The annual Service of Remembrance took place on 9 November at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Reichswald.
The Service takes place each November at the Cemetery to honour those Servicemen and women who have been killed or injured as a result of service to the Crown, whether in war, conflicts or training.
Just near the Dutch border in northwest Germany, the vast Reichswald Forest was the scene of fierce fighting in the closing stages of WW2. As the final resting place for nearly 8,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen from numerous Commonwealth countries, it is the biggest Commonwealth War Grave.
In a poignant ceremony in chilly November weather, the service was conducted by the Rev’d Father Ian Evans, Deputy Assistant Chaplain General (Germany), with a large delegation of families from JHQ Rheindahlen looking on.
Wreaths were laid by representatives of numerous organisations including Her Majesty’s Government, the British and Dutch Armed Services and the Royal British Legion.
Dr Peter Tibber, HM Consul General Dusseldorf, laid a wreath on behalf of The Government, and wreaths were also laid by Group Captain John Alexander RAF, of the JAPCC, Kalkar and Major John Fleming, of the Theatre Fleet Support Unit.
Representing the Royal British Legion at the Parade were Shane Pickering and WO2 Neal Thompson of the Rheindahlen Branch. The RBL Standard Bearer was Cpl Philip Poole.
In his address, Fr Evans said: “We are gathered to remember those who have made the supreme sacrifice in the giving of their lives in the service of their country. We remember and pray for all those who have suffered and still suffer as a consequence of war.
We pray for peace and reconciliation especially remembering those with responsibility for the leadership of nations – that conflict may be avoided and peace prevail among all people.” He added: “Even today, our young men and women are laying down their lives for their country at a time of international strife. May they rest in peace and be rewarded for their faithful service”.
Among many civilian visitors who had travelled out from UK for the occasion was Mr Tom Ward, from Wragby, Lincs. He was visiting the grave of his brother Arthur Ward, who was drowned in the Rhine, aged 23, along with his comrades, when their Lancaster was shot down. The crews’ remains were eventually recovered from the wreck and buried in the Reichswald Cemetery. Tom has travelled to the Cemetery for many years to pay his respects.
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