Remembrance Candles Lit At Commonwealth War Graves In Germany

Candles have been lit and placed at Commonwealth War graves in Germany during commemorations to mark the centenaries of the Royal Air Force and the First World War Armistice.

More than 50 people were at Becklingen War Cemetery, placing candles next to graves. 

Pam Flora, a member of the armed forces charity SSAFA and chair of Bielefeld and Gütersloh branch, is calling the idea 'Candles in the Wind'.

After seeing candles lit at war graves in the Netherlands, Pam wants it to become a regular feature of remembrance.

"Everyone is here to take part, lots of friends from the community in Bielefeld, to make this day work.

"It's not alone, it's with everyone's little bit that we're here today."

RAF representative, Squadron Leader Steve Parlor, found the experience thought provoking;

“Particularly what brings it home to me is when I see commemorative stones of crews. We forget just how young some of these Royal Air Force personnel were.

"Seeing that they are buried together as a crew is particularly touching and I'm very proud to be here now to acknowledge and remember what they gave for us.”

Pam Flora wants Candle in the Wind to continue and believes the lighting of candles would enhance Remembrance Day commemorations;

“I feel that the community will already be here to commemorate the service each year and then it's not putting an extra burden on anyone to light our candles the same day and the project will be live because the candle it's a light for the soul.”