What a truly memorable and poignant service on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon (8th June) at the War Memorial Rededication and D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemoration, which took place at The Royal British Legion, Timsbury.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Martin Blewett and Barry Sewell, Chairman of the Timsbury Branch of the Royal British Legion. Chris Fiddes, Timsbury, and four Standard Bearers from the surrounding area carried out the Act of Homage along with John Hare, the Bugler. County Chairman, Robert McDonald, of the Royal British Legion, thanked everyone attending and praised the work carried out in providing the village with a magnificent new Memorial.

Most importantly the VIP guest, Bert Matthews, arrived escorted by an American Army WWII jeep, driven and owned by William Bertram, the Architect of the new Memorial, alongside Bert’s family.

Bert, (who will be 100 in November this year), is one of the oldest surviving D-Day heroes in the area, landing on Gold Beach on 6th June 1944.

It was a very poignant moment when Bert’s Great Grandson, Benjamin Plumly, laid a wreath in memory of all those who lost their lives on D-Day.

Wreaths were also led by Barry Sewell, on behalf of the Timsbury Branch and by Chairman of the Parish Council, Josie Pownall. It was fantastic to see so many people in attendance from the village and surrounding area.

Chris Fiddes, a veteran himself, along with his daughter, Tanya, and son, Stephen, (also veterans), felt incredibly proud and honoured to stand alongside Bert and his family during such a special event and to show their support for our Armed Forces, past and present.

Chris says: “A huge thank you to everyone involved for making this such a memorable occasion, in particular, Timsbury Royal British Legion Club, who provided the bar, tea, coffee and beautiful cakes after the service.”

Photos: Will Nicol.