Members of the Redline Home Guard were once again honoured to attend the annual remembrance service at the Harwell Stone Memorial, joining veterans, serving personnel, local dignitaries and members of the public in remembering those who departed from RAF Harwell in support of the D-Day landings.
RAF Harwell played a significant role in Operation Overlord, serving as one of the departure points for the glider-borne troops who crossed the Channel on the night of 5 June 1944. From this Oxfordshire airfield, aircraft and gliders carried men and equipment into occupied France to secure vital objectives ahead of the Normandy landings.
This year’s service was particularly notable as recent improvements to the memorial site have created a more open setting around the Harwell Stone. The additional space allowed the ceremony to be staged more effectively and provided a fitting backdrop for the large number of attendees who gathered to pay their respects.
Seven members of the Redline Home Guard attended the service. Pte H. Gleave and Pte Gourley formed the ceremonial guard of honour, standing with arms reversed during the Last Post and two-minute silence, a traditional mark of respect for the fallen. As in previous years, 2/Lt Chambers laid the group’s wreath at the foot of the memorial on behalf of Redline Home Guard.
The service provided a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the airborne forces who launched into the darkness from RAF Harwell and helped shape the success of the Allied invasion of Europe.
Following the ceremony, the group continued a long-standing Home Guard tradition by making a tactical withdrawal to The Red Lion in Blewbury for a well-earned rehydration stop. The visit was warmly received by the landlady, who was delighted to see the group and took a keen interest in learning more about the Home Guard, the history behind the uniforms, and the activities of Redline Home Guard today.
As always, it was a privilege to take part in this important local act of remembrance and to honour the memory of those who served from RAF Harwell during one of the most significant operations of the Second World War.
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