Women’s Services Memorial day at Yorkshire Air Museum

Yorkshire Air Museum Women's Services Memorial

The Centenary of women serving within the Armed Forces will be marked during the poignant Women’s Services Memorial Day taking place here at the Allied Air Forces Memorial & Yorkshire Air Museum this coming Sunday 13th August.

It was on 7th July 1917 when the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp was formed, introducing women into the Army for the first time, although it was a largely clerical unit. This was followed in November 1917 by the formation of the Women’s Royal Naval Service and the birth of the ‘Wrens’, as the service is affectionately known as.

“This annual Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony exists to pay tribute and fully recognise the role that women have played in the defence of the nation from the First World War to the present day, where they now take on frontline duties, shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts on the ground, at sea and in the air. In fact, it is a tribute to the diversity and inclusiveness of all forms of our service community that gender, sexual orientation and ethnic background is no barrier to serving in the defence of the nation.” – Ian Reed ONM FRAeS Museum Director

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have once again shown their support for the ceremony, with the allocation of a flypast by the legendary Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, which will set off proceedings in the early afternoon in quite spectacular style as the spine-tingling roar of Merlin engines fills the Elvington sky. As the aircraft disappear in the distance, the Parade will set off to march through the centre of the Museum to our unique and inspiring Women’s Memorial Garden, where a Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place.

Following this, the Parade will reform and march back, where, we are delighted to announce, the Salute will be taken by the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, the Hon. Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister.

“It is especially fitting that Susan has been able to join us for the occasion, as it will see the Laying Up of the Branch Standards of Keyingham and Stamford Bridge Royal British Legion Women’s Section, making this the last time that these Standards will be presented and Paraded. This is always a sad occasion, as these flags are symbols of service and friendship, carried and marched with pride and honour. Our Station Chaplain, the Revd. Charles “Taff” Morgan MBE will accept the Standards into our care for perpetuity, where they will join many others of various Service organisations already at rest in our Chapel.” – Ian Richardson, Communications Manager.

The Parade will be led by musicians from the Yorkshire Military Band & Corps of Drums, creating a rousing and colourful spectacle for all participants and visitors to enjoy.

Gates Open at 10:00am and normal Museum Admission applies: £10 Adults; £8 Concessions and £5 Children (5-15. Family admission £26 (2A + 3Ch.)

www.yorkshireairmuseum.org

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