Remembrance: Tributes from members of the RAF Family

Remembrance provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of those who have defended our freedoms, and remember all those who lost their lives in conflicts and wars. To mark the anniversary, members of the RAF Family pay their tributes, and highlight what Remembrance means to them.

"The huge loss of life in both World Wars is almost incomprehensible today; each individual loss was grieved by families, loved ones, and fellow soldiers, sailors, or aviators. For those at home, lives were forever changed by death, and for many who did return, their lives were never the same again.

This time of year gives us the opportunity to pause together to remember those who have died in all conflicts throughout the decades and we will ensure that their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Those selfless and humble individuals are an inspiration to all of us who have followed in their footsteps." – Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund

"To me, Remembrance is about remembering those who have given service in the past, and continue to do so today. It’s to remember those who lost their lives in the pursuit of preserving freedom at a great cost to them and their families." – Marie Johnson, RAF veteran and Fund beneficiary

"The example of the wartime generation remains an inspiration for those who served afterwards. We remember and celebrate their service this year as we always do. We also have to look to those who have served in the RAF in more recent conflicts and who need help to make their future brighter. The RAF Benevolent Fund is there for those who did their duty, no matter how long ago, as well as those still serving and their families, like they were there for me." – Bob Greig, RAF veteran and Fund ambassador

"Remembrance is a very important time for all of us who are ex Forces simply because it gives us the opportunity to recall the lives of our comrades who fell during the course of their duties, supporting the crown and our nation.

It is a sombre time because we remember those who left us, but also happy in a way, because we recall the more pleasant times we spent with them during our serving days." – Ivor French, National Service RAF veteran

"Remembrance means a lot to my family and I. My family has been very tied with the military over the last century, and we've had family members who have committed to the ultimate sacrifice. It's important to remember those who have dedicated their lives to ensure we're able to live in a peaceful environment and society today." – Officer Cadet Cerys Williams,  University of London Air Squadron 

"Leading up to and on Remembrance Day it is natural for me to recall and commemorate the commitment of those colleagues and friends who served during my time in the RAF, and those who are still serving today. When I joined it was the time of 

the Cold War, where Stations I’d served at were regularly Tactically Evaluated to ensure we were prepared. It was exciting, I thought I was ready for anything! Then came the Falklands War and after that heightened IRA activity across RAF Germany where I was serving. Excitement turned to reality. I’d suddenly become a lot closer to a conflicted and violent world.

"The Gulf Wars and Afghanistan involved all of us one way or another and we all know veterans and current serving personnel who have either physical injuries or unseen but debilitating mental scars - or both. I already think of them and their families often but I make a point during Remembrance to particularly remember those others more close to home." – Irene Greenwood, RAF Station Grants and External Grants Programmes Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund and RAF veteran