A two-day Remembrance exhibition telling the stories of those who served in the Armed Forces defending Britain through the 20th century is being staged on the site of the former RAF Hornchurch wartime air base.
It covers the sacrifices of men and women who went to war for Britain on land, sea and air from the two world wars to the Falklands conflict.
The weekend exhibition on November 9 and 10 has displays of military uniforms, photographs and memorabilia from all periods, especially the 1914-18 First World War commemorating its 110th anniversary.
Rainham local historians Richard Smith and wife Kim Smith are organising it at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Ingrebourne Valley visitor centre on the site where the RAF Hornchurch airbase operated during the Second World War.
“It is important to remember those who came before us who lost their lives in the defence of this country,” Richard said. “Their sacrifice means our democracy and freedom continues — although the world today is far from a safe place.
“One can only hope that countries in the future learn that war is no solution.”
Richard has written books about Britain’s role in wartime, covering the history of RAF Hornchurch and its frontline role in the Battle of Britain in 1940.
His wife Kim tells the story of women’s roles in the Armed Forces such as the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and the Auxiliary Transport Service.
The exhibition is also being used by war historian Peter Van-Den Assem to sell poppy Remembrance items to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
The Elm Park No 1838 Air Training Squadron is giving a display to raise public awareness of the annual November 11 Day of Remembrance.
A two-minute silence is being observed on Sunday at 11am, marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the guns fell silent in 1918.
It is followed by a public wreath-laying next to the Ingrebourne Valley centre.
The exhibition opens 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 10am to 3.30pm on Sunday.
Admission is £2, children free, and a percentage will go to the Essex Wildlife Trust.
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