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Service of Remembrance and Medal Ceremony

Posted on 11/11/07
P. Klein

Earlier today (11th November 2007) saw the Service of Remembrance and Laying of Wreaths at the Loughborough War Memorial. This was followed by a medal Ceremony in the Market Place.

At about 10am this morning Queens Park saw people gather around the Carillon for the Royal British Legions Remembrance Service. The weather was cold and apart from a few drops of rain remained dry. With a crowd of several thousand the proceedings started with the 1st Loughborough Boys and Girls Brigade marching into the Park followed by other corps. Standard bearers arranged themselves in front of the Carillon and the Civic Party arrived.

The service was led by the Revd David Featon and Canon David Newman of Loughborough United Reform Church and Emmanuel Church respectively. The Welcome was given by Mr Jim Pitts, President of the Royal British Legion Loughborough No 1 Branch.

After the National Anthem Canon David Newman gave the Bidding:

"We have gathered here today to remember those who gave their lives while serving our country in two World Wars, and those who since that time have made the same sacrifice in the defence of justice and freedom, especially those of this town of Loughborough

"As we gather together we both look back with those whose memories are long and we look forward with the many young people who are here today.

"To those who saw active service and to those who survived on the home front we offer our respect and thanks for the heritage which we enjoy. To those who have their lives ahead of them we offer our prayers and our hope that freedom and justice might prevail. Together we pray that our may be a nation which values truthfulness and mutual respect.

The Reading for the Service was given by The Worshipful the Mayor of Charnwood Councillor Joe Tormey who read from Romans 12:9-18. The two minutes silence at 11am was reverently observed by the complete congregation as people considered the sacrifice made and what it means to their lives today. During the two minutes silence poppy leaves were scattered from the top of the Carillon and were carried across the park by the breeze. Following the Lords Prayer the Carilloneur played whilst Wreaths were laid at the base of the Carillon.

After the Service the Civic party departed to Devonshire Square where the Mayor took the salute from the Parade. The Parade then proceeded into Loughboroughs Market Place for a medal presentation ceremony of long service and campaign medals to members of the Territorial Army.

Within his role as Drops Driver, Lance Corporal Miller helped support the commanding logistic regiment to transport essential supplies to units based in Afghanistan and Helman province. Returning at the end of April 2007 after a successful tour.

Throughout his challenging an arduous 6 months in theatre Lance Corporal Miller performed his duties with distinction and today, we congratulate him by being awarded his campaign medal.

Citation for the award of the Second Bar to Volunteer Reserve Service Medal goes to 24814146 Warrant Officer, Class 2 Lee Richard Wilson. Warrant Officer, Class 2 Wilson enlisted into the TA on 7th July 1987 joining at Head Quarter Company 7th battalion the Royal Anglian regiment stationed in Leicester. After 10 years service to the TA Warrant Officer Wilson was awarded the Volunteer Reserve Service medal on the 6th July 1997. On the 2nd July 1999 Warrant Officer Wilson transferred to 203 Loughborough Transport Squadron 158. After 15 years service to the TA, Warrant Officer Wilson was awarded his class to Volunteer Reserve Service Medal on the 6th July 2002.

Since joining 203 transport squadron Warrant Officer Wilson was mobilised on June 2003 on Operation Tally serving with three UK divisional headquarters. He has also completed his driver class one, drops automotive course and his Warrant Officers course. During his service Warrant Officer Wilson has attended annual camp in the UK and Germany, he has maintained the highest standard and has never failed to achieve his annual certificate of efficiency. For his loyalty and dedication throughout his twenty years service Warrant Officer Wilson is today awarded the Second bar to his Volunteer Reserve Service Medal.

Citation award for Volunteer Reserve Service Medal to 24963035 Sergeant Stephan Neil Dawnton. Sergeant Dawnton enlisted into the TA on 11th January 1996, joining B Company 5th Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment stationed at Melton Mowbray. Sergeant Dawnton was mobilised on 23rd May 1999 and served with 40 Regiment Royal Artillery on operations in Bosnia. In November 2002 he completed his fork lift rough terrain instructors course before deploying in February 2003 on operation tally where he served in Iraq. In October 2004 Sergeant Dawnton completed and passed his Drops Instructors Course and finished his Military Proficiency Certificate (advanced level) in February 2006. In June 2007 Sergeant Dawnton completed a 12 month full time reserve service posting at 203 Loughborough transport squadron as military transport instructor. During his service, Sergeant Dawnton attended annual camps in the UK, he has maintained the highest standard and has never failed to achieve his Annual Certificate of Efficiency. For his loyalty and dedication, Sergeant Dawnton is today awarded the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal.

Citation award for Volunteer Reserve Service Medal to 24950483 Corporal Jason John Jordon. Corporal Jordan enlisted in the TA on the 16th April 1994 joining the Leicestershire and Derbyshire yeomanry Prince Alberts own company 7th Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment stationed at Loughborough. In July 1994 Corporal Jordan completed and passed his combat infantryman course at the infantry training battalion Strensall. On the 1st April 1996 the company re-launched the Royal Logistics Course after which Corporal Jordan completed and passed his drops automated course, his military proficiency certificate and his driver class 1 courses. In July 2003 Corporal Jordan was mobilised on Operation Tally and served with 12 Transport Squadron support Regiment. During his service Corporal Jordan attended regular annual camp and exercisers within the UK. He has maintained the highest standard and has never failed to achieve his annual certificate of efficiency. For his loyalty and dedication to the TA, Corporal Jordan is today awarded the volunteer Reserve Service Medal.

Proceedings concluded at 1:30pm.

News report by T. Robson

Further pictures of the days events can be seen here.