Community commemorates Remembrance Sunday outside historic World War II Watch Office

On Sunday (14 November) Alconbury Weald will host a Remembrance Sunday event in honour of the British and American servicemen from the former airfield who lost their lives in the service of their countries.

The local community will gather outside Ermine Street Church Academy and form a procession to the former Watch Office. This Listed Building, which formed a key part of RAF Alconbury’s wartime effort, sits at the heart of the first community hub after its recent refurbishment into a café and bistro.

The Watch Office was historically used by RAF Command to overview the missions leaving the airfield –counting aircraft out and counting them in again, noting the losses of those not returning. The Green outside the Watch Office, provides a focus for Second World War remembrance, and will include a future memorial to both the American and Royal Air Force crews who served there, and also to mark the site of a tragic accident in May 1943 when 19 young men lost their lives in an explosion whilst aircraft were being prepared for a mission.

Following a two minute silence, Rev’d Rob Paddison from Alconbury Weald Church will lead a service of reflection and prayer, which will be followed by a two-minute silence at 11am and the laying of wreaths and will conclude with the British and American National Anthems. Attendees who bring a spare traditional lapel poppy will also be invited to place a poppy with the wreaths laid out on the platform by Memorial Green.

Natalie Leigh Brown, community development lead at Alconbury Weald, said:

“Our commemoration last year was very low key due to Covid restrictions, but we hope the community will join us this year to pay tribute and remember the sacrifices made. The Watch Office and Green always provide a poignant backdrop to the service to remember all those who served and protected us in times of war and conflict.”

After the service, refreshments will be provided in the Pavilion and those gathered will be able to take a moment to share stories of friends and relatives who have served in the armed forces.