Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome fell silent on Sunday for the annual Remembrance Parade, led by The Rt Rev Adam Atkinson, Bishop of Bradwell, and attended by dignitaries from across Essex.
Around 400 members of the public paid their respects at the Great War Aerodrome’s Memorial, gathering to watch the Parade of uniformed youth organisations, along with Veterans from all service arms.
The Parade took place in the presence of His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst LL, who delivered the address commemorating those who had lost their lives at Stow Maries and elsewhere, as well as praising the “steadfast and hopeful” spirit of today’s Aerodrome’s volunteers. This was followed by the Bishop of Bradwell, who spoke about the peace of God being like aircraft stabilisers, providing inner calm and equilibrium during troubled times.
The Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon; Chair of Essex County Council Cllr Ray Gooding and Chair of Maldon District Council, Cllr Kevin Lagan were among the dignitaries who laid wreaths.
The Exhortation was read by Martyn Gill, the Museum’s Chair of Trustees, then the Silence was framed by the evocative sounds of bugler Barry Nunn playing The Last Post and Reveille, echoing around Memorial Square.
Ian Flint, Chief Executive Officer of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, comments: “Any Remembrance Parade is a poignant event, all the more so here at Stow Maries surrounded by original World War One buildings that were home to 37 Squadron, RFC and RAF. As one of the original tri-service sites and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are proud to welcome so many representatives of our Forces here today, commemorating those who served their country in conflicts past and present.”
Now the largest surviving Great War aerodrome in Europe and an accredited museum, Stow Maries opened in 1916 as home to B Flight of No.37(HD) Squadron, Royal Flying Corps and played a pivotal role in the country’s air defence during raids by Zeppelins and Gotha bombers. Normal opening hours for Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. The final opening day of the season will be on Sunday 7 December, with the Museum reopening on 13 February 2026. See www.stowmaries.org.uk for more information.