Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome marks Remembrance with 'emotional' parade

A popular military aviation museum in the Maldon district hosted a moving parade for Remembrance Sunday yesterday (14 November).

A number of high-level dignitaries led by Jennifer Tolhurst, the lord lieutenant of Essex, came together to mark Remembrance at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, which can be found on Hackmans Lane in Purleigh.

Almost 200 members of the uniformed youth groups and military from across Essex marched in the parade.

A unit from Blind Veterans UK also paraded for the first time this year - including gunner Wally Dixon, who served in the Royal Artillery and was the oldest man present at 99 years old.

Among those to pay their respects during the service were local MP John Whittingdale, Councillor Edward Johnson, the chairman of Essex County Council, and Councillor Mark Heard, the chairman of Maldon District Council.

The parade was followed by a march-past, from which Mrs Tolhurst took the salute.

Mrs Tolhurst later met representatives of all the units that attended.

Ian Flint, CEO of Stow Maries, said: "The Remembrance parade is always an emotional experience for all of us at Stow Maries.

"We were, and still are, a tri-service site and we are proud, as signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, to maintain strong links to all of our Armed Forces – serving and retired, past and present.

"It was an honour to host the parade and we are overjoyed it went so well."

Stow Maries houses Europe's largest collection of Royal Flying Corps WW1 buildings which were not adapted for further military use later in its history.

It is currently open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Fridays to Sundays.

Pre-arranged group visits, including coach trips, can be made by appointment.