Thousands of bikers gather at Armed Forces Memorial in Alrewas

Oct 3 2010 by Jonny Greatrex, Sunday Mercury

THOUSANDS of bikers paid tribute to Britain’s war dead in the Midlands yesterday.

The third British Ride to the Wall event, at the Armed Forces Memorial, in Alrewas, Staffordshire, was the biggest and best yet, organisers said.

Mia Felton, wife of the top commander of Task Force Helmand, Afghanistan, Brigadier Richard Felton, read a message of support for the troops.

And General Lamont Kirkland, commander of 4th Infantry Division, also made a speech.

A wreath was laid in honour of the fallen at the foot of the memorial.

The service ended with a sea cadet playing the Last Post.

The bikers met at Drayton Manor theme park before riding in convoy to the memorial, which was officially opened in the presence of the Queen in October 2007.

It is inscribed with the names of servicemen and women who have been killed in the line of duty since the end of the Second World War.

The event was organised by Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley chapter of the Harley Owners Group. It is based on a similar gathering which bikers organise in the USA.