The dedication ceremony for the IX(B) Squadron Memorial

A new memorial to the oldest specialist bomber squadron in the RAF has been dedicated in Alrewas.

The dedication ceremony for the IX(B) Squadron Memorial
The dedication ceremony for the IX(B) Squadron Memorial

Ahead of the ceremony at the IX(B) Squadron Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum there was a flypast of two Tornado jet bombers.

The squadron, which was formed in 1914, is commemorated with the pyramid shaped memorial featuring sections made of sandstone, green granite and brown granite.

Wing Commander James Heeps said: “It was an extraordinary honour for me to represent the Squadron at the National Memorial Arboretum and receive the memorial on behalf of the current serving officers and airmen of IX(B) Squadron from the association.

“The memorial not only represents the proud history of IX(B) Squadron, but also the very special relationship between the Squadron and its association.”

The memorial was designed by association member John Fox and was unveiled following a three year production process.

Among those who spoke at the dedication ceremony was 93-year-old Warrant Officer Ken Johnson, who served as a Lancaster air gunner in 1944 and 1945.

He said: “I was honoured to be asked to say a few words at the service and I did it in memory of all the friends I lost in the Second World War and on behalf of the 10 other surviving members of the association from the war who were unable to attend.”

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