*
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    


Fodens

RNCM International Brass Band Festival concerts on wobplay

February 3 • Foden's opening concert of a memorable weekend in Manchester can now be enjoyed on the Wobplay.com media platform — with others to follow.


Eiamjer

Major financial boost to help Eikanger ambitions

February 3 • A substantial three year grant will help support the Siddis champion with its educational, music outreach programmes and ongoing running costs.


Jimmy Leggat

Cross border accolades for Leggat

February 3 • The popular KNDS Fairey bandsman Jimmy Leggat takes a final official bow on a very special weekend of musical celebration with friends.


New Zealand

New Zealand National bands face financial challenges

February 2 • BBNZ President says its National Secondary Schools Band, National Youth Band, and National Band of New Zealand are in need of financial support after grant bids fail.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call, or email.


Croy Silver Band

February 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd