A ceremony to unveil a plaque to honour those awarded the Victoria Cross who were cremated at Golders Green Crematorium, was held on Sunday 7th April at 2.00 pm.
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Parade consisting of Chelsea Pensioners and 21 Royal British Legion Standard Bearers, members of all of the local cadet forces and their officers.
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- Lieutenant General Sir Fenton John Aylmer, VC, KCB.
- Major The Viscount Alexander Edward Murray Fincastle VC, DSO, MVO, DL.
- Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Colclough Watson VC.
- Colonel Edward Douglas Brown-Synge-Hutchinson, VC, CB
- Corporal James Upton VC.
- Brigadier The Rt.Hon. Sir John George Smyth Bt. VC,MC.
- Lieutenant Leonard Maurice Keysor VC.
- Lieutenant Colonel William John Penn-Symons VC, OBE.
- Rear Admiral The Hon. Edward Barry Stewart Bingham VC, OBE.
- Lieutenant Commander Percy Thompson Dean VC.
- Major James Palmer Huffam VC.
- Lieutenant Colonel Sir Brett Cloutman VC, MC.
- Corporal Arthur Percy Sullivan VC.
- Major Parkash Singh VC
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The 14 who were awarded the VC are listed left:-
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The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Committee had been working with the management and staff of the Golders Green Crematorium for over 2 years in the lead up to the 7 April Ceremony.
A rehearsal for the 7th April was organised 2 weeks previously, and this took place in the snow and bitterly cold winds, but none the less it was a great success, thanks go to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater London Mr Martin Russell for attending and his most valued input into the proceedings.
At 12:00 noon the Royal British Legion Standards began to arrive, and they were again duly instructed by Mr. Reg Burton our Parade Marshal on the proceedings for the coming service. At 1:00pm. Guests invited included the Chief Military Advisors to the Australian High Commission, and the Indian High Commission, the Mayor of Barnet, and 20 members of the Victoria Cross recipient’s families. Representation from the police force, and other local dignitaries.
One of the highlights of the day was the arrival of 3 Chelsea Pensioners, this was greatly appreciated that they wished to shared the day with everyone else attending. The parade set of at 13:50 and consisted of the 3 Chelsea Pensioners and 21 Royal British Legion Standard Bearers, members of all of the local cadet forces and their officers.
The service began with a poem called the Victoria Cross by Mr Steven Hill, this was followed by the committee chairman’s opening speech, and again followed by the Deputy Lord Lieutenants Mr Martin Russell’s speech.
The reverend Rex Morton continued with the multi denominational service, which was appreciated by all, also within the service, The Homage by Mr. Chris Stewart, and the Kohima by Mr Geoff Allen.
It was a very moving occasion, with some of the VC families having travelled from Ireland especially for the day.
After the service tea/coffee and biscuits were served, everyone was thankful that the weather held out on this very special occasion.
One of those cremated at the Crematorium originated from Nottingham hence the organisations involvement with co-ordinating the event. http://www.nottinghamshire-victoria-cross-memorial.org.uk/
