Memorial blessing 7th July 2026

Marking the 84th anniversary of RAF Downham Market's opening, this historic dedication brought together military leadership, service personnel, and supporters to bless the Airfield Cairn Memorial in solemn tribute to the brave airmen and service personnel who served here.

Aerial tribute and ceremonial opening

Station Warrant Officer Chris Brewer led the ceremonial preliminaries, orchestrating a breathtaking fly-by salute featuring two RAF F-35 Lightning aircraft overhead. Group Captain Jim Calvert OBE MA RAF delivered an inspiring address to inaugurate the event, held in the distinguished presence of Station Commander Group Captain Leonie Boyd.

The blessing of the cairn memorial

Padre Jeanie Bossy and Padre Craig Bentley, chaplains from nearby RAF Marham, conducted the solemn blessing service together. Their prayers dedicated the stone cairn as a lasting, sacred tribute to the crews, support staff, and squadrons who made the ultimate sacrifice while operating from the airfield.

Recital of Bomber Boys

Memorial creator Christopher Coverdale addressed the gathering with a heartfelt reading of the evocative poem Bomber Boys, permanently engraved on the 8th Losses plaque. The gathering closed in quiet reflection, ensuring the courage and memory of RAF Downham Market will never be forgotten.