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RAF VALLEY MEMORIAL
Dennis Pritchard • 23 March 2021
RAF VALLEY MEMORIAL
Many years ago, a few committee members of the Valley Aviation Society had embarked on a research project to record the number of aircraft crashes that had transpired since RAF Valley was opened in 1941, where the station had been directly and indirectly involved. As a result, the list of fatalities identified has climbed to over 180 and includes names not only from the UK, but also America, Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, Poland, Czechoslovakia, a number of civilians and a few other nations.
In 2018, in recognition, it had been agreed to erect a relevant memorial in remembrance. Various designs were considered, before eventually deciding upon a rock, which was kindly donated by Hanson Aggregates, Penmaenmawr together with a Welsh slate plaque and bi-lingual inscription. After having consulted with Group Captain Nick Tucker Lowe, who was the Station Commander at the time, it was agreed to locate the memorial in Spotters Car Park, which is adjacent to Runway 20 and is open to the general public.
Following an appeal to our members, the financial cost was met due to the generosity of the membership. Its erection was then to commence in March by three committee members, despite hindrance from the COVID-19 restrictions.
At 5.45 pm on 22 September 2020; Reverend Squadron Leader Michael Hall, first led a short service of remembrance, before RAF Valley Station Commander and VAS President, Group Captain Chris Moon introduced Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, Air Vice Marshall Richard Maddison, who was to proceed to the dedication, before unveiling the memorial.
Due to the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions, the event had to be held with a minimum number attending. However, the Valley Aviation Society has been assured that in 2021, when the station will be celebrating its 80th anniversary, together with No 4 Flying Training School recognising its centennial; a similar occasion might be possible, when invitations would be extended to representatives from various other air arms in recognition of their losses.
Immediately following the occasion and bringing the gathering to its conclusion; our treasurer, in memory of past chairman and later vice-president Jack Thomas, presented a donation of £1,000 to the Station Commander on behalf of the RAF Valley Station Charities Committee.
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