Gorleston Memorial

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23^rd April 2005

A Day of Honour for brave RAF Seamen – Memorial unveiling at Gorleston

On the Saturday afternoon of the AGM/Reunion members were taken by coach to the quayside at Gorleston
to join with the large crowds gathered for the unveiling ceremony. With the RAF Regiment Band in attendance
and contingents from the ATC, ACF and Sea Cadets all was ready for the RAF and USAF Servicemen to
take their place as honour guards. Just before 15.00 hours Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Michael Beetham
with two Air Chief Marshals, two American Air Force Colonels, the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, the Mayor
of Great Yarmouth and other guests assembled.

Precisely at 15.00 The full Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster and two Spitfires) flew over the site
from South to North and then turned out to sea and came back over from East to West. This was the start of
the unveiling ceremony. The Club Padre conducted the service, inviting Sir Michael Beetham to unveil the
Memorial. There were speeches from Sir Michael, the Mayor of Great Yarmouth and John Leech Chairman
of the Anglian Branch. Wreaths were laid and Jack Graves representing the Club laid a wreath on our behalf.

There were Lifeboats from the local Lifeboat stations, an ex-RAF Pinnace 1830 now operated by the MVT and
SMIT Spey representing today’s Aircraft support fleet. All stationed themselves on the River Yare which is the
other side of the sea defence wall beside the Memorial.

Photographs below show various views of the event.

Poppy image reproduced by kind permission of www.relax-well.co.uk