The Luxembourg Branch of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) has announced its commemoration day for Saturday 8 October 2016 to take place in Luxembourg-Hollerich and Koerich.
In memory of those who died in the Short Stirling plane crash - Great Britain’s first four-engine World War II heavy bomber - near Koerich on 11 March 1943, the RAFA Luxembourg Branch has organised a commemoration day next week-end.
Noteworthy participants in the event include the UK Ambassador to Luxembourg John Marshall, the President of the RAFA Luxembourg Branch, Air Marshal Philip Sturley, and the Ministry of Defence’s Squadron Leader, Ady Morris. The RAF Ensign Party and RAF Support and Parade Party will also take part in the day’s events.
The day will begin with a commemoration ceremony from 10:00 to 10:30 which will include the RAFA dedication, the presentation of flowers and a remembrance verse before a minute of silence and the Royal Air Force prayer. The ceremony will end in Luxembourg City before the convoy set off again in the direction of Koerich.
At 11:30, there will be another commemoration ceremony in front of the moument honouring the Stirling R9275 No. 7 Squadron team. This will again involve a dedication, laying of flowers, a remembrance verse and the RAF prayer, as well as the singing of national hymns.
Finally, at around 12:15, the last ceremony of the day will take place in front of the Monument of the Dead, near Koerich Church, which will follow a similar structure to that of the two above, but which will also include some words of remembrance from Group Captain Steve Cockram.
A wine reception in honour of the fallen will follow, provided by the Municipal Administration of Koerich.
