CADS Lay Wreath at the 323rd Commonwealth and Allied War Graves

This year marks the 67th anniversary of the end of world War two. Virtually an entire generation has been able to live a reasonably peaceful and prosperous life in freedom, which was achieved by the sublime and heroic efforts of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

It was a great honour to be once again invited by Malcolm Mason, chairman and honorary secretary of the Royal air forces Association, to lay a wreath at the annual remembrance ceremony at the 323rd Commonwealth and Allied War Graves at De Nieuwe Oosterbegraafsplaats in the east of Amsterdam.

Mike Waters and myself laid the wreath on behalf of CADS.

Wreaths are laid by members of the armed forces, local dignitaries, children from the local British school and members of the public.

This year we had singing from both British and Polish children. As usual, the children sang beautifully and then laid small crosses on the graves of those who fell from the skies over Holland.

It’s a very well organised event, but the wheels almost fell of at one point when the trumpeter was delayed and we almost didn’t have the last post.

In the end it went well and it was  heartening to see such a large crowd.