Wartime heroism is recalled (From Gazette & Herald)

Wartime heroism is recalled

THE pilot who flew the first Halifax aircraft at Wombleton airfield near Kirkbymoorside 60 years ago gave a poignant message to world leaders when the milestone was commemorated with a special service on Sunday.

Squadron Leader Ron Read told the large number of servicemen and women in a message read at the ceremony: "While this ceremony is primarily to salute those members of the RAF and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) who passed through Wombleton and 6 Group, many to die during the Second World War, the current events in the world are a shameful reminder that mankind has yet to learn the lessons of history."

Now living in Spain, Sqdn Leader Read is the holder of the distinguished Flying Cross.

He said in the message, which was read by Tony Clark, chairman of the Wombleton Airfield Memorial Committee: "Once the politicians, from what they no doubt perceive are honourable intentions, have created yet another war, and once again the young men of many countries are sent to give their lives in the pursuit of those aims.

"We can only hope that the cost of the settlement of the present crisis will not call for the sacrifices that the young men of the RAF, RCAF and other forces, whose memory we honour at Wombleton, will never be repeated."

The moving ceremony, which was conducted by the Rev John Woods, chaplain to the Ryedale branch of the RAFA, saw two fly-pasts, one by a Kirkbymoorside-built Slingsby Firefly, the other a Chipmunk, which dipped in salute as they flew over the landmark stone memorial, flanked by veteran airmen and their families.

The memorial, in memory of the RAF and RCAF airmen and women who served at Wombleton during the war, was provided through public subscription by the Wombleton Airfield Memorial Committee.

Standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and the Korean Veterans' Association stood alongside the memorial and, during the service, the chairman of Ryedale District Council, Coun Brian Cottam, read the lessons.

Wreaths were laid by Captain Steve Ruff, of the RCAF, and Wing Commander Nick Topman, of RAF Linton-on-Ouse, together with Cyril Shreeve, chairman of the Ryedale RAFA branch, and Mrs Betty Whitworth, of Thornton-le-Dale, on behalf of the DeHavilland Society.

The Last Post and Reveille were sounded by bugler John Sails, and the exhortation was delivered by Brigadier M Perrett-Young.

The British and Canadian national anthems were also sung during the service.

Mr Clark paid tribute to Robin Wright, who had manicured the roadside site where the memorial stands, and which has panoramic views over the Ryedale countryside. He also praised county Coun Val Arnold, who had arranged for the large verged area to be kerbed and seeded to enhance its appearance.

Among the veterans attending was Wallace Richmond, of Croft, now 79, who was with heavy construction unit No 1666, which was based at Wombleton. After the war, he became a revenue inspector with Richmondshire District Council.

Also present were Don Glensor, of Kirkbymoorside, Wilf Taylor, of Copmanthorpe, near York, Catherine Halliwell, of York, William Shields, of Harome, and Arnold Eklid, of Ilkley, who was in charge of the hydraulic section at Wombleton before joining the Fleet Air Arm.

Mr Clark said: "It was a splendid occasion, with excellent weather and a marvellous turnout by people, many of whom had travelled long distances."

After the service a tea was held at Wombleton village hall.

Updated: 11:36 Wednesday, October 15, 2003