*
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    


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Tynan

Tynan adds to conducting portfolio

December 16 • Lostock Hall Memorial Band has appointed Tommy Tynan as its new Musical Director.


wobplay

Pop a Wobplay gift subscription in a stocking

December 16 • If you want to give a no-hassle sure fire winner to the brass band love of your life this Christmas...


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Flugelhorn player.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd