Category Archives: military

Inaugural Poppy Ball in Abingdon

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The inaugural Poppy Ball took place this evening at the Hilton Hotel, Abingdon.

Organised by Clare Oldfield on behalf of the Abingdon Royal British Legion Club, the event brought together local musical talent and community spirit in support of the Poppy Appeal.

On arrival guests saw a vintage military jeep and a rare 1945 ambulance — of only around 20 known to exist.

Guests were welcomed by re-enactors from The Redline Home Guard, a historical group dedicated to honouring the men of Berkshire and Oxfordshire who volunteered to defend Britain during the Second World War.

Inside the ballroom, tables were decorated with poppy arrangements created by the Abingdon Flower Club.

Music was provided by Abingdon SwingTime, a 20-piece swing orchestra.

Their music had guests on the dance floor twirling around and doing under arm turns.

A raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, together with a secret auction for a specially donated picture, helped raise funds for the Poppy Appeal.

Goodbye Hercules!

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Three RAF Hercules took part in a national tour that included a flypast over Dalton Barracks today .

The flypast allowed people to see the aircraft on its retirement day. The RAF Hercules, a transport aircraft, and the workhorse of the RAF, began service in 1967.

The Hercules was based at RAF Brize Norton, but often landed at Dalton Barracks near Abingdon. The aircraft was also seen at the Abingdon Air and Country Show in May 2023 at Dalton Barracks.

Thankyou to Malvin for letting me know this was happening.

RAF exercises over Abingdon

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Bob has been interested in the helicopter and aircraft activity passing over Drayton and Abingdon during the day.

He says ‘a Chinook had been flying around all day at a reasonable height (controlling?) and smaller helicopter circling at lower height with both side doors open (patrolling?).

The training is impressive, and I seem to remember a similar exercise about a year or so ago. We should all be very proud of our Armed Forces and the very varied work they do.

The exercise culminated in simulated cargo “drops” this evening. i.e. flying in at low speed with rear door open but not landing. Possibly five or six passes.’

Visit to a Museum in Salisbury

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Over the years regiments have been amalgamated. The Royal Berkshire Regiment, in which a lot of Abingdon men served, eventually became The Rifles – along with several other county named regiments.
Royal Berkshire Regiment
The museum that holds the collections for two of those regiments: the Royal Berkshire Regiment, and Wiltshire Regiment, is in Salisbury in Wiltshire, and is called The Wardrobe.
Royal Berkshire Regiment
There are probably more Wiltshire, than Berkshire, exhibits on display but given the location within view of Salisbury Cathedral that is understandable.
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Just inside the entrance there are some army banners. Next to one Royal Berkshire Regiment banner a label says “Following the Opium War of 1841, the 49th Regiment (later the Royal Berkshire) was authorised to wear the Dragon and the word ‘China’ emblazoned with its colours.”
Royal Berkshire Regiment
Not on display, but viewable on their web site, the museum have some pictures of Abingdon soldiers, and people, that can be ordered. There are some of of an early “Abingdon contingent assembling on Abingdon Railway station on route to their war time station after the start of the 1st World War.”