‘Ici Londres’

‘Ici Londres’ was the call sign of the BBC that preceded their nightly broadcasts to inform and advise the clandestine groups across Europe. The messages sometimes heralded an awaited operation; sometimes offered warnings or vital information; at other times they acknowledged operations or confirmed the safe arrival of precious ‘parcels’ of evaders making their ‘home run’.

London was the ‘hub of operations’ and the final debriefing destination of escapers and evaders, so is a fitting place for veterans [escapers, evaders and helpers], their families and other members to meet together at Christmas time.

There is an informal wreath laying at the memorial to Edith Cavell – the forerunner of the WW2 ‘helpers’ – in Trafalgar Square on the Saturday morning. On Saturday evening ELMS hold a formal Christmas Dinner in the Victory Services Club.

On Sunday morning, members of ELMS join the congregation of the RAF Church of St Clement Danes in a service dedicated to the courage and work of all who had connections with the escape lines – the helpers, the escapers and the evaders. The service is followed by a buffet lunch for ELMS members.