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 10.45am 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
Dates for 2023 are as below: –
7th January 2023 (Saturday)
4th March (Saturday)
6th May (Saturday)
8th July (Saturday)
2nd September (Saturday)
11th November (Saturday)
6th January 2024 (Saturday)
A reminder that the 11th November event for 2023 will be held on the Saturday (Armistice Day). The service will be held in the body of the cathedral and usually attracts a larger congregation. Also, the event starts earlier and begins from 10.30 am. The Cathedral will be providing live streaming which may be viewed at the same time or viewed later as a video of the proceedings.
Videos made at previous Page Turning events are still available to watch. The links to view are :-
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, 11th November 2023 :-
First World War 1914-1918
Pte William John Clack Died (drowned at sea) onboard HMT Osmanieh at Alexandria, Egypt on December 31st 1917, aged 19
Pte Ernest Claridge Killed in action at Battle of St Quentin, Aisne, France on March 21st 1918, aged 22
Pte Richard Charles Claridge Died of accident at Kings Lynn, Cambridge, England on February 3rd 1916, aged 19
Pte Uriah James Clarke Killed in action at Battle of St Quentin, Aisne, France on March 23rd 1918, aged 22
LCpl John George Clifford Died of wounds at Ypres, Belgium on December 20th 1917, aged 20
2nd World War 1939-1946
Gnr William Henry Coote Died in captivity at Hintock River camp, near Tonchan, Thailand on August 8th 1943, aged 32
Gnr John Herbert Crabtree Died in captivity onboard POW ship [Hofuku Maru] bound for Takao, Japan on September 21st 1944, aged 30
Sgt George Cross Killed in action at Fort Canning, Singapore on February 15th 1942, aged 24
Gnr William George Cullender Died in captivity at Chungkai, Thailand on July 3rd 1943, aged 24
Dvr Benjamin George Curson Died in captivity at Tarsao, Thailand on October 27th 1943, aged 22
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.
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