A CEREMONY has been held in York to commemorate the service of women in all branches of the armed forces.

The event was held at the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial in Elvington on Sunday, August 12, and this year focused on the Centenary of the Women’s Royal Air Force.

The WRAF and the Royal Air Force Temporary Nursing Service, formed in April and June 1918 respectively, and evolved under Royal Patronage to become the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service.

Standards were paraded by the WRAF Association, RAF (W) Association, Royal British Legion North Yorkshire County Standard, York RAF Association and York Branch Royal British Legion, and the event also featured a flypast by the Douglas C-47 Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Following the flypast, a parade led by a contingent from the Yorkshire Military Marching Band, formed to march through the centre of the museum to gather around the unique Women’s Memorial Garden, which was opened in 2002.

Ian Reed, director of the Air Museum, said: “During a splendid day, we were honoured by the presence of Barbara Weatherall, a lively 97-year-old veteran of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, who was, amongst other things, an ‘Ack Ack girl’ air defence gunner during WWII, who proudly took the Salute from the Parade following the wreath laying ceremony.

“It was very encouraging to see such a strong contingent from the Royal Air Force Women’s Associations joining us for the occasion, including the chairman of the WAAF, WRAF & RAF (W) Association, and we appreciate the distance that many have travelled to support this poignant occasion.”

The service was led by Museum Honorary Chaplain Rev Charles “Taff” Morgan MBE, an ex RAF Navigator on Tornado aircraft, and saw people travel from as far as Portsmouth for the occasion.