York Honours French Air Force
York -- Thursday 20th October
I was privileged to attend a memorial service in York Minster commemorating the efforts and bravery of 2500 French air crew based at Elvington during World War II.
The two French squadrons, number 346 (Guyenne) and number 347 (Tunisie), arrived in early 1944 and played an enormous role in the bomber offensive against Germany. During their 18 month spell at Elvington almost half of them lost their lives.
The unveiling of the memorial ensures that their sacrifices are marked.
The official ceremony was followed by a fly past and a parade of French and British veterans.
