A moving ceremony to mark the unveiling of a new war memorial in France was attended by a representative of Pocklington School in East Yorkshire.
The event took place in Boussières-sur-Sambre, in the Nord region of France, with the memorial – the first of its kind in over 60 years – dedicated to 116 Allied airmen who tragically lost their lives in the Avesnois region during the Second World War. Flight Lieutenant Dare, of Pocklington School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), joined international dignitaries and over 80 families of fallen airmen at the unveiling.
He said: “It was an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to have been invited along.” Flt Lt Dare attended alongside Harry Bartlett, chairman and secretary of the 102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association, and John Williams, also a member of the association and nephew of a fallen airman.
The event brought together over 80 family members of the fallen, from countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United States. Dignitaries in attendance included French Housing Minister Valérie Létard, military embassy officials, senior officers from France and Canada, and over 70 standard bearers.
The event was made possible through the dedication of local historian Bernard Feutry, and researcher Daniel Carville – founder of the France Crashes 1939–1945 project – and local Mayor, Claude Dupont. The connection between Pocklington School and 102 Squadron is a strong one.
(Image: Pocklington School)
For the past five years, cadets from Pocklington’s CCF have supported the Squadron Association at commemorative events, providing honour guards and participating in remembrance ceremonies at local sites such as St Catherine’s Church, in Barmby Moor, and the Wolds Gliding Club. Flt Lt Dare was invited not only for his connection to the RAF and the 102 Squadron Association, but also to act as interpreter for the event – translating and assisting throughout the weekend’s commemorations.
“It was an incredibly emotional and uplifting experience in many ways,” he said. “Although I am not a full-time member of the Armed Forces, I am proud of my RAFAC reserve commission and humbled to have been part of the military parade and to meet many of the families involved.”
While in France, the group also visited several other significant sites, including Wattignies-la-Victoire, Maubeuge Cemetery, and Brissy-Hamégicourt, where crews from 102 Squadron are buried, some as young as 20. “I was taken aback by just how friendly and hospitable the locals were,” Flt Lt Dare said.
“They genuinely do remember. These communities still hold services every year around the dates of the crashes. Their memorials are well tended to and deeply respected.
“We shared an unforgettable weekend in each other’s company. It was amazing to meet people from all around the world, all remembering the sacrifice made by their ancestors.”
CCF Contingent Commander Sam Hughes said: “Pocklington School’s Combined Cadet Force has a strong relationship with 102 Squadron and we were delighted and proud when Ft Lt Dare was invited to join the unveiling of the new monument. Many Pocklington cadets have taken part in 102 Squadron events in recent years, and we owe Harry Bartlett and Ft Lt Dare great thanks for providing them with such memorable experiences.”