The Halton Grove at the National Arboretum



THE NEW HALTON GROVE PLAQUE

Members will recall that research carried out in 2007/8 revealed that over 1600 former Brats gave their lives in WW2.  The Council felt that a permanent memorial to these brave souls should be built and Halton was initially considered as the site for this memorial.  However, with The Tribute and the stained glass windows already there, with the names of those fallen recorded in a Book of Remembrance at St George's Church, what better place could there be for a permanent memorial than the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) where so many of the nation's fallen are commemorated?  Here we can tell a much wider audience of the sacrifice made by former Halton Apprentices, both in WW2 and in earlier and later campaigns.

In June of last year the event took place at the NMA.  It was an act of Remembrance and Rededication associated with the installation of a new plaque at the Halton Grove.  The Queen's Colour of No 1 SofTT and the RAFHAAA standard were paraded.  The replacement plaque is significantly different from its predecessor and now closely matches the design of The Tribute at Halton.  We hope you will agree that it reflects the importance that the HAAA attaches to its public face at the NMA now and in the years ahead.

  

As can be seen from the coloured photos, our Vice-Patron, Sir Dusty Miller, 210 Entry, led the Ceremonies ably supported by the HAAA Chaplain,the Rev Richard Lee together with some 120 members and friends.  The weather on the day was extremely kind.

As a result, we not only have a public memorial to the RAF Apprentice Scheme but also a significant enhancement to the Halton Grove that marks the sacrifice made by ex-Apprentices, particularly during WW2.

THE RE-DEDICATION

They came eager, with minds fixed in the past
Hoping this visit would not be the last.
They were the technicians of their age
Kept planes flying when they were in their prime.
They remembered those busy, heady days
When they worked together in distant camps.
Yet now as old men, some frail and weak
You can hear the pride with which they speak
“I was a HALTON BRAT” and NOTHING can compare with that!

Fiona Arnold

Fiona, a 72nd wife, wrote this after being at Alrewas for the Re-dedication of the Halton Grove. She remembers Halton well after being there at the Dental Training Establishment. Editor.

The Halton Grove is found within the National Arboretum off Gifford Avenue.  For directions of how to get there and for other information relating to this national treasure click here.