GREENHAM COMMON MEMORIAL SERVICE

Each year, a memorial service is held at Greenham Common to remember those United States military personnel who died in a glider crash at the airbase in 1944. There is a memorial site near the centre of the old Greenham Common base, which has a plaque which lists the names of the 33 who died in the crash. I was privileged to represent the Town on the morning of 12 December for the memorial service. I arrived with Edwina Cooper the Mayoress and met the President of the Newbury Royal British Legion, Michael Westropp, the Rev Keri Enyon who was taking the service, members of the Royal British Legion and standard bearers and two U S Air Force officers from RAF Welford. Prior to the service beginning, we were told that a letter had been received from the daughter of one of the serviceman who died, expressing her gratitude at holding this annual service of commemoration.
The service itself was short but solemn; the one hymn “O god our help in ages past, our hope for years to come” was sung as it is on Remembrance Sunday, followed by prayers for peace in the world and imAprovements in international relations and a prayer for those remembered that day. The Last Post was sounded followed by wreaths being laid by the US Air force Officers and by myself on behalf of the Town of Newbury. After the service we all went into Liberty House for refreshments when we were able to speak to those attending the Memorial Service. It was difficult to visualise what it was like at this part of Greenham Common in 1944 but it was bursting with service personnel of many nationalities, all preparing for the invasion of France in Operation Overlord in June. Many were destined not to survive and we all owe our current freedom for what they achieved over 60 years ago.