken Ivie and Vic Smith. Representing us at the John Radcliffe were Brian Crossin, Pat & Maureen Plumridge, Bryan Simmonds and Bob Strachan.

Brian Flinn

Members of the London Home Counties Branch (Oxford) who responded to an invitation by the Lord Mayor of Oxford to a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour at Oxford Town Hall. This was for Veterans from all Services attending the Repatriations held at the JR Hospital at Oxford. The Lord Mayor, Councillor John Goddard, gave a short speech thanking Veterans for their support over the last two years and looked forward to a time soon when these events would be no longer necessary.

Mike Lester

14 December 2010

Another repatriation ceremony took place through Wootton Bassett today, this time to pay respects to Private John Howard, 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. Private Howard died from wounds received during an operation against insurgents in the Lashkar-Gar district of Helmand province on the 5th December. As dusk settled over the town and a light rain began to fall, the tolling of the lone church bell indicated to those present that the funeral cortege was about to enter Wootton Bassett. The 19 Association Standard on parade were lowered and those gathered, both uniformed Service personnel and civilians alike, paid their respects to another casualty of the conflict in Afghanistan. The hearse carrying the coffin of Private Howard halted at the War Memorial while family and friends placed their flowers. The funeral cortege then moved off on route to Oxford. We were represented at Wootton Bassett by Mike Archer, Brian Flinn, Ron Glover, Kim Hassall, Tony Lake, Jack & Vida Sharp and Vic Smith. Representing us at the John Radcliffe Hospital were Brian Crossin, Reg Lamb, Pat & Maureen Plumridge and Bryan Simmonds.

Brian Flinn

30 December 2010

Hundreds of people lined Wootton Bassett High Street today to pay their respects to another victim of the Afghanistan conflict. The repatriation ceremony was conducted today in order for those gathered to have the opportunity to say farewell to Corporal Steven Dunn, 216 Parachute Signals Squadron, Royal Corps of Signals, who died on the 22nd December from injuries sustained when his vehicle was hit by a blast from a roadside bomb in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on the 21st December. There were large uniformed contingents present from both The Parachute Regiment and the Royal Corps of Signals to say farewell to one of their own, additionally there were many representatives of ex-Service Associations with 17 Standards on parade. Representing the RAFPA at Wootton Bassett today were Mike Archer, Ivan Carey, Brian Flinn, Kim Hassall, Ted & Gill Hellewell, Tony Lake and Vic & Val Smith. Representing us all at the John Radcliffe Hospital were Brian Crossin and Bryan Simmonds. Sadly, we already know we will have to do it all again next week for yet another of our fallen soldiers.

Brian Flinn