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Air Cadets Honour Nottingham VC

Article posted: May 09, 2008 by Sqn Ldr Pass

At the invitation of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), Air Cadets from Nottingham held a Parade in the grounds of Nottingham Castle to remember Nottingham born First World War Fighter Ace, Captain Albert Ball VC.

The Parade is held every year on the anniversary Albert Ball’s disappearance in France on the evening of 7th May 1917 after taking off for an evening offensive patrol over the Arras Front. His posthumous Victoria Cross was awarded a month later to mark his heroic achievements.

The cadets with their banners and the banners of the RAFA and other veteran associations formed up around the statue to Captain Ball in the Castle Grounds where a short service was conducted by the Reverend Martin Kirkbride, Vicar of the Lenton Church & attended by the Ball Family.

At the going down of the sun

Wreaths were laid by Wing Commander O’Dell, Officer Commanding 56 (Reserve) Squadron from Royal Air Force Waddington and the Deputy Mayor Of Nottingham Councillor Gul Nawaz Khan.

Wreath laying by Deputy Mayor of Nottingham

After a march past led by the Parade Commander, Flight Lieutenant Phil Bannister RAFVR, the cadets were inspected by the Wing Commander and the Deputy Lord Mayor.

The cadets that attended came from all the Nottingham City & surrounding Squadrons – 138 (1st Nottingham), 209 (West Bridgford), 348 (Ilkeston), 504 (West Nottingham), 1359 (Beeston), 1360 (Stapleford), 1936 (Newton), 2195 (Long Eaton), 2418 (Sherwood) & 2425 (Nottingham Airport).

By Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T)
Wing Media & Communications Officer

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