Veterans remember fallen comrades ahead of Remembrance Sunday

Lancashire veterans who served during the Second World War have laid wreaths at County Hall in Preston ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

The veterans were invited to attend a service led by Reverend Chris Krawiec from Morecambe Parish Church and attended by the Council Chairman, Cllr Alf Clempson, the Council's Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans, Cllr Gary Kniveton, as well as the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Amanda Parker and Cadet Warrant Officer Andrew Baines.

Richard Brock attended who was part of the East Lancashire Regiment, and was onboard a ship that landed on the beaches of Normandy in 1944.

He was one of just 19 men out of a 130 strong company to survive the battles that followed.

The veteran said:

"All the lads that didn't make it back home, they're the heroes, we're just the spokesperson for them.

"When you come out of the forces you're glad to be home and I tried to forget about war, but it's history, and I think everybody should know what happened to the lads during the war.

"There's been one or two occasions when I didn't think I would make it back home, but I'm here to tell the tale."

Stuart Taylor served with the RAF as a Dakota pilot and flew in troops and supplies to the frontline.

He will always remember his fallen friends and comrades.

Mr Taylor said:

"I have a list of 50 names at home which I get out on the 11^th [of November].

"They were either at school with me, they lived down the street or they served with me. They were mainly aircrew, one of two were in the navy and several were in the army."

Veteran Marjorie Hanson served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corp as a filing clerk.

She said:

"I made good friends and I kept them for a lifetime. I'm 102 and unfortunately I have outlived them all. I lost the last friend two years ago.

"We were all very friendly and we enjoyed our work, and I hope we did something that really helped."

Council Chairman, Cllr Alf Clempson, who is also a former Scots Guardsman, said:

"It was a privilege to welcome fellow veterans to County Hall. These men and women gave so much, and their courage, loyalty and sense of duty continues to inspire me.

"This year marks the 80^th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and we must never forget the sacrifices of so many brave soldiers who fought for our country and never returned home."

Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans, Cllr Gary Kniveton, who is also a former Royal Marine, said:

"It was a poignant moment to meet fellow veterans and hear about their time in the Armed Forces.

"It was important to join this service to remember the troops who didn't return home, and to honour the living legacy of those who were their friends and comrades."

Video footage, including interviews with the veterans, from this event has now been passed to the Lancashire Archives team.

A video of the veterans is available here: Veterans remember fallen comrades ahead of Remembrance Sunday | Lancashire County Council - YouTube

Please contact the media team at [email protected] if you would like the raw footage to be sent to your organisation.