30 Squadron Memorial at the National Arboretum, Alrewas

Inspired by the Arlington Cemetery and Abroretum in Washington, USA an appeal was launched in 1994 to create a year round National Centre for Remembrance in the UK.  The site chosen was a reclaimed gravel works, kindly gifted by Redlands Aggregates.  From a bare site and with grants from the National Lottery, the site at Alrewas has been developed and planted since 1996 to become the site it is today.

“The Arboretum is a celebration of lives lived and a place for everyone to remember”

John Williams was working for the Royal British Legion and was in contact with the administrators at Alrewas.  John suggested that a 30 Squadron Memrorial should be placed in the RAF Section of the Memorial site.  In 2007, we raised an appeal with the Squadron Association members and just under £9000 was generously donated to cover the costs.  Johnson Stonemason of Westbury was selected to design and make the Memorial.  The granite was delivered from China and the Memorial was made, delivered to Alrewas and erected at the chosen site.

On 10 Sep 2008, a dedication service was held at Alrewas with Squadron and Association attendance. Members of 30(F) Squadron Air Training Corps were also on parade. The 30 Squadron Standard party was present and a flypast of a C130K ended the Ceremony.

After 15 years, in all weathers, the Memorial was refurbished in Jul 2023 and is as good as new.  If you have not visited the National Arboretum, please do, it is a very moving place and a wonderful tribute to those who have served and gone before us.

“We Shall Remember Them”