Remembrance Sunday - FAA Memorial, Embankment
Published: 11 Nov 2020
From: Phil Carpenter, Secretary, Fly Navy Federation
Dear All,
I hope Remembrance Sunday was marked by everyone in their own appropriate way this year, despite the cancellation of all organised events.
London was amazingly and rather eerily quiet in places, but there were a good few people strolling along Embankment, and taking an interest in the FAA memorial.
Alongside the Federation wreath, the FAAOA (Jamie Black) and Armourers (John McCarthy) also had local members in attendance with wreaths .
The three were placed individually at 1102, on completion of the 2 minute silence. Shortly afterwards a 4th was placed completely unannounced and without ceremony by a member of the public, who had lost an uncle (an Air Engineer) on Atlantic Conveyor in 1982 - a very nice addition on the day.
A small, unique (hopefully it won’t be the same next year!), but very good way of paying our respects, which keeps the annual tradition at the Embankment FAA memorial going.
On a different topic, there was some damage evident to the stonework at the base of the memorial, and I know this has been noted by others. It is clear that it was caused by a tractor-mower going too close, and being driven without sufficient care, which was really disappointing to see.
I have complained to the Westminster City Council Parks Manager for Embankment about the damage. He has responded very quickly, stating that it will be repaired, and that he will also speak with the contractor to ensure that all mower-drivers are re-briefed.
If the good news regarding vaccines continues, hopefully we will see a return to the full ceremony next year, with the memorial base restored to its former glory.
Regards,
Phil Carpenter
Secretary
Fly Navy Federation
Alongside the Federation wreath laid by Phil Carpenter, the FAAOA (Jamie Black) and Armourers (John McCarthy) also had local members in attendance to lay wreaths at the FAA Memorial on Embankment.
Four person picture L-R: Phil Carpenter, Serena Davidson, John Brotherton, Jamie Black