John Whittingdale attended the unveiling of the war memorial at Stow Maries Aerodrome. Situated within the Parish of Cold Norton, the Aerodrome was the home of 37 (Home Defence) squadron of the Royal Flying Corps and then aftrer 1st April 1918, 37 Squadron Royal Airforce. A number of the buildings remain intact and the Aerodrome is being restored by the owner, Russell Savoury.
The solid granite memorial is carved in the shaped of a WW1 hangar and displays the names of those pilots and aircrew lost during 37 Squadrons occupation of the three Essex Aerodromes at Rochford, Stow Maries and Goldhanger between 1916 and 1919. It also remembers all the men and women of the Squadron who served in defence of this country against the air raids of the Great War.
The unveiling and blessing of the memorial was also attended by the commanding officer of RAF Honnington, Group Captain A. Hall, Chairman of Maldon District Council, Councillor Robert Long, District Councillors and the Mayor. The dedication was performed by the Padre from RAF Honnington. The station also provided a bugler for the occasion.
Mr Savory said afterwards ” I am deeply moved by the interest and help from the RAF. It means a lot to have them represented at such a high level. I hope this will be a long lasting association. I am very gratefull for the support for the project from our MP Mr Whittingdale and all of our district and parish councillors. We hope that the memorial is a fitting one for the people it represents.”
