View attachment 65184 View attachment 65186 Compared to last year Remembrance Suday was cold and frost was covering the ground in places, but it was dry and trhe sun was wanting to emerge. I arrived at the Cemetery on Heerstrasse in good time with my RBL Vice Chairman Frank in his Drum Major outfit as he was leading several of the Black Kilts Pipes and Drum band, plus one of our Standard bearers. Poppy stalls were set up and a good turnout should ensure a few pennies for the Poppy Appeal. The Black Kilts marked into the cemetery and played in front of the first row of Headstones behind the Memorial Stone. Two Military Band players, a bugler and Piper took up osition further back at each side of the Stone cross. The Salvation army band were in attendance as were several members of the Bundeswehr Wache Battalion, who marched with and presented the wreaths for laying. As always with these soldiers, they worked well and faultless ensuring a smooth ceremony. Before proceedings started the Black kilts and the Salvation Army band played alternatively with background music, which the crowd enjoyed. The Standards, were marched on with the Chaplain, there being two from the RBL, plus one each from the American,French and Polish Veterans associations. The service I thought was well thought out and a copy of it is attached togather with the church service which started shortly after the Cemetery service. The British Ambassador, Simon Mc Donald CMG, during his address mentioned the Football match in No Man's land at Christmas 1914, which is very thought provoking. Although extremely cold, the sun did shine, making the Service special. I could only take photographs before proceedings started, but it provides a flavour of the Berlin Service to those whom we should never forget. I am experiencing problems uploading photographs and will do so as soon as possible. Regards Tom
Tom Pleased the weather was reasonable for you sounds as if all went well , no further wild boar damage I take.
Mike, The wild boar problem, we hope, is a thing of the past after the new heavy duty fences were erected. There are a few mole about, but Jonathan, the head gardener, said that they are no problem compared to wild boar and the man hours required to repair the damage. Some areas of reseeded area are a little bare, but the gardeners have worked wonders this year. Here are the photographs I took before the start and any more I receive will be posted later. Regards Tom
Tom Really good photos under cold, clear skies. Would there have been a hip flask or two in use today? Jonathan
Tom Really good photos under cold, clear skies. Would there have been a hip flask or two in use today? Jonathan Jonathan, I am sure that there were some secreted . I just wish that I had heated shoes this morning! A friend turned up and told me that he had not only forgotten his mobile phone, but his gloves as well. Fortunately I had an old extra pair in the car . He could not make a telephone call, but at least his hands were warm. Regards Tom
