On 15 July, six Royal Air Force personnel from SHAPE attended a solemn commemoration service held in the Air Force Chapel within the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels. The service, led by Padre Craig, honoured the lives, memory, and dedicated service of members of the Royal Air Force and the Air Forces of the Commonwealth. The Air Force Chapel, one of several chapels surrounding the main abbey of the Basilica, contains specially commissioned stained glass Memorial Windows, a Roll of Honour listing the names of Belgian airmen who lost their lives, and squadron plaques representing 35 RAF Squadrons, many of which included Belgian personnel during the Second World War.
In addition to the SHAPE contingent, members of the RAF Association Belgian Branch and Group Captain John Dickson, Defence Attaché to Belgium and Luxembourg, together with his wife, were also in attendance. Following the service, attendees took time to appreciate the grandeur of the Basilica, the fifth largest church in the world, which features a prominent stained glass window dedicated to the Comet Line, an underground network that played a vital and dangerous role in aiding Allied Airmen to escape during World War II.
The event concluded with a reception at the residence of the British Ambassador to Belgium, where guests were served traditional Fish and Chips and light refreshments. Organised by the RAF Association Liaison Officer at SHAPE, Flight Sergeant Richie Atha, the event achieved its three main objectives: to introduce RAF personnel in Belgium to the magnificent Air Force Chapel and its surroundings; to commemorate and remember the sacrifices of those who served before us; and to foster camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose among our RAF colleagues in Belgium.
In addition to the SHAPE contingent, members of the RAF Association Belgian Branch and Group Captain John Dickson, Defence Attaché to Belgium and Luxembourg, together with his wife, were also in attendance. Following the service, attendees took time to appreciate the grandeur of the Basilica, the fifth largest church in the world, which features a prominent stained glass window dedicated to the Comet Line, an underground network that played a vital and dangerous role in aiding Allied Airmen to escape during World War II.
The event concluded with a reception at the residence of the British Ambassador to Belgium, where guests were served traditional Fish and Chips and light refreshments. Organised by the RAF Association Liaison Officer at SHAPE, Flight Sergeant Richie Atha, the event achieved its three main objectives: to introduce RAF personnel in Belgium to the magnificent Air Force Chapel and its surroundings; to commemorate and remember the sacrifices of those who served before us; and to foster camaraderie and a shared sense of purpose among our RAF colleagues in Belgium.
The picture shows attendees within the Air Force Chapel at the conclusion of the commemoration service.
