305th Bomb Group Memorial - Chelveston
Dedicated 26th May 2007
Saturday 26th 2007 proved to be a day of great emotion when 15 US veterans and 39 family members came over, along with over 400 members of the public from the surrounding areas to gather together for the dedication of the memorial to the 305th Bomb Group who were stationed at Chelveston, Northamtopnshire from 1942-1945.
The event started around 10.00am with veterans and their families meeting in Higham Ferrers market square, however because of the use of the square due to the market stall holders the coaches were then swiftly taken to a new location, down the road in a near by industrial estate. With this the veterans and families climbed into a selection of vehicles, Jeeps and dodges provided by 'Trucks Troops & Stores' - a local military vehicle group and 'South East Midlands MVT' and were taken to the airfield site (Station 105). Here the veteran had a chance to reminise and talk about many of their memories at the base. Many memories were revived and some brilliant stories told. The visitors were also greeted by a fly past of a Spitfire (MK356 Mk LFIX) of the Battle of Britain Memorial flight.
Following a service in the village church, there were two wreath layings in the church yard by two windows to the rememberence of all those men who had lost their lives so many years ago. Veterans and their families were then invited to the village hall for a lunchtime spread which had been layed out by the Women's Inctitute.
The dedication of the memorial then took place with the laying of wreaths by the US veterans. The US Air Force was represented by Col. Jack Jones, and the RAF by Group Captain Steve Lloyd. Salutes were also taken by 8 memeber of the Chelsea Pensioners.
The service itself was conducted by the Rev Canon Grant Brockhouse, along with Cllr Adrian Dale as the Master of Ceremonies. Honour Guards and Standard Bearers included the 423rd Air Base Group, USAF, 858 Air Training Corps (Rushden) Sqn, Raunds & District Royal British Legion and Yaxley & Huntingdon branches of the Royal Air Force Association, plus a trumpeter from Raunds Temperance Band.
