Remembrance Sunday & Tornado Veterans Signing Event
Location
Aces High Aviation Gallery
Hosted by
About
With representatives of the Royal British Legion in attendance, a commemorative service will take place ahead of the national two-minute silence at 11.00am. We will then look to the skies for a planned flypast by a wartime Douglas C-47 Dakota (weather permitting), a fitting tribute to those who served.
THE REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
The service will begin at approximately 10.40am, with an introduction from Brigadier (Ret'd) Nick Thompson. The commemorations will include the reading of the names of the fallen recorded on the Steventon War Memorial, the Commendation and the sounding of the Last Post by a bugler.
At 11.00am, we will observe two minutes of silence. The Reveille will follow at approximately 11.02am, followed by a closing prayer.
Guests attending the ceremony are kindly asked to arrive in good time, so that the period of remembrance can begin without interruption.
A WARTIME DAKOTA FLYPAST
At approximately 11.30am, we are hoping to welcome a flypast from a wartime Dakota. An aircraft synonymous with the Allied airborne operations of the Second World War, the Dakota remains an enduring symbol of service, courage and remembrance.
Please note: the flypast is planned but subject to weather, aircraft serviceability and operational requirements. Timings may change.
RAF TORNADO VETERANS SIGNING
12.00pm - 3.00pm
Following the morning's commemorations, we will welcome a distinguished group of former RAF Tornado personnel to the gallery. Visitors are welcome to stay for the afternoon, enjoy the atmosphere and meet our guests when they are available. A signing voucher is only required if you would like the veterans to sign your own items.
Our guests bring a wealth of experience from the cockpit and from the engineering teams that helped keep this remarkable aircraft flying. We will also be joined by acclaimed aviation artist Mike Rondot, a former RAF Jaguar pilot whose paintings have captured the Tornado and many other RAF aircraft in action.
ATTENDING GUESTS
Flight Lieutenant CHRIS STRADLING – Tornado GR1/GR4 pilot and instructor, with more than 6,000 flying hours on the type.
PAUL SHENTON – Former Tornado F3 pilot and instructor who also flew Spitfires and Hurricanes with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Air Commodore RICK PEACOCK-EDWARDS CBE AFC – Former Lightning, Phantom and Tornado pilot who helped introduce the Tornado F2/F3 into RAF service.
Squadron Leader MIKE JOHNSON – An experienced RAF pilot whose career included the English Electric Lightning and Tornado.
KAREN GEDGE – Joining the afternoon veterans signing panel.
Squadron Leader PABLO MASON – Tornado GR1 pilot with XV Squadron who flew 24 combat missions during the 1991 Gulf War.
AL BOX – Joining the afternoon veterans signing panel.
Squadron Leader LES HENDRY MBE – Former senior engineering officer with 31 Squadron during the 1991 Gulf War.
SPECIAL GUEST ARTIST
MIKE RONDOT – Acclaimed aviation artist and former RAF Jaguar pilot, with paintings depicting the Tornado and a wide range of military aircraft.
Guest appearances are subject to change. Additional guests may be announced.
EVENT TIMETABLE
8.30am – Breakfast available at the food van
9.00am – Gallery opens
10.40am – Remembrance service begins
11.00am – Two-minute silence
11.02am – Reveille
With closing prayer led by Reverend Ann Templeman
Approx. 11.30am – Planned Dakota flypast
12.00pm - 3.00pm – Tornado veterans signing
All programme times are approximate and subject to change.
TICKETS & ADMISSION
FREE ENTRY – ALL DAY
Everyone is welcome to attend the Remembrance service, enjoy the planned Dakota flypast and remain at the gallery for the afternoon gathering with our RAF Tornado veterans.
OPTIONAL SIGNING VOUCHER – £20
If you would like to have personal items signed by our guests, a £20 voucher covers up to THREE items during the signing session, from 12.00pm to 3.00pm.
Visitors without signing vouchers are equally welcome to stay at the gallery, and to mingle with the veterans once the signing has concluded.
Please book your tickets in advance as this helps us manage numbers and create a comfortable environment for all attending.
Ticket reservations opening soon. Please check back for booking details.
VISITING THE GALLERY
Breakfast will be available from the food van from 8.30am, with food and a licensed bar available during the event. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Aces High for this special day of remembrance and the opportunity to meet our RAF guests.
Aces High Gallery, Steventon, Oxfordshire, OX13 6SN
Directions and gallery contact details