Some days are very special and quite simply yesterday was one of those!
As part of our research for the work we are currently conducting in Hartlepool, I visited and spent an afternoon with three very special WW2 veterans (all of whom are in their 90’s).
The first veteran I visited was called Mr T Lewis. He will be 100 years of age on the 24th October 2018 (our first performance day for Honoured). As a young soldier Terry found himself on the beaches of Dunkirk! Many of us have watched films about Dunkirk, but to sit and listen to the memories and tales of a veteran who lived through it was quite simply awe inspiring and I will never forget it!
The second veteran I visited was called Mr C Humphrey’s and he was appointed the rank of the Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Legion d’Honneur for his involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War. The stories of bravery he told were breath taking and his service to his country was astounding.
My final visit was to see a lovely lady called Mrs M Nossiter who at the age of just 17 took on two important roles (in addition to her main job), fire watching and joining the red cross as a voluntary aid detachment (VAD) which in turn led to her service in the RAF.
Whilst visiting these lovely people I was struck by their gentle, kind and unassuming natures. Despite their astounding acts of courage and bravery they see themselves as people who did their duty when the country called on them.
Whilst listening to them, I was truly moved and my belief that it is vitally important that our veterans’ stories are shared and heard was renewed. I am very much looking forward to telling the young people at Enter CIC (and in the schools) about my discussions with these courageous and inspiring veterans.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to Mr Stacey (Chairman of the RAF Association) for assisting me yesterday and finally to Mr T Lewis, Mr C Humphries and Mrs M Nossiter for sharing your memories and experiences with me. I am quite simply in awe of your courage, commitment, and bravery. I will always remember!
Thank you, Andrea
