Captain Mike Austin
Three Royal Canadian Air Force officers travelled from RAF Lossiemouth to Sutton-on-the-Forest, Yorkshire, on a May 9 and 10 remembrance visit at RAF East Moor, a former Second World War airfield once home to 415, 429 and 432 squadrons.
Captain Darren Kirk, Captain Robert Laniel and Captain Mike Austin’s visit began with a reflective stop at Stonefall Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Harrogate, where many young aircrew, including Wing Commander John McNeill DFC and Squadron Leader Brian Wilmot of 415 Squadron, are laid to rest. The sheer number of graves belonging to men barely out of their teens was a moving reminder of the cost of service.
The group also toured Sutton Park, a stately home used as an officers’ mess during the war. Parish Councillor Robert Sheffield hosted a gracious lunch and, in the afternoon, the officers visited a nearby primary school to speak with students about Canada’s role in the war. The children proudly presented projects on Canada and were delighted to receive RCAF stickers.
On the Saturday, dressed in 1A DEUs with medals, the contingent was hosted for lunch by Anthony Prowde, a parish councillor in Sutton-on-the-Forest. The gathering brought together Wing Commander Ted Edwards (RAF Leeming), Reverend Steve Whiting, local veterans and community leaders for the East Moor Memorial Service, under bright blue skies and warm sun. Set in “The Pound,” a small green lined with trees, with a historic sundial cairn stone monument laid in 1990; the ceremony drew several dozen attendees. Kirk delivered an eloquent address that earned praise from both Canadian and British guests, highlighting the wartime legacy of the RCAF and its ongoing cooperation with the RAF, including current Canadian P-8 Poseidon training. Kirk’s message stressed unity, shared sacrifice and the enduring strength of allied partnerships.
RCAF members laid wreaths and flowers on behalf of 415 and 429 squadrons, the local community, Brownies and RAF Leeming. The ceremony featured “The Fallen,” read by Flight Lieutenant (retired) Alan Dolding; The Act of Remembrance, read by Squadron Leader (retired) Henry Morgan; a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthems of both Canada and the United Kingdom. Afternoon tea followed, hosted by the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association, where Kirk presented a 415 Squadron plaque to Prowde in appreciation of his support in planning the commemoration and warm hospitality throughout the weekend.
The day crew to a close with a visit to a Halifax crash site and small memorial in Brafferton and Helperby villages. A piper and a few parish council members attended the site for a short service. Lastly, the group had an impromptu tour of the refurbished RAF Tholthorpe control tower, now a private residence. RAF Tholthorpe was the home of 434 Squadron at the end of the Second World War.
The trip was a great success thanks to the coordination and support of Lieutenant-Colonel Leblanc, Major Macsween, Kirk and Prowde, whose efforts ensured a meaningful experience that strengthens bonds across generations and nations.
