ON Sunday, July 31 the York branches of the Association of Wrens and the Royal Marines united in a joint service at All Saints, Pavement for the rededication of their Standards.

To add to the solemnity of the occasion the two standards were escorted into the church by the standards of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Artillery, the Royal Naval Association and the Royal Air Force.

There were many bemedalled veterans from the united services in the congregation.

After a very impressive service the members of the various associations attended York Cemetery to hold a service of remembrance at the graveside of Bombardier Wilkinson VC who was awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of gallantry in the Crimean War.

After a short reading of the citation by Colonel David Shallow MC RMs (retired) and to the sound of the Last Post and Reveille, the standards were dipped in salute to one of the city of York's outstanding heroes.

It was only fitting that later his health should be drunk and a sumptuous buffet (provided by the steward of Fulford Conservative Club) should be enjoyed by all who took part.

Our thanks to the clergy of All Saints and all those who attended.

Bernard Hallas PRO,

Royal Naval Association,

Hawthorne Avenue,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 10:38 Friday, August 05, 2005