Generations unite at veterans celbration

ALL generations came together at a Great Yarmouth church last Friday to recognise the efforts of veterans, some of whom served in the armed forces during the second world war.

Yarmouth MP Tony Wright presented nearly 30 former armed services personnel with the Veteran's Lapel Bridge as potential future armed services personnel from Winterton 901 Troop Marine Cadets looked on at St Nicholas Church.

Also honoured at the service were members of the Women's Land Army, who staffed the farms and did other industrial jobs while the men were away with the army.

The government introduced the awards scheme in 2004 to celebrate the achievements of veterans and their continuing contribution to society.

Mr Wright said: “It is a thank you service. People can walk down the street and see somebody wearing the veteran's badge and know that they have served the country in some form.”

Barbara Shepherd, 83, of Newton Cross, Gorleston was one of the Land Army Girls who served firstly at Hunstanton then on the Sandringham estate where among her other farming tasks had to delivered milk on the estate - including to Princess Elizabeth (now the Queen) while she was staying there.

She said: “I think the lapel badges are very good.”

Norman Ladbrooke, 86, also of Newton Cross, served as an anti-aircraft gunner with combined operations and was involved with the D-Day landings at Omaha beach in France.

He said: “The awards are good. It is good that people are being recognised for their efforts and more so the prisoners of war and other people who have not been recognised yet.”

Royal Navy torpedoman Richard Firmin, 86, of Havelock Road, Yarmouth said: “It was absolutely great. They treated us with a lot of respect and it was very nice. They were lovely people.”

Among other dignitaries at the event were the Rector, Canon Michael Woods and the Mayor and Mayoress, Trevor and Jenny Easter.