Each year on Memorial Day a service is held at the American Cemetery at Madingley in Cambridge, UK
THE 2016 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE TOOK PLACE AT THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY (MADINGLEY) ON MONDAY 30 MAY AT 11AM
2016: Memorial Day, Cambridge American Cemetery, Madingley - Tribute to the 489th Bomb Group
30 May 2016 marks the 72nd anniversary of the first Combat Mission by the 489th Bomb Group. The Friends of the 489th were in attendance at the Memorial Day Service to pay tribute. The weather was kind for this outside service but there was very low cloud over the cemetery and the wind was keen.
The Welcoming Remarks were given by the Cemetery Superintendent Rich Cobb. The Master of Ceremonies Arthur Brooks gave the Introduction followed by the Invocation given by Chaplain Porter.
The Address was given by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Sir Hugh Duberly. Representing Queen Elizabeth, Sir Hugh said that as a young girl, our Queen had played her part in service during WWII. Her Majesty is 90 years of age this year. The Lord Lieutenant spoke at length of the losses endured during the conflicts and of the brave young men buried or represented on the Wall of the Missing here in Cambridge. Finally, he quoted Thucydides, …. “But, the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” (Thucydides c. 460 – c. 400 BC – Greek Historian and General)
Next to speak was the Defence Attache US Embassy London, Brigadier General Dieter E Bareihs.
The Floral Tributes were brought in by the wreath bearers – the young present-day servicemen and women. Pam Wilby laid our tribute to the 489th this year. Listed in the programme were 111 floral tributes, but in fact there were many more wreaths laid, which were not shown in the list.
During the Firing of Volleys and Taps, there was a flypast by the 100th Air Refuelling Wing. The cloud was so low the enormous plane was only just visible through the mist, and it reminded us what some of our 489th veterans had told us of the low cloud over Suffolk during those months in 1944.
A lone piper ended the Service whilst all reflected on the day and gave thanks.
Following the Service, we found the Visitor Centre. Opened in 2014, it is a great resource, with the history of WWII told by following a ‘timeline’. The exhibits are clear and interesting. One exhibit features a large portrait of Col Leon Vance, with his story.
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley. The Official Party.
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley. The Colour Party
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley. The wreath presenters.
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley - Pam and Sid Wilby (Friends of the 489th)
2016: Memorial Day Madingley - Bob and Marjorie Shiers (Friends of the 489th)
2016: Memorial Day, Madingley - Emma and Wayne Saunders from Halesworth with the tribute to the 56th Fighter Group who served at Halesworth between July 1943 and April 1944.
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THE 2015 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE TOOK PLACE AT THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY (MADINGLEY) ON MONDAY 25 MAY AT 11AM
At the 2015 Memorial Day Service, visiting 489th veteran’s daughter Marilyn Tobash laid our tribute to the fallen. Her father Harry Pomles, Squadron Navigator (846th), was killed in action on 24 July 1944 on a mission to St Lo. Thirty-three men of the 489th Bomb Group are buried in Cambridge with others named on the Wall of the Missing, including Leon Vance. We remember them all.
2015 Memorial Day, Cambridge UK - Bill and Marilyn Tobash
2015 - Memorial Day Service - Marilyn and Bill Tobash with Friends of the 489th BG.
THE 2014 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE TOOK PLACE AT THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY (MADINGLEY) ON MONDAY 26 MAY AT 11AM
2014 MADINGLEY : 3,812 SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN ARE BURIED HERE
2014 marks the 70th Anniversary of the 489th Bomb Group in Halesworth and the Friends of the 489th attended the Memorial Day Service in Cambridge, UK. The weather was a little cloudy but it didn’t rain until after the Memorial Service. The New Interpretive Centre Project is now open and the 4,000 sq ft Exhibition Space is dedicated to the telling of the stories of the men and women buried in the cemetery. The Memorial Day programme listed the 104 floral tributes placed today against the Wall of the Missing.
This year, 489th veteran Robert Hall laid our tribute to the 489th. Robert is visiting Norwich with four generations of his family. They are here with the Heritage League’s ‘Return to Norwich : May 25-30, 2014’.
Robert was 19 years old when he served on Halesworth Airfield with the 489th Bomb Group, as Crew Chief, in 1944. (scroll down to see photos of Robert)
2014 - Arrival of the Colour Party
The Service was similar to those of past years with an Introduction, Invocation, Addresses and Remarks. Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cambridge Mr Hugh Duberly spoke, followed by the Secretary of the American Battle Monument Commission, The Honorable Max Cleland. The Chairman of the ABMC, Gen. Merrill McPeak gave the final words.
The speeches were followed by the Presentation of the Floral Tributes with a moment of Silence and Prayer. The Firing of Volleys and Taps closed the Service.
We were sad that there was no ‘Recognition of the Veterans’ on the Service Sheet this year. Particularly sad because the Heritage League visitors were all at the service including several veterans who served in the Second Air Division during WWII.
The young American servicemen who greeted us on arrival, showed visitors to their seats and carried the floral tributes to the Wall of the Missing were, as always, the most exceptional, gracious and courteous of people.
2014 Madingley : British Legion
2014 : Arrival of the Florial Tributes
2014 : The Firing of the Volleys
2014 : 489th veteran Robert Hall laid the tribute to his Group
2014 : 489TH VETERAN ROBERT HALL LOOKS AT THE MEMORIAL TO LT COL LEON VANCE ON THE WALL OF THE MISSING. THERE ARE 5,127 NAMES LISTED HERE
2014 : 489th veteran Robert Hall in conversation
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THE 2013 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE TOOK PLACE AT THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY (MADINGLEY) ON MONDAY 27 MAY AT 11AM
The Friends of the 489th attended the Memorial Day Service in Cambridge, UK, this morning. For the second year running the sun shone, the sky was blue and it was warm! We were greeted on arrival by the young servicemen and women who told us they were happy to be there on this special day. Building works are in progress at the cemetery for the new Interpretive Centre Project. The new facilities will include a 4,000 sq ft Exhibition Space in which the stories of the men and women buried in the cemetery can be told. The Centre is scheduled to be opened to the public in Autumn of this year. The Memorial Day programme listed the 97 floral tributes placed today against the Wall of the Missing. Sid Wilby laid our tribute to the 489th.
The Order of Service was as follows:
Arrival of the Official Party
Posting of colours
The British National Anthem
The United States National Anthem
Invocation by the Chaplain
Recognition of Veterans (very few present this year)
Welcoming remarks by Superintendent Michael Green – who said a few words about the cemetery and those who gave their lives in service. He said these young servicemen/women were still on duty and that our presence at the Memorial Service today showed that their duty was recognised. They were not forgotten.
This was followed by Addresses by:
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mr Hugh Duberly;
Deputy Chief of Mission US Embassy, Mr Mark Tokola;
American Battle Monuments Commission, Commissioner Richard Klass.
Presentation of Floral Tributes
Moment of Silence
Firing of Volleys
Taps
At 12 noon – Eagle Squadron Flypast together with the B17 Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’.
The Eagle Squadron aircraft are Hawker Hurricane AE977, Supermarine Spitfire AR213, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt ‘SNAFU’ and North American P-51C Mustang ‘Princess Elizabeth’.
We were told, this 4-ship of aircraft tell the story of American service duirng World War II. The formation is named in tribute to the first brave Americans to join the war, those who flew Hurricanes and Spitfires with the RAF’s volunteer ‘Eagle Squadrons’. The Thunderbolt and Mustang represent the latter half of the conflict. They flew in support of the USAAF’s massive daylight bombing campaigns, carried out by B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators.
After flying over the Cemetery in formation, the aircraft carried on to fly over important American bases of East Anglia including Bodney, Halesworth, Leiston, Debden and finally Duxford.
Our Halesworth Airfield Memorial Museum was open for the day to enable local people to gather together on the grass beside the Memorials to witness the flypast.
The following photos give a small window into the day…….
2013 Madingley Memorial Day wreaths are delivered
2013 489th Bomb Group floral tribute
2013 Marjorie Shiers, Pam and Sid Wilby, Maisie Woolnough
2013 South exterior wall of the Chapel showing the sites "...lent by the people of the United Kingdom to the armed forces of the United States of America ...." 1941-1945
2013 Sid and Pam Wilby, Bob Shiers, Maisie Woolnough - Friends of the 489th
2013 The arrival of the official party
2013 Arrival of the Colour Party
2013 The Colour Party
2013 The wreath bearers arrival
2013 The wreath bearers await the arrival of the wreath presenters
2013 The wreath presenters take their place
2013 The wreath bearers have withdrawn
2013 The floral tributes are placed against the Wall of the Missing
2013 The flag is raised to full mast
2013 The Eagle Squadron flypast
2013 Hugh Duberly CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire
2013 Marjorie Shiers, Pam and Sid Wilby, Maisie Woolnough - Friends of the 489th
2013 Bob Shiers, Pam and Sid Wilby
2013 Tribute to the 489th Bomb Group
2013 Tributes placed on the Wall of the Missing
2013 Guests begin to depart
2013 Madingley
2013 Madingley
2013 Madingley
2013 The grave of 1/Lt Robert Clendinning Jr, Navigator, 489th Bomb Group. KIA 27 September 1944.
The 56th Fighter Group who also flew from Halesworth during 1943/44 were represented by Nigel Julian and Krys Lanowski, our friends from the Halesworth Airfield Memorial Museum. Krys laid the floral tribute to the 56th.
Krys’s late father, Witold “Lanny” Lanowski, a Polish fighter pilot, flew for the RAF before transferring to the 56th Fighter Group. He flew with the 61st Fighter Squadron from May 1944 until the end of the war.
2013 - Krys Lanowski with the tribute to the 56th Fighter Group
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2012
THE 2012 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE TOOK PLACE AT THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY (MADINGLEY) ON MONDAY 28 MAY AT 11AM
The Friends of the 489th attended the Memorial Day Service in Cambridge, UK, this morning. The sun shone the sky was blue and the cemetery looked peaceful and well-cared for. There were a great number of floral tributes again this year, and Pam Wilby laid the tribute to the 489th. The following photos give a small window into the day…….
2012 Pam Wilby beside the Chapel
2012 The waterlily pond
2012 Wreath bearers with our tribute to the 489th
2012 Pam Wilby laid our tribute to the 489th
2012 Marjorie, Pam and Maisie, Friends of the 489th
Sid Wilby and Bob Shiers, Friends of the 489th
2012 After the Memorial Day Service at Madingley
2012 After the Memorial Day service at Madingley
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2011
THE 2011 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE TOOK PLACE AT THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY (MADINGLEY) ON MONDAY 30 MAY AT 11AM
On Memorial Day we remember all those who died for our freedom. Sixty-seven years ago, on this very day, the 489th Bomb Group flew their first mission to Oldenburg. The group lost two men on that first mission and we also remember today, Lt Joseph Garber, Navigator on Lt Ray Blanchard’s crew, who was killed by flak, and S/Sgt. Aldo Pellini who died when his B24 ditched in the sea returning from the mission. The other eight members of his crew drifted in two life rafts until 3 June, when they were picked up by a Dutch fishing boat and turned over to the Germans. (‘A History of the 489th’ by Charles Freudenthal)
The Memorial Ceremony today at Madingley was a very moving service where speakers paid tribute to the fallen. Floral tributes were laid the full length of The Wall of the Missing.
The Service followed the same format as in previous years. Speeches were given by Mr. Hugh Duberly, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire; Ms Barbara Stephenson, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States, London, UK; and, Lieutenant General John Gardner, USArmy Deputy Commander, US European Command.
The Prayer of Remembrance was given by Chaplain, Captain Phillip Kiam, 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall.
The Fly-by Tributes came from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath:
MC-130H from 352d Special Operations Group, RAF Mildenhall.
KC-135R from 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall.
F-15C Formation from 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath.
2011 Memorial Day - a young serviceman carries our tribute to the 489th
2011 Memorial Day Ceremony, Madingley, UK
2011 Memorial Day Ceremony, Madingley, UK
2011 Memorial Day Ceremony, Madingley, UK
2011 Maisie Woolnough from Halesworth (Friends of the 489th) laid our tribute
2011 Memorial Day, Madingley, UK
2011 Memorial Day: Halesworth Airfield Memorial Site (the grass is going brown for lack of rain in Halesworth!)
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2010
2010 Madingley - Pam and Sid Wilby from Halesworth (Friends of the 489th) holding the Friends' tribute to the 489th.
(This photo was taken by Reed Hammans from the Second Air Division Heritage League - visiting from the USA.)
THE 2010 MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE TOOK PLACE AT THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN MILITARY CEMETERY (MADINGLEY) ON MONDAY 31 MAY AT 11AM
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The published programme for the day gives the Order of Service, a list of the Groups presenting floral tributes, and the following written tributes:
Heroes of America – Remembered in England
“Today’s memorial ceremony is held in a tiny piece of England’s ‘green and pleasant land’ given by the University of Cambridge to the United States of America to remember their fallen. The cemetery was first established December 7, 1943, the second anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Construction of the cemetery and memorial was completed in 1956, and was dedicated on July 16th of that year. East Anglia was used extensively during World War II, and a great number of airfields sprang up all over it’s flat landscape, as it made an ideal natural landing field for aircraft. Also, East Anglia is an area where a large number of American casualties occurred. There are 3,811 American war dead buried at the cemetery. In addition, a few non-American citizens are interned who died in the service of the United States during the second World War.”
FREEDOM’s MEMORIAL
“This day is set aside to honor those
who took the chance to die
But they have died in vain
if we ever forget the reason why.
Freedom can be like time slipping away
before we even know
But we all have the choice more,
a duty to battle freedom’s foe.
Let us give thanks this day to all those brave
who paid the highest cost
Not take it for granted and realize
it easily could be lost.”
THE WALL OF THE MISSING
“The Americans, whose names appear here, were part of the price that free men for the second time in this century have been forced to pay to defend human liberty and rights.
All who shall hereafter live in freedom will be here reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and high resolve that the cause for which they died shall live eternally.”
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Order of Service (31 May 2010)
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Arrival of Official Party
Posting of Colours
RAF Mildenhall Honor Guard
The British National Anthem/ The United States National Anthem
The United States Air Forces in Europe Band
Introduction
Lieutenant Colonel Brett D Pennington
Commander, 351st Air Refueling Squadron
Master of Ceremonies
Invocation
Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Frederick H Viccellio
100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall
Welcome Remarks
Read Admiral Ronald H Henderson, Jr
US Defense Attache, United Kingdom
Opening Remarks
Mr Hugh Duberly
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire
Cemetery History
Recognition of Veterans
Moment of Silence
Presentation of Floral Decorations
Prayer of Remembrance
Chaplain, Kieutenant Colonel Frederick H Viccellio
100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall
Fly-by Tributes
B-17 “Sally B”
MC-130H from 352nd Special Operations Group, RAF Mildenhall
KC-135R from 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall
Firing of Volleys / Taps
RAF Mildenhall Honor Guard
Fly-by Tributes
F-15E Missing Man Formation from 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath
Closing Remarks / End of Ceremony
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(Here follows an account of the 2009 Service)
The Memorial Day Ceremony took place at Madingley, Cambridge, UK on 25 May 2009. The Service began at 11am.
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Order of Service
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Arrival of Official Party
Posting of Colors
RAF Mildenhall Honor Guard
The British National Anthem/ The United States National Anthem
The United States Air Forces in Europe Band
Introduction
Lt Col David E Stookey
Commander, 100th Communications Squadron
Master of Ceremonies
Welcome Remarks
Mr Richard LeBaron
Charge d’Affaires ad interim
Invocation
Chaplain, Major Stuart King
100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall
Opening Remarks
Mr Hugh Duberly
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire
Address
Ms Jonna Doolittle Hoppes
Cemetery History
Recognition of Veterans
Moment of Silence
Presentation of Floral Decorations
Prayer of Remembrance
Fly-by Tributes
KC-135 from RAF Mildenhall
Firing of Volleys/Taps
RAF Mildenhall Honor Guard
Fly-by Tributes
F-15C Missing Man Formation from RAF Lakenheath
Closing Remarks / End of Ceremony
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The Official Programme lists 111 Floral Decoration Presentation tributes to the fallen.
This programme also contains the following:
Heroes of America – Remembered in England
Today’s memorial ceremony is held in a tiny piece of England’s “green and pleasant land” given by the University of Cambridge to the United States of America to remember their fallen. The cemetery was first established December 7 1943, the second anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Construction of the cemetery and memorial was completed in 1956, and was dedicated on July 16th of that year. East Anglia was used extensively during World War II, and a great number of airfields sprang up all over its flat landscape, as it made an ideal natural landing field for aircraft. Also, East Anglia is an area where a large number of American casualties occurred. There are 3,811 American war dead buried at the cemetery. In addition, a few non-American citizens are interned who died in the service of the United States during the Second World War.
Freedoms’ Memorial
This day is set aside to honor those
who took the chance to die.
But they have died in vain
if we ever forget the reason why.
Freedom can be like time slipping away
before we even know.
But we all have the choice more,
a duty to battle freedoms’ foe.
Let us give thanks this day to all those brave
who paid the highest cost.
Not take it for granted and realize
it easily could be lost.
The Wall of the Missing
“The Americans, whose names appear here, were part of the price that free men for the second time in this century have been forced to pay to defend human liberty and rights.
All who shall hereafter live in freedom will be here reminded that to these men and their comrades we owe a debt to be paid with grateful remembrance of their sacrifice and high resolve that the cause for which they died shall liver eternally.”
PRESIDENT DWIGHT D EISENHOWER
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The following selection of photographs give a flavour of the 2009 Memorial Day at Madingley.
2009 Memorial Service - 489th Bomb Group Wreath
2009 - BEFORE THE SERVICE
2009 - Floral Tributes are delivered to the cemetery
2009 - Ms Jonna Doolittle Hoppes with Officials on the Chapel steps
2009 - The Chapel
2009 - Music from the USAFE Band
The wreath carriers (military volunteers) assemble before the service
2009 - The Posting of Colors - RAF Mildenhall Honor Guard
The wreath carriers (military volunteers) move into position along the Wall of the Missing
Each wreath carrier holds an organization's wreath and has an identifying number clipped to their jacket.
2009 - 111+ floral tributes are carried the entire length of The Wall of the Missing
2009 - The wreath presenters move into position in front of their own organization's wreath
The wreath presenters in position
More wreath presenters take their places in front of their floral tributes
The wreath carriers depart
The wreath presenters await their direction from the Master of Ceremonies
2009 The Presentation of the Floral Decorations - followed by a moment of Silence and a Prayer of Remembrance.
2009 The wreath presenters return to their seats
489th Friend, Sue Bacle returns after laying the 489th tribute
2009 KC-135 from RAF Mildenhall
2009 F-15C Missing Man Formation from RAF Lakenheath
2009 - The Memorial Day Service comes to a close
489th Friend Marjorie Shiers with tribute to the 489th
2009 Friends of the 489th
2009 Madingley Memorial Cemetery
2009 Madingley Memorial Cemetery
2009 - Madingley Memorial Cemetery
2009 - Madingley Memorial Cemetery
2009 - Madingley Memorial Cemetery
2009 - Robert Clendinning Jr., 1 Lt, 846th Bomb Squadron, 489 Bomb Group (H), New Jersey - Sept 27 1944
2009 - Flower beds beside the Chapel
2009 - The Chapel and cemetery
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General notes on Memorial Day at Madingley:
2007 Memorial Day at the American Cemetery Madingley Cambridge
The service is a joint event organised by the US Embassy, the Third Air Force and Cemetery staff. Invitations to attend are sent by the American Ambassador. It is an outdoor service and goes ahead whatever the weather.
28 May 2006 Memorial Day - Chapel at Madingley
The service each year follows a similar format with the Posting of Colors, the National Anthems of both nations, Welcome, Invocation, Address, followed by the Recognition of Veterans and the Presentation of Floral Decorations. A Moment of Silence is followed by a Prayer of Remembrance. After a Firing of Volleys, the flag is raised and Taps is played.
The service is followed by the United States Air Force “Missing Man†formation and sometimes a WWII aircraft.
2006 Memorial Day Service at Madingley - The Colour Party from the Royal British Legion
Every year the Friends of the 489th lay a floral wreath in remembrance of the servicemen lost whilst stationed on Holton (Halesworth) airfield. On a number of occasions, 489th veterans have been present.
2008 - 489th Veteran John Lamar lays the wreath on Memorial Day