*
banner

Yeovil help keep squadron memories alive

The sacrifice and bravery of a World War Two air squadron has been commemorated by a special march.

Yeovil
 

Yeovil Town Band has recorded a new march written by composer and Concert Manager of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Adam Glynn, and entitled 'We Defy', to help celebrate the recent 70th anniversary of VE Day.

Special march

Adam was approached by 264 Squadron secretary Geoff Faulkner, to write a march specially for the squadron — and also suggested Yeovil perform it.

He told 4BR: "The 29th May 1940 was the Squadron's first red-letter day. In patrols over the Dunkirk-Calais area, twelve aircraft in two sweeps destroyed 37 enemy aircraft."

Geoff revealed that the same evening a telegram was received stating: "The Air Officer Commanding in Chief sends sincere congratulations to No. 264 Squadron on their magnificent performance in shooting down over 30 enemy aircraft today without losing a single pilot."

On the official VE reunion day Geoff played the surprise recording to the veterans of 264 Squadron and received an overwhelming response with veterans moved to tears of pride4BR

Overlooked

Feeling the Squadron's important achievement had always been overlooked, Geoff felt the next best thing was to commemorate it musically with a march, so in came Adam and Yeovil Band Chairman Kevin Robbins to make it a reality.

On the official VE reunion day Geoff played the surprise recording to the veterans of 264 Squadron and received an overwhelming response with veterans moved to tears of pride.

The band will perform the march again on 23rd October for the Poppy Fund Appeal in Wells Town Hall.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Peter Moore

Moore shortlisted for RPS Instrumentalist Award

January 27 • The virtuoso trombone soloist has been shortlisted for a Royal Philharmonic Society Award.


NYBBGB Horizons

National youth organisations build musical bridges across borders

January 27 • The National Youth Bands of Great Britain and Switzerland have announced the third cohort of young players to be part of the Besson Horizons exchange programme.


Crfoton

Music Trust gains leading consultancy support

January 27 • Haigh Consultancy Services is backing the free access growth of a new generation of young brass players in Yorkshire.


Brookwright

BrookWright Music: All Your Anxiety (Edward Joy arr. Jonathan Rowsell)

January 27 • A work that explores the tension between human unease and the promise of peace found in faith.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Newtown Silver Band

January 24 • Newtown Silver Band are recruiting a Musical Director. We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd