Reg Ferriss Memorial
February
4th was a special day for 2393 Squadron (Billericay) ATC. Cadets
paraded for a service at the Emmanuel Church and afterwards at their HQ in
Laindon Road for a dedication service for their late
president, Squadron Leader Reg Ferriss RAFVR (T). A permanent memorial has
been built in his memory with a bronze plaque in his honour.
Reg devoted over 50 years to the ATC and was founder CO of Billericay 2393 Squadron. Even at the age of 83, he still attended parade nights on Tuesday and Thursday. He was very active and took great interest in the cadets’ training and well being.
During WWII, Reg was a rear-gunner in a Wellington bomber of 266 Squadron RAAF. His fellow crew members were two RAF(V) and two RNAF. After activity over Lorient in France, the plane was badly damaged but limped back to England where it crashed near Okeham in Rutland. Reg was the only survivor but badly burned. He was treated at the famous ‘Guinea Pig’ burns hospital at East Grinstead.
After the war Reg regularly placed a wreath at Billericay War Memorial at 11.10pm on 26th January – the exact time of the fatal crash. He never forgot his fallen crew. In latter years, he was supported by a colour party from the ATC.
Now
that there is a specific memorial to Reg and his crew, this act of
remembrance will take place annually on ATC Sunday by cadets of 2393
Squadron. Reg committed so much to the community of Billericay with his work
with the ATC, The Royal British Legion and as a Governor of the
Billericay School.
At the dedication service, wreaths were laid by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, Wing Commandeer Brett Marshall of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Royal British Legion, the Burma Star Association, the Air Force Association, the Middle East Veterans’ Association and of course 2393 Squadron (Billericay) ATC. The service was led by Squadron Padre, Brian Gennings and Flight Lt Steve Horncastle, Commanding Officer. The memorial was unveiled by Mrs Pat Ferriss.
Table Top Sale on behalf of Billericay Air Training Corps:
Saturday, 7 April 9am – 1pm at the Reading Rooms, Billericay High Street. Light refreshments available – please give us your support