Fund pays tribute at Field of Remembrance

This Remembrance Day, the RAF Benevolent Fund is joining other military charities in a space at Westminster Abbey’s Field of Remembrance, to remember loved ones lost serving in the Armed Forces.

The Field of Remembrance has taken place every November since 1928 when The Poppy Factory took a group of disabled veterans a tray of poppies and a collecting tin to the grounds of St Margaret's Church at Westminster Abbey.

The tradition has grown over the years, and now tens of thousands of poppies on wooden crosses are planted every year.

The Field of Remembrance was opened on 6 November by Her Majesty The Queen and representatives from the Fund walked through the grounds to pay tribute to those whose crosses have been laid in the Field.

The Fund was represented by Director of Operations Air Commodore Simon Harper, Head of Major Giving Graham Brogden, Head of Communications Lorna Dorrell, and RAF veteran and Fund Ambassador Bob Greig.

Many beneficiaries and supporters of the Fund provided their own personnel tributes for the crosses planted in the space.

RAF widow and Fund Ambassador, Jacqui Thompson remembered her husband Gary, who was killed in Afghanistan whilst serving in the RAF Regiment. She said: “Gary Thompson, you are remembered, loved and cherished every second of every day – your loving family always.”

RAF veteran and Fund Ambassador, Dave Rose, said: “For our futures you gave your lives, bodies and minds. Your sacrifice will always be remembered. Many thanks.”

Fund supporters shared their tributes too. John Kyle wrote: “In loving memory of Andrew Kyle from John, Una and all the family. You live on in our hearts.”

Ann and Colin Blowers dedicated their crosses to the memory of Geoff Packham, John Jenkins, Jack Jackson, Jim Matthews, Frank Willson, Elwyn Morgan and Cyril Pettit.

Fund supporter Iain Houseman wrote: “Remembering those who gave everything for a future they wouldn’t see. We shall remember them.”

Tim and Mary Clode shared their tribute: “In loving memory of Pilot Officer Hugh Blackall from Tim and Mary Clode and their family.”

Fund supporter Pascal Fournier said: “In loving memory of Jean who fought bravely alongside his fellow British aviators.”

The April Fools Club members have paid tribute to the memory of lost comrades: “Dedicated to the memory of Sqn Ldr Mark Long, BBMF 1981-2024. Dedicated to the 10 crew members of Hercules C130K, flight XV179, 47 Squadron, lost in Iraq 2005. Dedicated to the memory of Flt Lt Kev Main and Flt Lt Dave Williams, IX (B) Squadron, lost on 22 March 2003 on return to Ali-Al Salem Airbase.”

You can visit the Field of Remembrance daily from Friday 7 – Sunday 16 November, 8:30am – 6:00pm.