28/08/2026
Honouring Raymond Dunn - Warrenpoint 47 years on
Yesterday evening, I had the privilege of representing Swindon Borough Council as Armed Forces Champion at the Parachute Regimental Association Swindon Branch memorial service at Christchurch, Old Town.
The service marked the 47th anniversary of the Warrenpoint attack of 27 August 1979, when 18 British soldiers lost their lives. Among them was Private Raymond Dunn of 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, who was just 20 years old and is laid to rest here in Swindon.
Reverend Vikki Day CF (Chaplain to the Forces) from RAF Lyneham conducted the service, which included prayers and readings, with Tony Ellis leading the parade and recounting the history of Warrenpoint and the events of 27 August 1979. The Last Post and National Anthem formed part of the commemorations, while the Association standards were laid across the drums as Raymond’s family, veterans and members of the Airborne community gathered in remembrance.
It was particularly poignant to watch members of Raymond’s family place fresh flowers at his graveside. I was equally honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of Swindon Borough Council, remembering Raymond and the 17 other servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice that day.
Standing at the grave of a young soldier, aged only 20, provides a powerful moment for reflection, on the life he never had the opportunity to live, his service and sacrifice, and the families and comrades whose lives were forever changed.
Following the service, we headed to the Goddard Arms, where a place had been set for Raymond. It was a simple but deeply meaningful gesture that captured the enduring nature of remembrance. The gathering continued with servicemen sharing stories and reflecting on their own experiences of military service, bringing with it the camaraderie and shared understanding that remains long after service has ended. Forty seven years after Raymond’s death, people still gather, speak his name and honour the young man behind the history.
As a veteran and Swindon’s Armed Forces Champion, that resonated deeply with me. Remembrance ensures that beyond the dates and numbers, we remember the individual, their service and their ultimate sacrifice.
My sincere thanks to the Parachute Regimental Association for continuing to honour Raymond here in Swindon, to all those who took part in the service and, particularly, to Raymond’s family for allowing us to stand alongside them in remembrance.
We will remember them.
