Veterans Lay Remembrance Day Wreaths at Willow Court

A group of three veterans laid wreaths during a Remembrance Day ceremony at Willow Court, our care home in Harpenden. Norman Wearne (100), Brian Saffery (88) and Mr. C (104) all served their country during the Second World War and all are residents at the home.

Members of the Royal British Legion were present alongside family members and friends to witness the event at which a bugler played the Last Post. After a period of silence, Norman, Brian and Mr. C each approached a Remembrance display set up within the home to lay their individual wreaths.

Brian then read out “Private Walter’s Grave”, a poem he wrote as a tribute to his uncle who was killed on the first day of the Somme.

During the war Mr. C was an RAF pilot and was awarded the Air Force Cross. He flew over 40 different types of aircraft during his long career and landed at over 200 different airfields across the world. He left the Air Force in 1975 after a 38 year career.

Brian Saffery was a Chief Deck Officer in the Merchant Navy, a career that spanned 20 years. He sailed across the world bringing vital supplies to ports as far away as Australia. He also worked at Hawker Siddeley as a Weights Engineer, helping to ensure that aircraft were as light as possible.

Norman Wearne worked at Wellworthy Pistons designing and building pistons for vehicle, submarine and aircraft engines. His work included the pistons that were fitted to the Rolls Royce Merlin engine used in the Spitfire fighter aircraft. He also served in the Home Guard, supporting the British Army.

After the event Sarah Adlam, the manager at Willow Court care home, said "Today's event was extremely poignant for our residents, and was an opportunity for them to reflect on their own personal experiences and give thanks to all those who made sacrifices for their country. We would like to extend our thanks to the Royal British Legion for their support in this event. The journey to the local war memorial is not an easy one for some, so being able to mark this day in the way that we did was important to our veterans, our residents and to us."