“It was an honour, a pleasure and a privilege to have been invited along.”
— Flt Lt Dare
Pocklington School Represented at Historic WW2 Memorial Unveiling in France
On Saturday 26th April 2025, a moving and historic event took place in Boussières-sur-Sambre, in the Nord region of France: the unveiling of a new war memorial – the first of its kind in over 60 years – dedicated to 116 Allied airmen who tragically lost their lives in the Avesnois region during the Second World War.
Among those invited to this significant occasion was Pocklington School’s own Flight Lieutenant Dare, who attended the ceremony alongside Harry Bartlett, Chairman and Secretary of the 102 (Ceylon) Squadron Association, and John Williams, also a member of the Association and nephew of a fallen airman.
The event brought together over 80 family members of the fallen, from countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United States. Dignitaries in attendance included French Housing Minister Valérie Létard, military embassy officials, senior officers from France and Canada, and over 70 standard bearers. The event was made possible through the dedication of local historian Bernard Feutry, and researcher Daniel Carville – founder of the France Crashes 1939–1945 project, and local Mayor, Claude Dupont.
The connection between Pocklington School and 102 Squadron is a strong one. For the past five years, cadets from Pocklington’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) have supported the Squadron Association at commemorative events, providing honour guards and participating in remembrance ceremonies at local sites such as St Catherine's Church in Barmby Moor and the Wolds Gliding Club.
“It was an incredibly emotional and uplifting experience in many ways,” said Flt Lt Dare. “Although I am not a full-time member of the armed forces, I am proud of my RAFAC reserve commission and humbled to have been part of the military parade and to meet many of the families involved.”
Flt Lt Dare was invited not only for his connection to the RAF and the 102 Squadron Association, but also to act as interpreter for the event – translating and assisting throughout the weekend's commemorations.
While in France, the group also visited several other significant sites, including Wattignies-la-Victoire, Maubeuge Cemetery, and Brissy-Hamégicourt, where crews from 102 Squadron are buried, some as young as 20.
“I was taken aback by just how friendly and hospitable the locals were. They genuinely do remember. These communities still hold services every year around the dates of the crashes. Their memorials are well tended to and deeply respected,” Flt Lt Dare reflected.
The emotional weekend included many unforgettable moments. One highlight was a Scottish family’s poignant rendition of The Green Fields of France by Eric Bogle – a tribute that left many in attendance deeply moved.
Pocklington School’s CCF continues to foster a spirit of service, remembrance, and international understanding among its cadets. Recent activities have included gliding at RAF Topcliffe, powered flying at RAF Leeming, summer camps at RAF Lossiemouth and JHC FS Aldergrove, and upcoming visits to RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo and RAF Cosford.
“Pocklington School’s Combined Cadet Force has a strong relationship with 102 Squadron,” said CCF Contingent Commander Sam Hughes, “and we were delighted and proud when Ft Lt Dare was invited to join the unveiling of the new monument. Many Pocklington cadets have taken part in 102 Squadron events in recent years, and we owe Harry Bartlett and Ft Lt Dare great thanks for providing them with such memorable experiences.”
This weekend in France served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance, international collaboration, and the human stories behind history.
“We shared an unforgettable weekend in each other’s company,” said Flt Lt Dare. “It was amazing to meet people from all around the world, all remembering the sacrifice made by their ancestors.”
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