NZ RSA help with memorial for Coldstream Guard

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by wibs12, Nov 3, 2019.

  1. wibs12

    wibs12 Well-Known Member

    Re: William Ernest Gee, 1907 - 1983

    No help required, just an update on previous searches and the culmination of 18 months research and correspondence. I wanted to publicly say a really big thank you to the Returned and Services Association of New Zealand who have been fabulous in helping with a dedication service of my great uncles military service from 11,500 miles away. Thanks also due to many forum members who helped with the original research.

    His gravestone in Wellington, NZ was incorrectly spelled. The NZ department of Veterans Affairs authorised the production of a new memorial plaque with his rank and Coldstream insignia (image below). There are no family members left in NZ but I hoped to have the installation of the new gravestone acknowledged in some simple way. Contacted the NZ RSA who have gone above and beyond taking up the responsibility for sorting things out. They have co-ordinated with the cemetery and the bronze plaque manufacturers re installation. They have arranged for a short dedication service to include a bugler, a padre, union flag, attendance by sea cadets and for it to be videoed for the family back in England. They wouldn't take a penny off me in donations and I just can't speak highly enough of them.

    The service will take place this Sunday 10th November at 1.30pm at The Avenue military cemetery, Levin, Wellington, NZ. I'll be raising a glass back here at 00:30hrs Sunday morning.

    The NZRSA are everything I love about organisations like them and our own Royal British Legion (and folk on this forum); massively helpful, generous with their time and knowledge, and respectful of those who've gone before us or still serve today.

    Huge thanks to all from my family and I.


    William's service:
    Merchant Navy; on and off from 1924 - 1961
    Royal Naval Reserve; 1930 - 1934
    Royal Regiment of Artillery; 1934 - 1938, territorial in 92nd Field Battery
    East Lancashire Regiment; 1938 - 1940 territorial in 4/5th Battalion
    Coldstream Guards; 1940 - 1944, in 4th Battalion, Company Sergeant Major, attached to Royal West Africa Frontier Force 1941-43 (Sierra Leone & Nigeria)
     

    Attached Files:

    andy007, CL1, Owen and 1 other person like this.

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