The Association Memorial

                                                                                                                                                          

From the Daily Telegraph Thursday June 5 2008

 

The airmen who monitored the Soviet threat during the 40 years of the Cold War in Shackleton aircraft have been remembered with the unveiling of a memorial.

Some 140 Shackleton crew lost their lives between 1951 and 1991 as the stalwart bomber took part in maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine missions and search and rescue roles. At the height of its operation, 100 Shackletons were stationed with 12 squadrons, and up to 40,000 air and ground crew served on the aircraft.

Wg Cdr Bryn Lewis, the chairman of the Shackleton Association, joined 120 former crew at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffs, yesterday for the unveiling of a granite obelisk by Air Chief Marshal Sir David Parry-Evans, the president of the association.

 

Photo Nev. Feist - 4th June 2008

 

Our Chairman Bryn Lewis

Our President ACM Sir David Parry-Evans

The Inscription, cut into the granite beneath the badge, reads

"Through 40 years of sterling service, the Shackleton Units of the Royal Air Force and the South African Air Force preserved the freedom of the seas and skies.”

At the unveiling Sir David read out the following

“REFLECTIONS”

As we all know well, crews of Shackleton aircraft spent many, many hours flying low over water during their sorties, so I cannot think of a more appropriate place for their Memorial than this beautiful site by the river.  The grey colour of the granite reminds us of “the Old Grey Lady” and all who flew in her.    A handsome aircraft outside, a little bit rugged inside – and quite interesting to land in a strong crosswind.

With this Memorial, we remember with pride all those who flew Shackletons and we must also, of course, remember all those who serviced them.    We had difficult times when the grey lady mis-behaved, but mainly, many happy  times when there was laughter, and comradeship, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

This Memorial, too, is a job well done.  I commend most warmly those who conceived the idea and carried it through to fruition.   Nor do I forget those who so generously contributed to its cost.  It will be here for generations – and it is a comforting thought that in time we will all be remembered in this idyllic place.

  “Per Ardua Ad Astra!"