How many British WW2 Veterans are still around ?

I am returning to the UK for a few days on the 16th for a Police Reunion but will be visiting my very good friend Cyril who is a Normandy Veteran.
I am really pleased that he received his Legion de Honour from the French Government and will be taking photographs.
Regards
Tom

 

Hoolig/Ron,
Very nice to see you both so active.
Regards
Tom

 

Ron-
Pleased to inform you that Wilf Shaw at 96 is still very much active and getting out every day. I met him about a month ago for a coffee and a natter in Manchester, and will be seeing him within the next few weeks. He doesn't post here on the forum but I do keep him informed with links from threads that I think will be of interest.

Lesley

Edited; spelling

 

Off to the Chindit Reunion Dinner tomorrow, where I hope to sit down with a good few veterans from the expeditions in 1943 and 1944.

 

I'm pleased to be able to say that at 92 I'm still around, but it's a bit lonely as I can find none of my old mob . Nevertheless, it's great to learn that Sapper is still there to cheer us up and Driver/Operator Ron with his font of knowledge and keen interest. Carry on lads.
By the way, a long time ago this website was changed and I just couldn't find my way round it so I gave up, hence my absence - I still found it difficult.

 

Driver-Op

Well done that man !

That now makes 3 of us

So glad to see that you are now back on the forum and will look forward to your future postings.

Best regards

Ron

 

I don't want to rain on the parade but Sapper hasn't signed on since January. Anybody know how he is?

 

Thanks for the update on Brian.

That makes 4 of us !

Ron

 

Oi! Ron
Although I haven't posted since October, I'm still around. Been a bit busy, though, what with involvement in the sudden spate of WW1& WW2 anniversaries being commemorated at schools and local organisations that are associates of local RBL Branch and 75th anniversary of foundation of ATC (serving as local Hon Pres, as an erstwhile Founder Member of Hackney 53rd Sqn, now well defunct!). Add in two dozen hospital visits for Partner and me, with shopping, cooking and house maintenance, as well as updating memoirs and weddings of fourth generation, I must be one of the 91 yr old lucky buggers - but I aint as steady on me pins as I was before they fitted me up with two Stents to get the remains of me ticker working, with just 30 seconds to spare, three years ago!
Shant be able to make next Monday's wreath laying in Normandy this year, at the Second TAF memorial I had erected on Omaha Beach at Vierville-sur-Mer three years ago, as I'm having some investigatory surgery on Wednesday to find out what's eating a big hole in my skull! So am hoping some kind individual will remember my old RAF Radar buddies whom it commemorates. It's a pity it's a bit off the beaten track of British battle tour organisations, for it's the only British monument in the "American" Sector (that's very well attended throughout the year by US Veteran descendants). It's no longer a declaration We will remember them, but starting to become a question of Who will remember them?
I'd be glad if you'd spare me a thought on Wednesday, so that I can continue the odd posting.

 

DoctorD
Regarding post 360 aren't you the luckiest Band of Brothers. I hope everyone is still well.
all the best
Matt

 

DoctorD

Brilliant !

We are now 5 and growing with every posting ........

Good luck next Wednesday and my very best regards

Ron

 

Thanks for that, Ron. Eldest brother at 96 is still swimming three times a week, but given up dancing as better half can't manage without a frame. Elder bro unfortunately not too good and very lonely. Pity we're all over 130 miles apart, so cannot offer mutual support any longer! That's just part of getting older.
Next project is to try to enthuse ATC cadets in commemorative visits to European WW2 memorials, and to try to get myself back to Wipers to take photo of my Uncle Will's name on the Menin Gate for unclusion in my memoirs, as I missed doing it in '44 when I passed through it in convoy. Sad to read that Tom's no longer around though, but glad of news of Sapper.
Keep up the good work, ron, and best wishes
Les

 

Hi DoctorD! Great to see the ATC get a mention. I joined when it was the Air Defence Cadet Corps 1938?. !2F Walthamstow Squadron, I became Drum Major, great band - played for a Home Guard march past for the King at Woodford Wells. We had three squadrons 225 and 1014 and the 12F in Walthamstow. We were attached to North Weald and just loved to visit and see the the Hurricanes and Blenheims. Great days.
Jim

 

Hi Driver-op! I too joined ADCC with my brother in Oct 38, but as a members of Eton Manor Boys' Club we started our own in Hackney, as the 53rd. When the changeover to ATC occurred we were offered one of the Founder numbers but unanymously voted to retain our original 53, so were a Founder Sqn, without the "F". Always regarded 12F as a bit toffee-nosed, with their Band (sour grapes), But we were the first air cadet squadron to march inthe Lord Mayor Show (minus band, cos we couldn't afford the Mace!) and on another occassion we turned out the Guard at Wellington Barracks to respect our Standards, when we marched past on our return from laying a wreath on RAF Memorial onthe Embankment to mark an RAF Anniversary. Good summer camps with a great bunch of guys who became life-long friends, but too many were to lose the lives that us lucky ones have had the privilege to enjoy!. We didn't do too badly with the Leyton Sqdn of the Womens Junior Air Corps either, when we were asked to train them in square bashing, with free invites to their dances. I ended up as Cadet Warrant Officer before becoming an AC Plonk. As their President i get invited to the local Squadron Dining In evening to present the 2nd TAF Memorial Shield that I donated ten years ago. But they don't march as well as the old 53rd did. Luckily the 12F still survives. Good to hear from you old pal.
Regards Les

 

Saw this picture on Paul Reed's twitter feed.
York Normandy Veterans make a tribute to the Beatles at Sword Beach with Ken Smith in the lead . Great photo Paul.

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Lesley

 

Well done Les. Eton Manor was the local sports ground of my old School Ruckholt Central, seems we have even more in common. By the way, hard to believe it's 72 years ago today that I landed in Normandy.

Jim

 

Hi Jim
Yes, it would have been the same today for me, except for the small detachment of two dozen Radar chaps I was with to provide technical support for the RAF mobile Radar unit that landed on Omaha on Dday to defend the Yanks from air attack (and sustained 40% casualties) was lucky enough to have been delayed from boarding our LCT for two vital days. So I shall be "celebrating" my 72nd anniversary in hospital cos I'm scheduled for some head surgery on Wednesday to find out what it is that's been eating a hole in my skull!
BTW I could have gone to Ruckholt, cos I lived in Francis Road at that time, but chose Tom Hood Central instead, in spite of the long walk home. Good job you weren't there when Ruckholt got bombed!
Got to get my kit packed for Brum Hospital now, so so long for a few days, fingers crossed.
Les

 

Sadly, only 5 veterans present on Saturday, but a good time was had by all.