We would like to thank everyone who made such a huge effort to be with us. The stormy weather created lots of challenging journeys for those coming from afar.
This year we were joined by the Deputy Ambassador of the Czech Republic Michal Strouhal and his Defence Attache Brigadier General Vratislav Beran, Warrant Officer Tomas Kaspar and the Slovak Defence Attaché Colonel Vladimir Stolarik.
We were particularly honoured to welcome the husband of Ambassador Chatardova, Mr. Benoît Chatard who has a personal interest in both history and the Czechoslovak veterans.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Saj Hussain represented Woking Borough Council, and Bob Thomson Head Gardener of Brookwood represented the CWGC.
Additional wreaths were laid by:
Mr Stefan Kasprzyk on behalf of the Polish Airforce Association, Chris and Georgina Pavel from the Friends of Czechoslovak Memorial Fountain Leamington Spa, Ailsa Nicholas on behalf of the Royal British Legion and Sergeant Simon Hedges from the Frimley and Camberley Cadet Corps and Ashley Barnett on behalf of Secret WWII Learning Network. Mimi Chanova and Tessa Chambers (nee Elkington) in memory of Squadron Leader Tim Elkington of No 1. Squadron, Tangmere and all Czechoslovak Air crews who flew from there and Denise Mellion who lay a wreath in memory of her father and the veterans of 311 Bomber squadron.
We were thrilled to have the children from the Czech School without Borders London and the Saturday Czech and Slovak school Okénko, Czech School Berkshire with us again, and for the support at the event with the national anthems and lighting little tea lights on each of the headstones. Their remembrance stones make a wonderful display around out Tree of Peace. They heard stories about our veterans from Dr George Scott and Mimi Chanova (daughter of Jan Kuttelwascher and niece of Karel Kuttelwascher the night fighter ace) and Dr. Jana Burešov.
Thank you to the Frimley and Camberley Cadet Corps for parading so smartly at the event. They were a real credit to themselves and their company, and I know their officers were delighted with how well they conducted themselves. We can’t wait to have you back in May.
Also, to Ruth Moore who played the Last post and Reveille and makes the Act of Remembrance so very special.
An added highlight was to welcome Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Gary Simon from 310 (Widnes) Squadron Air Cadets. Thanks to the Warrant Officer Tomas Kaspar we will be joining together with them to develop a new partnership. Brigadier General Vratislav Beran took the opportunity to present a plaque of the original 310th Czechoslovak RAF Fighter Squadron as unfortunately, the original plaque was destroyed in a fire.
Special thanks to Eddie and Dagmar Jones who kindly allowed us to use their wonderful ‘estaminet’ afterwards to have refreshments and catch up with each other and make new friendships.
These events are so important as they allow us to connect the past with the present and keep the veteran’s stories alive for future generations; something the MAFCSV are passionate about. If you have family stories you would like to share with our children and students, we would be delighted to hear from you.
