Despite an ominous forecast, the skies held their peace as members of the Redline Home Guard joined the annual remembrance service at the Harwell Stone Memorial. A strong turnout of veterans, service personnel, local dignitaries, and members of the public gathered to honour the vital role RAF Harwell played in the success of D-Day.
Once the hub of airborne operations, RAF Harwell was one of the key departure points for the glider-borne troops on the night of 5th June 1944. From this very airfield, aircraft and gliders carried men and machines across the Channel to secure key objectives ahead of the D-Day Normandy landings – a crucial component of the wider Allied invasion.
At Sunday’s service, Sgt Quigley and Pte Gleave (Snr) formed part of the ceremonial guard of honour, performing rest on your arms reversed as the Last Post was sounded, followed by a two-minute silence in respect for those who never returned. 2/Lt Chambers stepped forward to lay one of the many wreaths placed at the foot of the Harwell Stone, a fitting tribute from the group and a reminder of the enduring debt we owe. Also present was Pte Martin, who attended the service to quietly pay his respects alongside the gathered crowd.
This year marked the unveiling of The Horsa Sculpture, created by Oxfordshire artist Charlotte Holmes. Inspired by the iconic Horsa gliders, it features eight horseshoe‑shaped arches arranged on a stone plinth . The form evokes the glider fuselage – carrying up to 28 men in perilous silence – bringing the experience of those flights to life. Engraved metal ingots set into the paving around the sculpture bear first‑hand testimonies, symbolising both the personal courage of the glider crews and their collective sacrifice
The Redline Home Guard were honoured to once again be part of this moving tribute, standing in memory of the men who launched into darkness from this very site to help change the course of history.
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