Kingston’s Territorial Army Medics from 256 (City of London) Field Hospital (Volunteers), honoured the commitment and achievement of Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans at two Armistice Day Ceremonies held at Kingston care homes on Friday, 11^th November. 

Colonel Gerry McBride, Commanding Officer of 256 (City of London) Field Hospital (Volunteers) and Captain Dave Thomas, Permanent Staff Admin Officer of C Detachment, based in Portsmouth Road, Kingston, attended both Emberbrook Care Home in Thames Ditton and Kingston Care Home in Jemmett Close to award Veterans Badges to the some of the homes’ residents.  The very moving ceremonies were held in front of residents, families and staff.

At Emberbrook Care Home, after the Last Post and Reveille, played by Staff Sergeant Tony Adie (ex Royal Army Medical Corps Band), Colonel McBride had the honour of presenting thirteen Veteran’s Badges to residents who have served in the Armed Forces.  Jonathon May, Care Home Manager said “To be a part of the commemoration of the selfless hardships so many of our residents have endured was truly humbling.  The look in every resident’s eye as the bugler played The Last Post spoke volumes of what those notes have meant to them in the past and heir pride was evident as Colonel McBride presented each veteran with their HM Armed Forces Badge.”  He continued “The event touched all those present and enabled us as a Care Home to pay tribute to those who gave so much all those years ago.”

Maggie Candy, Peripatetic Home Manager of Kingston Care Home expressed her gratitude.  She said “We would like to thank you very much for your participation.  It was a great event and fantastic to see all the relatives attending.  It is very important to recognise Armistice Day; not only its significance to the older generation who served but as a reminder that our current freedoms are due to their many sacrifices. 

For generations our Armed Forces have served our country across the world in many roles from war fighting, peacekeeping and reconstruction to home defence and in so doing have defended our country, our way of life and our cherished values. The presentation of Veterans Badges, launched in May 2004, helps to raise public awareness of their achievements and their contribution to society.

Colonel Gerry McBride said “It’s a privilege and a huge honour for me to present Veteran’s Badges to you today.  It is also an opportunity for the public to recognise the contributions and achievements of our Veterans who have given so much in the service of our country.”  He continued “I was particularly struck and somewhat moved, when I met an ex-RAF Bomber Command Engineer who had survived 47 missions.  This 97 year old veteran was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) to acknowledge his contribution to support the War effort.  To be able to hold his DFC and read his ‘RAF Flying Log Book’ was truly remarkable.  It is an experience that I shall never forget”.