Remembering a local hero...

 Audio recording here.

Good morning and welcome to Thought for the Day.

As many will know next Wednesday, the 11th day of the 11th month is Remembrance Day, and across many of our local communities and churches there will also be acts of Remembrance this Sunday. While sadly there are fewer people left each year who remember World War Two, those in their late 80s, like my own dad, do remember those days and it's right that those of us who weren't there still able to learn from the past.

Here's one local story that I heard of that I found very moving. On 23rd December 1944, that's 82 years ago this Christmas, Acting Squadron Leader Robert Palmer set off in his Lancaster Bomber just before 1030am to bomb some railway yards in a military target. This was essential to stop the advance of enemy forces in Belgium. It was his 111th sortie and he led the pack of 30 aircraft from RAF Little Staughton just near St Neots. Unfortunately his plane came under fire, two engines were on fire and there were flames and smoke in the plane. However, as the leader, his plane was the one at the front of the pack and was crucial in plotting the course for others. Rather than bailing out and jeopardising the mission, he flew on and hit the target, leading others to the right location. Tragically his aircraft was last seen spiralling to the earth in flames. Only one man survived the crash, but he was captured as a prisoner of war, which meant that the story could only be told after the war. Robert Palmer received a posthumous Victoria Cross for his bravery. He was only 24 years old when he died. Truly a local hero. 

As we remember the heroism and sacrifice of yesterday, we are faced with a question. Is there anything in our generation that we would be willing to die for? When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he made the ultimate sacrifice to bring freedom and peace to others. But it wasn't a peace between nations, as precious as that is. He brought a lasting freedom and peace with God for all people, so that anyone who trusts in him, whatever their background, whatever their past, can find full forgiveness.

You are most welcome to join a local church service this Sunday to think together and remember. You'll also hear more about the good news that our broken and still war -

torn fragmented world so needs to hear. 

Thank you for listening.     

Charlie Newcombe 05NOV26