In 1939, at Sullom Voe in the Shetland Islands, the first unexploded bomb of the Second World War was dealt with by the Royal Air Force. The brave Armourers involved in the task were paving the way for what would become the Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal capability.
Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal personnel played a huge part in World War II, from the Battle of Britain to D-Day and beyond and it continued to do so on operations all over the world, as well as providing 24/7 cover at home providing Military Aid to the Civil Authority making safe hundreds of items every year.
In most recent times they have played key roles in the Cold War, The Falkland Islands, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
During the time that the Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal capability was in existence, many personnel lost their lives in the line of duty and numerous medals and honours were awarded.
Sadly, The Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal capability was disbanded in 2020 and all responsibility for Bomb Disposal was passed to the Royal Navy and the Army.
Shortly after it was announced that Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal would cease in 2020, I started to research the possibility of getting a memorial installed at The National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas in Staffordshire.
It soon became obvious that it was no easy task as we needed formal approval from the Arboretum committee, we needed funding and then we needed a design and somebody to manufacture it and install it. From the moment we came up with the idea to the dedication event on 21 Feb 24 the whole process had taken well over 2 years. Money was raised through Just Giving, the design was done by me and a colleague and the fabrication work was done by Roll and Scroll in Grantham.
The Memorial was installed on 11 December 2023 and was officially opened at a dedication ceremony on 21 February 2024. The ceremony was conducted by me and a former colleague with the spiritual element carried out by Padre Shaw who has a close connection with the Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal community from his time as Padre at Royal Air Force Wittering during the drawdown period for 5131(Bomb Disposal) Squadron.
The event was attended by around 200 Royal Air Force Bomb Disposal Veterans and serving personnel and their families and friends.
For those who have never been to the National Memorial Arboretum it is well worth a visit. Pick a nice day and you can spend hours walking the grounds looking at the hundreds of memorials. Entrance is free with a small charge made for parking (£6 on the day or £4 if pre-booked)
