A WREATH LAID BY THE RAF POLICE ASSOCIATION

AT THE RAF REGIMENT MEMORIAL

On 3 March 2010 several RAF and Military Police Association members gathered at Alrewas for their annual “Snowdrop” Parade and the dedication of the RAFPA North West Branch Standard. There was a chapel service and a gathering at the RAFP and MP Memorials to lay wreaths.

Afterwards several RAFP Association members gathered at the RAF Regiment Memorial garden to honour Cpl Marcin Wojtak (killed on 1 Oct 09) and SAC Luke Southgate (killed on 24 Feb 10).

Because we did not know the 2 recently deceased gunners personally we quoted to our assembled members the tributes paid to them by their friends Cpl Dave Hayden MC and SAC Jason Parker. Our members were moved by the feelings expressed by these comrades of the deceased.

The RAFPA National Chairman Brian Flinn then laid the wreath and the new RAFPA Branch standard bearer lowered his standard (Photos attached).

4 March 2010 the day following our “Snowdrop” Parade Brian Flinn and 11 other RAFPA members were at Wootton Bassett and 4 others were at Ratcliffe Hospital Oxford to show their respects during the repatriation of SAC Luke Southgate and others.

Dear all,

Air Commodore La Forte, RAFPA President, has requested that I pass on his gratitude, and that of the RAF Regiment, to all members of the RAFPA for the condolences expressed for the recent death of SAC Luke Southgate. He also expresses his gratitude for the wreath-laying ceremony that was conducted by RAFPA members at the RAF Regiment Memorial at Alrewas during our "Snowdrop" Parade on 3rd March.

Regards,

Brian Flinn