Page Turning of the Books of Remembrance Ceremony
In conjunction with Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral authorities, the regimental trusts of the Oxfordshire Yeomanry and Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, hold a bi-monthly service of Page Turning. This is a very pleasant, but poignant occasion which involves turning the page of the respective Books of Remembrance (which are held in locked glass cabinets within the Military Chapel of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford) and reading out the names of officers and soldiers who have given their lives during both World War One and World War Two – 5 names for each war and regiment.
This short service is normally carried out in the Military Chapel within the Cathedral and takes place on a Saturday at 11am. Participants (nominated readers) are usually expected to be in place for 10.30am and anyone wishing to attend is advised to be early to claim one of the limited number of seats. Anyone who wishes to join with us, in remembering these gallant men, are very welcome, especially family members of the men whose name are being read. On some special days (such as the 11 November-Armistice day) the ceremony will be held in the main body of the cathedral. This usually brings a larger audience and the start time is usually 10.30am.
Wednesday, 11th November 2020 was one of these ‘special’ days when the service was carried out on a working day. It was extra-special in that it coincided with the lockdown, enforced by the Covid-19 virus, when the service was held without any congregation – just a select number of readers and Christ Church Cathedral ministers and organist. But the Cathedral authorities had thought about this and arranged for it to be filmed, then placed on YouTube for all to watch, see, and follow the service. To see this video click on this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP9icPouClM&t=1s
The Trustees of the Oxfordshire Yeomanry Trust, following a fund-raising event, had 3 Altar Kneelers manufactured for use in the Military Chapel. They were made in the colour of Mantua Purple with the Queen Adelaide Cypher embroidered upon them. At a previous Page Turning ceremony – 6th May 2017 – the kneelers were positioned at the altar and were then dedicated.
Future Dates and names to be read for the ceremonies
To Coincide with the celebrations for the 80th Anniversaries of VE and VJ days the events surrounding the bi-monthly Page Turning of the Books of Remembrance have been changed. Below, in chronological order, are the upcoming changes :-
April 27th, Sunday – this is an additional Page Turning which will take the normal form of service but will be held at St Michael at the North Gate church on Cornmarket Street, Oxford (please note change of venue and day) at 10.30 am on 27th April. I’ve attached the list of names being read, below.
May 3rd, Saturday – this is to mark VE Day and will have 5 names from WW1, but also 10 names from WW2 and will be for men who gave their lives in actions across Europe. This will take place at Christ Church Cathedral as per normal. I’ve attached the list of names being read, below.
August 15th, Friday – this is an advance warning of an event to mark VJ Day where only soldiers who saw service in the Far East will have their names read. This is to take place at Christ Church Cathedral as normal and further details will be announced later. Consequently, there won’t be a Page Turning on 6 Sep.
Dates for 2025 are as below: –
4th January 2025 (Saturday)
1st March 2025 (Saturday)
27th April 2025 (Sunday) – at St Michael at the North Gate church on Cornmarket Street, Oxford
3rd May 2025 (Saturday) – a special service commemorating VE Day
12th July 2025 (Saturday)
15th August 2025 (Friday) – a special service commemorating VJ Day
6th September 2025 (Saturday) – canceled due to changes around the 80th Anniversaries of VE and VJ days.
11th November 2025 (Tuesday)
3rd January 2026 (Saturday)
A live stream video is available for people unable to attend these events with the link for Saturday, 1st March 2025 is – https://youtube.com/live/oj-WfhLYMJE?feature=share
Videos made at previous Page Turning events are still available to watch. The links to view are :-
Saturday, 7th September 2024 – www.youtube.com/live/kytnINd1gnM
Saturday, 8th May 2021 – https://youtu.be/5goQQT71rT0
Saturday, 6th March 2021 – https://youtu.be/QeEYxsiA2zo
Saturday, 9th January 2021 – https://youtu.be/_O9jwYjCTMs
Below, are listed the names which will be read out on Saturday, 12th July 2025 :-
First World War 1914-1918
Pte Leonard George Gillett | Died of wounds at Gillemont Farm, Somme, France on May 20th 1917, aged 24 |
Pte Albert Ginger | Died of wounds at Villiers-Faucon, Somme, France on April 4th 1917, aged 37 |
Pte Harry Goddard | Killed in action at Gillemont Farm, Somme, France on June 21st 1917, aged 25 |
Pte Reuben Anthony Goddard | Killed in action at Battle of Somme, France on October 7th 1916, aged 20 |
Pte Wilfred Clarence Goldby | Killed in action at Battle of Somme, France on October 7th 1916, aged 21 |
2nd World War 1939-1946
Gnr William Hosty | Died in captivity onboard POW ship, bound for Takao, Japan on September 21st 1944, aged 23 |
Gnr Charles Housley | Died in captivity at Chungkai, Thailand on December 4th 1943, aged 23 |
Dvr Joseph Arthur Howard | Died in captivity onboard POW ship bound for Japan on September 12th 1944, aged 40 |
Gnr Wilfred Howorth | Died in captivity at Tarsao, Thailand on September 26th 1943, aged 32 |
L/Bdr Henry Lloyd Hughes | Died in captivity at Tha Makhan, Thailand on September 17th 1943, aged 27 |
Anyone who wishes to join with us, in remembering these gallant heroes, are very welcome, especially family members of the men whose name are being read. Those wishing to attend are advised to be early to claim one of the limited number of seats.
The location for Christ Church Cathedral (beyond the college entrance), St Aldates, Oxford.
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