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Cumbrian Air Cadets seek families of Normandy war dead

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 05:59 · Archive

Cumbrian Air Cadets are appealing for families of veterans buried in Normandy to come forward ahead of a 2027 battlefield visit.

Air Cadets from Appleby, Whitehaven and Kendal Squadrons in Cumbria are appealing for families of veterans buried in Normandy to come forward. The three squadrons are preparing to travel to Normandy in July 2027 with a contingent of 30 young people. As part of the visit, they will hold a service of remembrance at Bayeux War Cemetery before placing wooden crosses on the graves of British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors and airmen. The squadrons are hoping to hear from people across Cumbria who have relatives buried at the cemetery and would like a cadet to place a cross at their grave.

The plans follow an earlier battlefield tour undertaken by Appleby and Whitehaven cadets in July 2024. During that trip, cadets visited significant Second World War sites and paid their respects at the British Normandy Memorial and Bayeux British and Commonwealth War Cemetery. At Bayeux, each cadet was given time to walk through the cemetery and reflect on the sacrifices of those who served. They placed wooden crosses at individual graves, including those of servicemen whose identities are unknown and who are commemorated as 'Known Unto God'.

Ahead of the 2024 trip, Whitehaven cadets researched local servicemen buried in Normandy and identified Private Andrew Mackin, service number 4748413, from Whitehaven, who is buried at Bayeux. His family were informed of the cadets' plans and later travelled to Whitehaven on Remembrance Day, where they met members of the squadron and heard about the tribute paid to their relative. That experience has prompted the three squadrons to make commemorating Cumbrian families' relatives a central part of their 2027 visit.

Cumbrian Air Cadets seek families of Normandy war dead
Image: Whitehaven News

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How it is being reported

In this story: Appleby Squadron 2192 · Whitehaven Squadron 1030 · Kendal Squadron 1127 · Bayeux War Cemetery · Normandy · Private Andrew Mackin · Cumbria

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