Airman to be buried 64 years on.

Discussion in 'The War In The Air' started by Peter Clare, Oct 10, 2008.

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  1. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    I am sure that there are other cases where missing RAF aircrew remains lie undetected in the former GDR.It was not until German reunification that we could research and recover our dead so thoroughly as this.

    Per Adua ad Astra

    Absolutely - but I wonder what the Germans think about this? And how co-operative they would be?

    The Berlin story made BBC R4 this morning, where the two surviving crew were interviewed. More on BBC News site:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7673063.stm
     
    Paul Reed, Oct 16, 2008
    #21
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Paul,

    I heard the tail end of an interview on Radio 5LIVE a few days ago, in which the instigator of the search - sorry, I cannot remember the ex-RAF crewman's name - explained how he had contacted German newspapers etc., tentatively, thinking his research may not be well-received. Apparently journalists received lots of offers of help, including details from an eye witness of the crash who was 16 at the time.

    At the very least, I would imagine that most people in Germany would want a decent burial for these lost crewmen.

    And, especially in the Capital city, there would be those who remember with deep gratitude the Berlin Airlift and what RAF & USAF did for the inhabitants.

    Regards,
    Diane
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #22
  3. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    That's good to know, Diane. I also take you point about the Berlin Airlift.
     
    Paul Reed, Oct 16, 2008
    #23
  4. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    Hello All,

    Have just arrived home from the very moving Service and burial of Sgt J. Bremner.

    The rain that fell throughout the night dried up and the sun came out to really shine on the righteous.

    The Small church of St George was very well attended with much media interest. Plenty of TV station cameras inside the church and later at the burial ceremony.

    The service was conducted by Revernd Dr (Squadron Leader) David Richardson and Reverend Dr Irene Ahens.

    Following prayers there was a reading by Gp Cpt Frank Simpson. the Air and Naval Attache of the British Embassy Berlin.

    There then followed the singing of Hymn 'I vow to thee my country'.

    Air Vice Marshal Peter Dye OBE RAF (RAF Hendon Museum) then read;

    John 11 Verses 17-27 regarding Lazarus.

    Rev Richardson read an address, followed by prayers and finally the Lords Prayer.

    This was followed by the last hymn 'Abide with me'.

    There were not many dry eyes in the church, me included and I found it hard to see the text!

    There was a good turnout from the local british legion and I have been invited to join.

    All the dignitries were escorted by Police motorcycles and cars to the final resting place, the CWGC War Cemetery on Heer straße, Charlottenburg, Berlin.

    When all the honoured guests were seated under the Pavilion, the coffin was brought into the cemetery by the pall bearers of 63 Sqd, (Queens royal Colours Squadron) and placed over the final resting Place with great
    dignity.

    There was a ceremony at the graveside with the Exhortation, followed by the Last Post, beautifully played by the lone German Bandsman, with 2 minutes silence.

    The same bandsman then played Reveille and the coffin was slowly lowered to its final resting place.

    There then followed the Committal, Blessing and the Laying of wreaths.

    A truly moving experience and one that I will always remember.

    As there was so many interviews taking place with the media I was more than fortunate to be able to meet and shake the hand of one of the survivors, Reg Wilson.

    I hope that I have not missed anything important off this report.

    For some reason I am unable to upload phots onto this post, and so will try later.

    Regards

    Tom
     
    Smudger Jnr, Oct 16, 2008
    #24
    Paul Reed, Owen and von Poop like this.
  5. Peter Clare

    Peter Clare Very Senior Member

    Thank you Tom. :poppy:
     
    Peter Clare, Oct 16, 2008
    #25
  6. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Thanks for that report, Tom. Look forward to the photos.
     
    Paul Reed, Oct 16, 2008
    #26
  7. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Thanks for that Tom.
    Look forward to the pictures.

    Rest In Peace Sgt Bremner
     
    Owen, Oct 16, 2008
    #27
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Thanks Tom for your report, wondering if it were possible to show a copy of the order of service?

    D
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #28
  9. Gerard

    Gerard Seelow/Prora

    Tom, well done on making the service.
     
    Gerard, Oct 16, 2008
    #29
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Hi,
    Tom has asked me to post up his photos for him as his 'computer said no'.
    [Tom if you are still having difficulties, I will post up the rest of your great pics.]
    :poppy:
    Sergeant JOHN BREMNER 1567605, 102 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    who died age 21 on 20 January 1944
    Son of William McMath Bremner and Ada Bremner, of Fenham, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
    Remembered with honour BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY
    Grave/Memorial Reference: 7. C. 24.

    These should be of the Order of service

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #30
  11. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Tom - I also got your photos. I can post them, or leave it to Diane?
     
    Paul Reed, Oct 16, 2008
    #31
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Paul,
    I have them all set up, Tom doesn't seem to be around yet.
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #32
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    1. St Pauls Church, where the service was held.
    [​IMG]


    2. St Pauls Church, where the service was held.
    [​IMG]


    3. Relatives arriving.
    [​IMG]


    4. Relatives arriving.
    [​IMG]


    5. The hearse complete with Union flags flying on each front wing.
    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #33
  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    6. Gp Capt Frank Simpson; Air and Naval attaché at British Embassy Berlin.
    with Air Vice Marshal Peter Dye OBE RAF (RAF Museum Hendon).
    [​IMG]


    7. Arrival of the deceased Sgt John Bremner.
    [​IMG]


    8. Widow of F/O George Griffiths with Rev Dr (Squadron leader) David Richardson and Reverend Irene Ahrens.
    [​IMG]


    9. Mourners leaving the church.
    [​IMG]


    10. Rev David Richardson.
    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #34
  15. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    11. Dietmar Fahrenwald, Royal British Legion Berlin , (Treasurer). Ex Black Watch
    [​IMG]


    12. Members of the German Army band in attendance.
    [​IMG]


    13. RAF Honour Guard Supervision and one of the head CWGC gardeners.
    [​IMG]


    14. Air Vice Marshall Dye and Gp Cpt Simpson
    [​IMG]


    15. Air Vice Marshall Dye and Gp Cpt Simpson
    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #35
  16. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    16. Air Vice Marshall Dye and Gp Cpt Simpson
    [​IMG]


    17. Pavilion with guests of honour.
    [​IMG]


    18. Sorting out the wreaths for later in the proceedings.
    [​IMG]


    19. Arrival of deceased in CWGC Berlin with Honour guard from 63 Squadron (Queens Colours Squadron)
    [​IMG]


    20. Arrival of deceased in CWGC Berlin with Honour guard from 63 Squadron (Queens Colours Squadron)
    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #36
  17. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    21. Arrival of deceased in CWGC Berlin with Honour guard from 63 Squadron (Queens Colours Squadron)
    [​IMG]


    22. Arrival of deceased in CWGC Berlin with Honour guard from 63 Squadron (Queens Colours Squadron)
    [​IMG]


    23. Lowering the deceased.
    [​IMG]


    24. The last Post. :poppy:
    [​IMG]


    25. Folding of the Union Flag.
    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #37
  18. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    26. Union Flag presented to Mrs Griffiths.
    [​IMG]


    27. F/S Reg Wilson laying a wreath for his comrade. (Survivor from crash)
    [​IMG]


    28. Sgt John Bushall laying a wreath for his comrade.(survivor from crash)
    [​IMG]


    29. Air Vice Marshal Dye saluting after laying a wreath.
    [​IMG]


    30. Royal British Legion ( Berlin ) Standard bearers.
    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #38
  19. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Last of the ones kindly received from Tom. Think he deserves a big thanks for letting us all see these. Almost as good as being there.


    31. Relatives of Kenneth Stanbridge viewing the grave headstone.
    [​IMG]


    32. New Grave headstone, prior to being moved into place.
    [​IMG]


    33. Reg Wilson.
    [​IMG]


    34. Reg Wilson.
    [​IMG]
     
    dbf, Oct 16, 2008
    #39
    Paul Reed likes this.
  20. David Seymour

    David Seymour Senior Member

    A superb collection, Tom. Thank you very much for sharing them with us. Indeed - almost like being there.
    With best wishes,
    David
     
    David Seymour, Oct 16, 2008
    #40
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