Black Country war vets honoured

The bravery of Black Country war veterans was honoured during a special day dedicated to servicemen and women.

Around 200 veterans, conscripts and volunteers attended the day-long celebration at the Springvale Sports and Social Club in Bilston.

The emotional event culminated with the presentation of official Veterans’ Medals to 40 former servicemen.

The day was a chance for ex-servicemen and women to join together and share nostalgic memories of time spent serving their country.

Ex-service vehicles including an ambulance, US army jeep and an Air Ambulance ‘pod’ lined up in front of the entrance to the club in Millfields Road.

Inside Union Jacks adorned the walls and the air was filled with authentic Wartime music courtesy of singer Maggie ‘O Hara and ukulele player Al Wright.

Veteran Roy Hollingsworth, who was a Corporal in the Transport Department of the RAF during the Falklands conflict, served across the world during his 22 years in the forces.

The 63-year-old who is originally from Jamaica but now lives in Parkfield Road, Parkfields, said the Veterans’ Day event was extremely important.

“I was based in Germany for a lot of the time but I also went to Iran,” he said.

“I was born in Jamaica but joined the Air Force in 1968. We had one of these events last year and it was very successful.

“It’s important that people realise the importance of veterans. Every age will have it’s own veterans and we should appreciate them and what they have done for us.”

Heath Town veteran Ronald Davis was a trooper in the Kings Dragoon Guards from 1955 to 1957.

The 71-year-old, who lives in Helming Drive, and served in Malaya said: “I drove an armoured car escorting all of the generals.”

After the leaving the forces Ronald worked as a postman in Wolverhampton for 30 years before retiring and is a member of the Birmingham branch of the Malayan and Borneo Veterans’ Association.

He added: “The veteran’s day is important as we are doing something to recognise what these blokes did.”

West Bromwich-born RAF cook Geoff Williams went along to the veterans’ day to share a sense of comradeship with other servicemen and women.

The 70-year-old, who now lives in Birchfield Gardens on the Yew Tree Estate, Walsall, was a cook from 1956 to 1958 and was based at RAF Swanton Morley and RAF Hornchurch.

After leaving the forces he worked as a long-distance lorry driver.

He said: “When you come to these events you can exchange memories. You get back a sense of comradeship.”