*
banner

Yeovil help keep squadron memories alive

The sacrifice and bravery of a World War Two air squadron has been commemorated by a special march.

Yeovil
 

Yeovil Town Band has recorded a new march written by composer and Concert Manager of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Adam Glynn, and entitled 'We Defy', to help celebrate the recent 70th anniversary of VE Day.

Special march

Adam was approached by 264 Squadron secretary Geoff Faulkner, to write a march specially for the squadron — and also suggested Yeovil perform it.

He told 4BR: "The 29th May 1940 was the Squadron's first red-letter day. In patrols over the Dunkirk-Calais area, twelve aircraft in two sweeps destroyed 37 enemy aircraft."

Geoff revealed that the same evening a telegram was received stating: "The Air Officer Commanding in Chief sends sincere congratulations to No. 264 Squadron on their magnificent performance in shooting down over 30 enemy aircraft today without losing a single pilot."

On the official VE reunion day Geoff played the surprise recording to the veterans of 264 Squadron and received an overwhelming response with veterans moved to tears of pride4BR

Overlooked

Feeling the Squadron's important achievement had always been overlooked, Geoff felt the next best thing was to commemorate it musically with a march, so in came Adam and Yeovil Band Chairman Kevin Robbins to make it a reality.

On the official VE reunion day Geoff played the surprise recording to the veterans of 264 Squadron and received an overwhelming response with veterans moved to tears of pride.

The band will perform the march again on 23rd October for the Poppy Fund Appeal in Wells Town Hall.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd