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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.

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Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

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