Two Locations One Heart- 863 (Thurston) Squadron Remembrance Sunday 2026

CI Millard

16 hours ago

2 min read

On Sunday 8 November, Thurston Squadron marked Remembrance Sunday 2026 with our communities in Thurston and Bury St Edmunds. We paused to remember those who lost their lives in service, those who returned carrying the effects of conflict, and the families whose lives were changed.

For our cadets, it was a chance to reflect on what it means to serve and to take their place in a tradition carried forward by generations before them.

From Cavendish Hall to St Peter’s Church -Remembrance Sunday 2026

Our morning in Thurston began at Cavendish Hall, where new recruits gathered alongside experienced cadets for the event Supervised by Cpl Millard and Cpl Sinnett and Staff

As the crowd grew, the recruits showed real composure. The more experienced cadets set a steady example, and the whole group carried themselves with maturity and respect as they marched up the road to St Peter’s Church.

Padre Edwards hosted the service at St Peter’s, with CI Millards, CI Sinnett, SI Allen, CI Lipsett and CI Chandler-Smith supervising our cadets.

For those taking part for the first time, marching through the village in front of a growing crowd was a big step. They rose to the occasion and represented Thurston Squadron with pride, shoulder to shoulder with cadets who had done it before.

Special Mention to New Recruit Bowers-King who was nominated by the team to present the reef to the memorial at St Peters, with a brief by his CPLs we he shouldered the responsibility well with all about very impressed.

Our banner party in Bury St Edmunds - Remembrance Sunday 2026

Over in Bury St Edmunds, our squadron returned to its traditional location near Abbey Gardens. Led by our Officer Commanding, Flt Lt Miles Green, our banner party stood tall in the cold morning air, representing our service and the local area with quiet confidence.

Carrying the squadron banner was a privilege, and the cadets showed through their bearing and attention how seriously they took that responsibility.

Remembrance is a shared duty. Our squadron plays one part alongside neighbouring youth organisations, personnel from local bases and the communities they serve.

Each generation helps carry that duty forward. For a new recruit, that might begin with learning when to fall in and following the example of the cadet beside them. With time comes a deeper understanding of why we march, why we pause, and whose lives we are there to remember.