Credit: RAF V&F

On Saturday 10 October 2026, the Royal Air Forces Veterans and Friends (RAF V&F) Luxembourg Committee organised a fundraising ball at the Novotel in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, as part of its Wings Weekend 2026.

The aim of the Wings Weekend is to remember those who gave their lives in the service of military during war, and to enjoy the comradeship of one to another in the planned social events. In addition, through the tombola at the Wings Ball they raise funds to provide support for all those of the RAF family: both serving and former-serving, and their dependents who need assistance, as well as for local deserving charities.

Lamadelaine

Earlier on Saturday morning, a parade and commemoration service were held in Lamadelaine, commemorating Pilot Officer (Pilot) Frederick Stanley Laws (age 22), Sergeant (Observer) Robert Finlayson Miller (age 31) and Aircraftman 1st Class (Wireless Operator/Gunner) Leon Meredith Langton of the No. 142 Squadron RAF – Fairey Battle, shot down on 10 May 1940. The British Ambassador to Luxembourg, Joanne Olivier, and Aldermen of Pétange took part in the commemoration, along with Wing Commander Ady Morris MBE and Squadron Leader Ellie Hoogewerf. Following the reading of a verse of Remembrance by Squadron Leader Murray, the Last Post and Reveille were played on trumpet.

History: At 12:00 on 10 May 1940, eight aircraft of No 142 Squadron based at Berry-au-Bac in France (north-west of Reims) took off in half sections with a bomb load of four 250lb bombs for a raid on enemy columns reported to be advancing along the Luxembourg-Dippach road as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force (AASF). One aircraft was forced to return due to an undercarriage malfunction and the other seven prosecuted the attack at low level. Light flak was reported on the attack and three aircraft failed to return. Two aircraft were shot down and one aircraft force landed away from base. P/O Laws, Sgt Miller and AC Langton were reported missing whilst the other crew were reported as prisoners of war.

Pétange

Shortly afterwards, the formal proceedings moved to Pétange for the commemorating the citizens of Pètange who suffered under Nazi occupation. Ambassador Olivier and Wing Commander Morris both spoke, before laying wreaths along with Aldermen of Pétange and Squadron Leader Murray. Philip Taylor, Vice-President of the Royal Air Forces Veterans and Friends Luxembourg Committee, read a verse of Remembrance, the Last Post and Reveille were performed, and the national anthems of Britain and Luxembourg were played.

Wings Ball

The Wings Ball Fund Raising event took place at the Novotel in Luxembourg-Kirchberg with nnnn people in attendance, with the dress code being "black tie or uniform with miniature medals".

Charlie Eliot, President of the Royal Air Forces Veterans and Friends Luxembourg Committee, led the speeches, following which those attending enjoyed a dinner and dancing until the early hours, with the tombola also being held.

The menu included gravlax and smoked salmon with horseradish cream and homemade brioche, beef fillet with rosemary sauce, fondant potatoes and seasonal vegetables, followed by a gourmet dessert plate.

ED