835 Squadron Remembers

At the 2003 reunion of 835 R.N. Air Squadron held at Honiley, near Warwick it was decided to commemorate the seven Aircrew members who lost their lives when serving aboard H.M.S. Nairana during the Second World War. The original suggestion for this was made by Charles Gough who had attended a F.A.A, memorial ceremony held at The National Memorial Arboretum (N.M.A.) at Alrewas, near Lichfield, which he considered would be a suitable location for our memorial.

The N.M.A. is just off the A38 road ; 4 miles N.E. of Lichfield and in the words of the official leaflet:

“It is being erected on a 150 acre site as a living tribute to the wartime generations of the twentieth century, and as a gift in their memory for future generations to reflect upon and enjoy. Planting began in 1997 and plots and groves have been created for the armed and merchant services, the police and fire services and many other groups and associations as well as individuals.”

Arrangements have now been made to plant a single tree to commemorate the group of seven casualties, and also individual trees for each of the named casualties.

All trees (oak saplings) have been suitably labelled, and are planted in a group, on the edge of the Royal Navy Review area and adjacent to the Merchant Navy woodland.
A short service of dedication,conducted by Mr Maynard Scott, has been arranged at the N.M.A. for 3.30 pm on Friday 14th May 2004. This memorial service is being held on the occasion of the next reunion of the Squadron Association; a coach will leave the Honiley Court Hotel at 2.00 pm on Friday 14th May and return after the service. Others wishing to attend may go direct to the Arboretum, which is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

14th May 2004