Members of the Chatham Naval Officers’ Association (CNOA) were given a unique guided tour of the Memorial by two Trustees who are themselves both members of the association.
The group, which aims to support the Royal Navy and other areas of the UK maritime environment by stimulating interest, activities and studies in naval and maritime affairs, was keen to learn about the Memorial and, in particular, the part played by the Fleet Air Arm in the Battle of Britain.
Members were shown around by Wing Commander Andrew Simpson RAFVR(T) (rtd) and Lieutenant Colonel Barry Duffield DL (ACF rtd). CNOA member Mrs Carole Storey laid a wreath at the National Memorial to the Few to commemorate relatives, friends and colleagues lost in conflicts and more recently.
The party visited The Scramble Experience and took advantage of the excellent weather to enjoy refreshments on the balcony of the Cockpit Café, enjoying a clear view of France and the occasional Spitfire overflight as the Trust’s friends from the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar plied their trade.
The CNOA also offers support to any member in distress, promotes comradeship, provides practicable support to naval and associated organisations and events and supports and raises funds for selected maritime and other appropriate charities.
Membership of the Association is open to serving and retired seafaring officers and those with a genuine interest in the sea and maritime matters including commissioned officers of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and their Reserves, officers of The Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Merchant Navy and commissioned officers of other UK and Commonwealth armed forces and their reserves and commissioned officers of the cadet forces.
Comments