The Duchess of Edinburgh, Colonel-in-Chief of The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), has attended a Memorial Day to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
The day also celebrated the Corps' enduring contribution to Army operations, while recognising the service of personnel, veterans, and families.
The event marked REME's 84th anniversary and featured the dedication of a new memorial centrepiece, designed and constructed by serving REME metalsmiths.
Ahead of Remembrance, The Duchess of Edinburgh, Colonel-in-Chief of The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), attended a moving service and dedication of a new REME memorial centrepiece at the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens in Staffordshire.
Soldiers from The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) walk past the memorial statue.
Warrant Officer Class Two Chris Hunter, statue designer, meets Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, GCVO.
REME Veterans with their colours.
A solider salutes as REME Veterans lower their colours.
The Memorial Day also marked the Corps' 84th birthday, honoured those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and recognised the service of personnel, veterans and families.
The Memorial Day, which is an annual event for us, is a chance to pause and reflect, to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and to connect the REME family.
Formed in October 1942, the Engineers have played a vital role in keeping the Army operational. Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery famously said the Corps would "keep the punch in the Army's fist". During the Second World War, REME troops kept the Army moving and fighting in all theatres.
Colonel Iain Wallace OBE ADC Corps Colonel REME said: “The Memorial Day, which is an annual event for us, is a chance to pause and reflect, to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and to connect the REME family.”
The event brought together generations of the REME family to remember the fallen, celebrate service, and unveil a lasting tribute to the Corps' proud heritage. Among those attending was 101-year-old Charles Carnes, a founding member of REME, and 17-year-old Craftsman Jake Foss, the youngest soldier in the Corps, with the 84 year age gap between them marking the number of years REME has operated.
101 year old Staffordshire Veteran, Charles Carnes. Charles is one of the founder members of REME, which established in 1942. He is seen here with Craftsman Jake Foss, from 8 Training Battalion REME.
One of the highlights of the day was the unveiling of a sculpture depicting a rearing stallion, inspired by the Corps' insignia. The impressive creation took 15 months to complete and was constructed by 26 REME metalsmiths.
The metalsmiths achieved the highest standards possible and worked extremely hard to meet the timelines for the unveiling. I felt very honoured to create something that would be displayed in public and to be viewed by The Duchess of Edinburgh. It was a very rare opportunity
Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Chris Hunter, the Artificer Quartermaster Sergeant Major based at 17 Port and Maritime Regt in Southampton, was involved in the initial design and oversaw the making of the ten-foot structure.
Warrant Officer Class Two Chris Hunter, the Artificer Quartermaster Sergeant Major based at 17 Port and Maritime Regiment.
He said: “We discussed the scope of the project with the Regimental Headquarters, and it was decided a representation of the REME cap badge would be appropriate and would enhance the existing memorial and make it more identifiable as a REME centrepiece.”
Often working in their own time, the team of metalsmiths used innovative technology such as plasma cutters and laser engraving to produce the piece which weighs approximately 300kg and is constructed from stainless steel.
Craftsman Micheal Bentley and Craftsman Charlie Couse. Metalsmiths, in the REME Workshop, of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment Royal Logistic Corps fabricate a new REME Memorial.
Lance Corporal Alex James checks the level.
Craftsman Aslett (Left) works on the memorial with Lance Corporal Ollie Bullard.
WO2 Hunter added: “The metalsmiths achieved the highest standards possible and worked extremely hard to meet the timelines for the unveiling. I felt very honoured to create something that would be displayed in public and to be viewed by The Duchess of Edinburgh. It was a very rare opportunity.”
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