The dedication and unveiling of the Royal Naval Association and Royal Naval Memorials took place at the Living Memorial, Whitehouse Farm, Rettendon, Essex, on Wednesday the 8th July.
The design and planning for this event went back to October 2014 and from a patch of grass has risen a fine memorial in honour of all those Naval personnel killed in conflicts and wars since World War II.
140 Shipmates, Guests and families were in attendance and the parade of 24 Standards were led by the Dagenham Girl Pipers in front of Shipmates from RNA Branches all over East Anglia and other military organisations. Also in attendance was 90 year old Doug Shelly who served on the Russian convoys. The ceremony was conducted by the Revd. Canon Mike Lodge, Padre to the Rayleigh RNA. John Bessell of the Royal Artillery Association fired the 25 pounder field gun at the Exhortation and Reveille.
Guest of Honour was the National President of the Royal Naval Association, Vice Admiral JHS McAnally CB LVO and in support Lt. Cdr. Mark van Denburgh RN. In 2003 Frances and Peter Theobald, owners of Whitehouse Farm, gave 10 acres of their land to set up set up memorials for members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in conflicts around the world. When 4 members of Rayleigh RNA paid a further visit in January 2015, Peter and Frances had released a further 10 acres of land, so RNA Rayleigh decided to set up both an RNA and Royal Navy Memorial. Apart from the gift of land, Peter and Frances also did the manual work and local displays on the site. This project is very much work in progress with plaques etc., to be added to the memorials and should any Branch wish to take advantage of this, contact should be made through Rayleigh RNA either through Chairman Jim Hammond 01268 414616, e mail [email protected] or Secretary Alan Booth 01268 743545 e mail [email protected]
In 2003 Frances and Peter Theobald, owners of Whitehouse Farm, gave 10 acres of their land to set up set up memorials for members of the Armed Forces who gave their lives in conflicts around the world. When 4 members of Rayleigh RNA paid a further visit in January 2015, Peter and Frances had released a further 10 acres of land, so RNA Rayleigh decided to set up both an RNA and Royal Navy Memorial. Apart from the gift of land, Peter and Frances also did the manual work and local displays on the site.
This project is very much work in progress with plaques etc., to be added to the memorials and should any Branch wish to take advantage of this, contact should be made through Rayleigh RNA either through Chairman Jim Hammond 01268 414616, e mail [email protected] or Secretary Alan Booth 01268 743545 e mail [email protected]
