Formby Village Stands Still – Armistice Day 2009
Photographs Patrick Trollope

FORMBY, on 11 November 2009, came to a standstill as a massive crowd made up of members of the public, of the local military units, Air Cadets and representatives of civil and political groups gathered around the village War Memorial to remember those who lost their lives in the First World War and in the Second World War. This event was also mademore poignant as those present remembered all who have given their lives in recent fighting, including local servicemen who have died in Iraq and in Afghanistan. The service was started by the ‘Marching On’ of The Standards, carried by members of the Royal British Legion and other similar organisations, as well as the RAF. A moving address was made by the Chaplain to the Formby British Legion followed by the Bugle calling the start of the Two Minutes Silence, played by Dave Culshaw. It was gratifying to note that alongside the increased number who were at the memorial site, in the distance many of the shoppers in Chapel Street and surrounding areas also paused and observed the Silence. Hardly a sound was heard for the whole two minutes!

Planting crosses were Formby Parish Council representatives, the President of Formby R.B.L. Mr. Cyril Goulbourne, the President of Formby Women’s Section R.B.L., Mrs. G Spence, the Officer Commanding RAF Woodvale, The Royal Air Force Association - Mr. Fred Jones, Chairman of Little Altcar Parish Council, and other organisations and members of public.

After this short service many retired back to the village or work, but some moved on to the nearby church of Our Ladies, where six young Polish airman from 308 Squadron, who came to open RAF Woodvale were laid to rest, alongside other local Second World War casualties, including a member of the Home Guard. A small service was then held and two representatives from Poland, Mrs. B Soblewska and Mrs. Smolen laid crosses as did representatives of the RAF, The Royal Air Force Association and the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr. Alf Doran.

Related links:-  Mersey Reporter | RAF Woodvale | Woodvale-Rally | Wikipedia

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