Post by son-of-tiny on May 26, 2007 11:36:14 GMT
Royal Tank Regiment Monument
The National Memorial Arboretum.
Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Saturday the 13th of March 2004 dawned dark and grey, with rain, wind and black clouds. But the day was going to be a very special day for all Suez Veterans,for the Memorial to their dead was going to be dedicated in the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum Gardens near the small village of Alrewas, near Lichfield in Staffordshire.
The idea for the Arboretum Memorial Gardens was first conceived in 1988, when David Childs, who became the Arboretums first Director, was in Washington visiting the Arlington Cemetery and the USA National Arboretum. He thought the idea of a Memorial Arboretum could be, and ought to be, provided in Britain. It was 43 years after the end of World War Two that it came to his mind of creating a living garden to remember the eighty million souls who lost their lives during the twentieth century in different wars and conflicts, some forgotten, and some horrific. The idea might not have come to fruition if he had not met up with Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC, CH, DSO, DFC, who himself started the Cheshire Homes for those who could not care for themselves, and he also was concerned that we owed a debt of honour to all those who had died in these many conflicts. So plans for the Arboretum were born. The project had no land and no money, but eventually one hundred and fifty acres of reclaimed quarry land on the banks of the River Tame was generously donated at a nominal rent on a 999 years lease by Lafarge Aggregates Ltd. who are delighted to have been able to play such a key role in its development. It was funded at first by Service and Veterans Associations, but then a grant of one point eight million pounds was offered if the same amount could be matched pound for pound. With a lot of hard work by those then involved with the Arboretum it was achieved and the money raised. The planting of trees and shrubs began in 1997 and the gardens were officially opened on the 16th May 2001. There are now over 70 memorials on the site, and room for the same number. Some are quite grand, and others quiet and dignified.
Driving on the A38 that Saturday morning with the rain beating down, and a very cold wind, it was wondered how many of us would be there on a day like this, the Arboretum is very exposed to the weather. Pulling onto the car park the clouds parted, and the sun came out, could it have been a quick prayer the previous night had done the trick? When entering the Visitors Centre and the cafeteria area, the number of veterans who were already there was amazing. There were coaches and many cars from all over the area, and one veteran had driven all the way from Colchester. The place was bulging at the seams, and it was a proud moment to be amongst them.
The Dedication Service was held in the National Memorial Arboretum Conference Room where all seats were taken and some people were standing, with an overflow into the restaurant and reception area. It is estimated that at least 300 Suez Veterans and wives were in attendance. A welcome was given by the Chairman of the Suez Veterans Association, Ron Watt, (Ex RAF Police,) Mrs Jacqueline Fisher the Administrator of the Arboretum then spoke about the work of the centre, and the work put in by its volunteer helpers. The Rev Arthur Clarke, himself a Suez Vet, (Ex Corporal, Cheshire Regiment,) took the service which started by singing the hymn: 'O God our Help in Ages Past', which being sung by that many ex service people just about raised the roof. John Dwyer, (Ex 1st Battalion Paras,) then gave a Bible reading, followed by Rev Arthur Clarke giving the Address, both funny and moving. Another Hymn, 'Jerusalem', was then sung. The congregation left the visitor centre to make their own way to the Suez Memorial Garden. As we stood by the Memorial, several deep all the way round, there was the Act of Dedication and Remembrance Service led by the Reverend Clarke. Tony Rigden, (Ex RAF Signals,) read the 'Lines to the Fallen', and a number of 'Doves of Peace' were liberated by Dennis Sanders, (Ex Royal Army Veterinary Corps,) this was followed by two minutes silence. John Davis, (Ex 16th Para Brigade,) then laid a wreath at the Pyramid shaped plinth and after everyone had sung the National Anthem, with gusto, Jeff Malone (Ex RAF,) played the Last Post. There was hardly a dry eye in the house, it was both sad, and moving as we remembered all those we left behind in that God forsaken land, and we all felt that we were the lucky ones, we came home to our loved ones, many of us married, brought up families, and held our grandchildren. We grow old whilst those left behind in the Military Cemeteries in Egypt and Malta remain forever young.
After the service, meeting up with some of the Veteran acquaintances and having a few words with Harold Heath who has worked so hard on this project, was a stirring experience, but some meetings were missed, including the one with Ted Sparrow who drove all the way in bad weather from Colchester to be there. It is hoped a lot of you Vets will visit our memorial in the future, and the many others that are there. You can easily spend an interesting day strolling around the Arboretum, especially in the summer when the flowers are in bloom and the trees in full leaf. Admission and car parking are free. It is also hoped you do not mind being reminded of our appeal for donations to complete the work on this our memorial to our dead. May they all rest in peace, but be forever in our thoughts. This year is the 50th anniversary of the signing of the treaty to end the Suez Conflict, so it is only right and fitting we honour all those who died, and God Bless them.
At the head of the plaque on the plinth is the Suez Veterans Association badge and below are the words:
This memorial is dedicated to the
Service Personnel
who served in the
Canal Zone of Egypt
and is a tribute to
those who died in the
course of their duty.
1939 - 1956.
Suez Canal Zone Memorial
The National Memorial Arboretum.
Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.
Saturday the 13th of March 2004 dawned dark and grey, with rain, wind and black clouds. But the day was going to be a very special day for all Suez Veterans,for the Memorial to their dead was going to be dedicated in the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum Gardens near the small village of Alrewas, near Lichfield in Staffordshire.
The idea for the Arboretum Memorial Gardens was first conceived in 1988, when David Childs, who became the Arboretums first Director, was in Washington visiting the Arlington Cemetery and the USA National Arboretum. He thought the idea of a Memorial Arboretum could be, and ought to be, provided in Britain. It was 43 years after the end of World War Two that it came to his mind of creating a living garden to remember the eighty million souls who lost their lives during the twentieth century in different wars and conflicts, some forgotten, and some horrific. The idea might not have come to fruition if he had not met up with Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC, CH, DSO, DFC, who himself started the Cheshire Homes for those who could not care for themselves, and he also was concerned that we owed a debt of honour to all those who had died in these many conflicts. So plans for the Arboretum were born. The project had no land and no money, but eventually one hundred and fifty acres of reclaimed quarry land on the banks of the River Tame was generously donated at a nominal rent on a 999 years lease by Lafarge Aggregates Ltd. who are delighted to have been able to play such a key role in its development. It was funded at first by Service and Veterans Associations, but then a grant of one point eight million pounds was offered if the same amount could be matched pound for pound. With a lot of hard work by those then involved with the Arboretum it was achieved and the money raised. The planting of trees and shrubs began in 1997 and the gardens were officially opened on the 16th May 2001. There are now over 70 memorials on the site, and room for the same number. Some are quite grand, and others quiet and dignified.
Driving on the A38 that Saturday morning with the rain beating down, and a very cold wind, it was wondered how many of us would be there on a day like this, the Arboretum is very exposed to the weather. Pulling onto the car park the clouds parted, and the sun came out, could it have been a quick prayer the previous night had done the trick? When entering the Visitors Centre and the cafeteria area, the number of veterans who were already there was amazing. There were coaches and many cars from all over the area, and one veteran had driven all the way from Colchester. The place was bulging at the seams, and it was a proud moment to be amongst them.
The Dedication Service was held in the National Memorial Arboretum Conference Room where all seats were taken and some people were standing, with an overflow into the restaurant and reception area. It is estimated that at least 300 Suez Veterans and wives were in attendance. A welcome was given by the Chairman of the Suez Veterans Association, Ron Watt, (Ex RAF Police,) Mrs Jacqueline Fisher the Administrator of the Arboretum then spoke about the work of the centre, and the work put in by its volunteer helpers. The Rev Arthur Clarke, himself a Suez Vet, (Ex Corporal, Cheshire Regiment,) took the service which started by singing the hymn: 'O God our Help in Ages Past', which being sung by that many ex service people just about raised the roof. John Dwyer, (Ex 1st Battalion Paras,) then gave a Bible reading, followed by Rev Arthur Clarke giving the Address, both funny and moving. Another Hymn, 'Jerusalem', was then sung. The congregation left the visitor centre to make their own way to the Suez Memorial Garden. As we stood by the Memorial, several deep all the way round, there was the Act of Dedication and Remembrance Service led by the Reverend Clarke. Tony Rigden, (Ex RAF Signals,) read the 'Lines to the Fallen', and a number of 'Doves of Peace' were liberated by Dennis Sanders, (Ex Royal Army Veterinary Corps,) this was followed by two minutes silence. John Davis, (Ex 16th Para Brigade,) then laid a wreath at the Pyramid shaped plinth and after everyone had sung the National Anthem, with gusto, Jeff Malone (Ex RAF,) played the Last Post. There was hardly a dry eye in the house, it was both sad, and moving as we remembered all those we left behind in that God forsaken land, and we all felt that we were the lucky ones, we came home to our loved ones, many of us married, brought up families, and held our grandchildren. We grow old whilst those left behind in the Military Cemeteries in Egypt and Malta remain forever young.
After the service, meeting up with some of the Veteran acquaintances and having a few words with Harold Heath who has worked so hard on this project, was a stirring experience, but some meetings were missed, including the one with Ted Sparrow who drove all the way in bad weather from Colchester to be there. It is hoped a lot of you Vets will visit our memorial in the future, and the many others that are there. You can easily spend an interesting day strolling around the Arboretum, especially in the summer when the flowers are in bloom and the trees in full leaf. Admission and car parking are free. It is also hoped you do not mind being reminded of our appeal for donations to complete the work on this our memorial to our dead. May they all rest in peace, but be forever in our thoughts. This year is the 50th anniversary of the signing of the treaty to end the Suez Conflict, so it is only right and fitting we honour all those who died, and God Bless them.
At the head of the plaque on the plinth is the Suez Veterans Association badge and below are the words:
This memorial is dedicated to the
Service Personnel
who served in the
Canal Zone of Egypt
and is a tribute to
those who died in the
course of their duty.
1939 - 1956.