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Battle of El-Alamein Commemoration and Thanksgiving
28 October 2009
On Sunday 25th October 2009 Enham Alamein hosted a Commemoration Day to those who fought and lost their lives in the Battle of El-Alamein in 1942.
As in the previous two years, the Battle was remembered by veterans, village residents, military regiments, the clergy, and the general public with a Thanksgiving Service. This was held in a marquee on the Village Green and led by The Venerable Michael Harley, The Archdeacon of Winchester and supported by the Andover Youth Choir and Test Valley Brass Band. Honoured guests were Mr Mark Maclay DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire and his wife Elizabeth Maclay and the Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley, Cllr Ian Hibberd and Mrs Teresa Hibberd.
The marquee also hosted a concert by Test Valley Brass Band which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those present listening and occasionally singing along to old favourites, with the finale of the Post Horn Gallop.
The military atmosphere was enhanced this year by the attendance of a WWII Reinactment Group from the Royal Artillery which was very kindly arranged by Brigadier C R Burson CBE. They were dressed in the uniform of the day and brought with them an armoured personnel carrier and two 25 pounder guns. The Royal Artillery were heavily involved in the original Battle and the 25 pounder played a major part of the weaponary used at the beginning of the Battle.
To mark the beginning of the Thanksgiving Service 6 blank rounds were fired, the first being lit by Mr A V Sherman, the oldest veteran from the Battle of El Alamein to attend the day.
Caroline Gumn, PA to Enham’s Chief Executive Mike Smith, commented “We would like to say a special thank you to Brigadier Burson for organising the WWII Reinactment Group and the Andover Army Cadets. Without their support and hard work we could not organise the day so successfully.”
During the day historic artefacts from the Battle and memorabilia showing the history of Enham Alamein was on display in St George’s Church, which was organised by the EACH (Enham Alamein Community Heritage) project. This was a wonderful opportunity for memories old and new to be exchanged and enjoyed by all those attending.
Picture Top Left: Mr A V Sherman, the oldest veteran from the Battle of El-Alamein to attend the event. He was also a gunner in the original Battle.
Picture Left in 4th paragraph: The Royal Artillery WWII Reinactment Group during their demonstration on Sunday.
