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Squadron Leader Ross Horton Dedicating Plaque
Featuring: Squadron Leader Ross Horton – then Padre from RNZAF Base Auckland
Duration: 7 minutes, 19 seconds
Topic: This recording was made on Saturday the 13th of November 2004, during the official launch of the Wings Over Cambridge website and Air Force Reunion held at the Cambridge Town Hall. This follows on from Bryan Cox’s guest speaker recording above, when the veterans and guests attending the event assembled outside the hall where a new special plaque was dedicated to the memory of all the men and women of the Cambridge town and district who had served in the Allied Air Forces of World War Two.
The idea of installing a permanent plaque to commemorate these people, living and dead, who had served in the RNZAF, RAF, WAAF, Fleet Air Arm and other Allied Air Forces, was conceived by Dave Homewood, who was assisted in the process of making it happen by Eris Parker (Curator of the Cambridge Museum). The plaque was funded by the Cambridge Community Board, and the able assistance of the Cambridge branch of the Returned Services Association was given in getting it manufactured. It was installed by Dave Homewood, the late Gordon Homewood and Ray Tocker.
Sqn Ldr Ross Horton was the perfect choice to officiate the dedication service for the plaque, as not only was he a serving Padre in the RNZAF but he had also grown up in Cambridge, and his parents and brothers still lived in the town.
This is a short recording done outdoors in gusty conditions with cars passing by, but it serves as a great record of that day and of the wonderful dedication service performed by Ross. The following day during the official Armistice in Cambridge Ceremony, the plaque was unveiled officially by visiting dignitary Air Commodore Terry Gardner who was representing the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and Dave Homewood.
This recording comes from a video record that was made by Mike Cater and Paul Bevan on the day.
• Photos of the Wings Over Cambridge Launch, Air Force Reunion and Plaque Unveiling Ceremony
RNZAF Padre Ross Horton, who was then based at RNZAF Base Whenuapai, but who has family in Cambridge, conducts a moving dedication ceremony for the new Air Force plaque. Cambridge Air Force Veterans and their families look on.
(Photo Wayne Timmo, Cambridge Edition, 13th of November 2004)
Ross Horton prepares to dedicate the plaque while the veterans gather around. (photo: Bruce Cooke)
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