Norfolk WW2 veteran given medal for service to Royal Lancers

Walter Flaxman, from Burgh Castle near Great Yarmouth, fought with the Royal Lances whose motto is 'death or glory', in north Africa and Italy from 1942 until 1945.

To honour that service, family and friends gathered on Thursday morning, February 8, at the Queen's Head in Burgh Castle, where Mr Flaxman was presented with the Buchan medal - the military equivalent of an MBE.

101-year-old WW2 veteran, Wally Flaxman, with his family, as he is ready to receive the Buchan Medal. From left, great grandson, Ashton Stone; daughter, Sue Stone; grandson, Robert Stone; and granddaughter, Emma Stone. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Flaxman said receiving the medal was "marvellous" and "beyond belief".

Walter Flaxman with the Royal Lancers regiment during the Second World War. (Image: Walter Flaxman)

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He was called up to the military in 1941, when he was 18.

He could probably have avoided service as he was a farm labourer, which was potentially a reserved occupation.

But Mr Flaxman said: "I was young, and wanted adventure."

After training, he was sent with a draft of Royal Armoured Corps replacements to north Africa shortly after the Operation Torch landings in November, 1942. 

Initially, he was posted to a rear area unit which prepared tanks for use - the first tank he had to work on was a captured German one, because it was wanted for testing.

Walter Flaxman (centre) with fellow Royal Lancers in Rome during the Second World War. (Image: Walter Flaxman)

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When that unit was broken up, Mr Flaxman became co-driver to a young officer whose previous driver had been killed.

He stayed in that role throughout the war, before being de-mobbed from north Italy because he was needed to work on the land. 

Walter Flaxman was presented with a Buchan medal for service to the Royal Lancers during WW2 at an event in Burgh Castle on February 8. (Image: Denise Bradley)

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He never rose above trooper during his service.

"But that suited me," he said. 

After being presented with the medal, Mr Flaxman shared some stories of his time as a Royal Lancer. 

On one occasion, while on leave, he went to the cinema in Rome, and when he was leaving the theatre he met another man - one of the Brookes from Burgh Castle. 

The Buchan medal recognises service to the Royal Lancers, a cavalry regiment (Image: Denise Bradley)

History of the Royal Lancers

The Royal Lancers are an armoured cavalry regiment, specialising in reconnaissance.

Their motto - 'Death or glory' - is represented by the skull and crossbones on their cap badge.

The history of The Royal Lancers dates back to 1689. The modern regiment was born out of the union of six original lancer regiments.

Walter Flaxman, top row, second from right, with other Royal Lancers while on service during World War 2. (Image: Walter Flaxman)

During the Second World War, the regiment fought at the Battle of Kasserine Pass in February 1943 and the Siege of Tunis in May 1943.

They then landed in Naples in January 1944 and took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino in May 1944.

They are now based in Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire.

A spokesperson for the regiment said that the Buchan medal is "awarded to any serving or retired officer or soldier in the Royal Lancers who has contributed in some conspicuous manner to the efficiency or military honour of the regiment over a prolonged period". 

"The Buchan medal is not automatically awarded based on years of service or tied to post or appointment.

"It should be seen as a regimental MBE and coveted as such," the spokesperson added.