Veterans Month

01/06/2026

Why are pirates called pirates?

Because they arrrh!

Why do pirates speak like they are from the west of England?

It is all down to (ironically) a WWII Royal Navy veteran!

Read on....

Another veteran we remember today is Robert Newton, born on this day in 1905, not only a Royal Navy veteran, but a celebrated actor and the man who gave cinema pirates their unmistakable West Country voice. 🇬🇧⚓🎬

Born in Dorset but raised in West Cornwall, Newton grew up overlooking Mounts Bay, a landscape that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Following his death, his ashes were scattered in the bay he loved.

During the Second World War, Newton served with distinction in the Royal Navy and took part in the dangerous Arctic Convoys that carried vital supplies to the Soviet Union through some of the harshest conditions of the war. These voyages faced constant threats from enemy aircraft, U-boats and extreme weather, demanding immense courage from all involved.

Following the war, Newton became one of Britain's most recognisable film stars. While he appeared in many dramatic roles, he is particularly remembered for creating the cinematic pirate as we know it today. His portrayal of Long John Silver in Disney's Treasure Island (1950) and later Long John Silver (1954) popularised the strong West Country accent that audiences now instinctively associate with pirates.

His film career also included notable military and historical roles in productions such as The Cruel Sea (1953), one of the finest films about the Battle of the Atlantic, and Waterloo Road (1945), reflecting Britain's wartime experiences. He also appeared in Oliver Twist, Odd Man Out and Around the World in 80 Days.

From the Arctic Convoys to the silver screen, Robert Newton left his mark on both military and cinematic history.

Today we remember the veteran, the actor and the Cornishman whose voice changed popular culture around the world.

01/06/2026

Today we remember Clive Brook, born on this day in 1887 — First World War veteran, early screen star and one of Britain’s great actors of the silent and early sound era. 🇬🇧🎬

Born Clifford Hardman Brook, he enlisted in the British Army in September 1914 as a private and served with the Artists’ Rifles during the First World War, later being commissioned and leaving the Army at the rank of Major.

After the war, Brook turned to acting and rose quickly through British cinema before becoming a major Paramount Pictures star in Hollywood during the late silent era. He successfully made the difficult transition into talking pictures and appeared opposite some of the biggest names of the period.

He is also remembered as the first actor to portray Sherlock Holmes in a sound film, playing the great detective in The Return of Sherlock Holmes in 1929.

From wartime service to Hollywood stardom, Clive Brook’s life bridged the trenches, the theatre and the golden age of early cinema.

29/05/2026

Today we remember Bob Hope — entertainer, humanitarian and the man who spent decades bringing laughter to Allied and American servicemen and women around the world. 🇬🇧🇺🇸🎭

Born in Eltham, South London, on 29 May 1903 before emigrating to the United States as a child, Hope went on to become one of the most famous entertainers of the 20th century through film, radio, television and live performance.

Yet beyond Hollywood success, Bob Hope became especially beloved for his extraordinary commitment to entertaining troops through the USO (United Service Organizations).

Beginning during the Second World War, Hope travelled tirelessly to perform for servicemen and women in combat zones and military bases around the world. Over the decades he entertained troops during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and the Gulf War era — often performing in difficult and dangerous conditions far from home.

For many deployed personnel, his shows provided moments of humour, familiarity and morale during periods of uncertainty and conflict. Generations of servicemen remembered Bob Hope not simply as a celebrity, but as someone who consistently showed up for them wherever they served.

His contribution to troop welfare and morale became so significant that the United States Congress later declared him the “first and only honorary veteran” of the US Armed Forces.

Alongside his military support work, Hope enjoyed a remarkable entertainment career spanning nearly 80 years, starring in films such as the Road series with Bing Crosby, hosting countless television specials and becoming one of the defining entertainers of his era.

Not bad at all for a lad from Eltham.

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

Some days the number of stories to share is a rich vein of material, like today the 28th of May.

So we are trying something new.

Todays veterans birthdays remember several remarkable veterans born on this day whose service and later achievements reflected courage, resilience and dedication across many nations. 🌍

Johnny Wayne born 1918, served in the Canadian Army during the Second World War before later becoming one of Canada’s best-loved comedians and entertainers through the famous comedy partnership Wayne and Shuster.

Tom Uren born 1921, endured captivity as a prisoner of war and working on the Death Railway, during WWII after serving with the Australian Army. Despite immense hardship, he later became a respected politician, campaigner and advocate for social justice in Australia.

Roger Fisher (1922) served in the United States Army Air Forces (now United States Air Force) during WWII before becoming an internationally respected legal scholar and conflict resolution expert, later helping shape modern diplomatic thinking during the nuclear age.

Tuomas Gerdt, born 1922, Finland’s last surviving Mannerheim Cross recipient, served with extraordinary bravery with the Puolustusvoimat - Försvarsmakten - Finnish Defence Forces during the Winter War and Continuation War, becoming part of Finland’s proud wartime story of national survival and resistance.

Edward Du Cann was a Royal Navy veteran and long-serving Conservatives politician who served during the Second World War before entering Parliament in 1955 as MP for Taunton.

Patrick McNair-Wilson (1929) served with the Coldstream Guards, British Army in Palestine and North Africa. Later serving in British public life as a Member of Parliament, for The Conservative Party continuing a family tradition of service to the nation.

Though their lives followed very different paths, on land, sea and air from battlefields and prison camps to entertainment, politics, diplomacy and public service each reflected the remarkable generation shaped by war and service.

Today we remember them all.

28/05/2026

Today we remember Group Captain Wilfrid George Gerald “W. G. G.” Duncan Smith, a Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot, Battle of Britain veteran and one of the distinguished airmen of the Second World War. 🇬🇧✈️

Born on this day in 1914, Duncan Smith joined the Royal Air Force before WWII and went on to serve with great distinction during some of the war’s most critical aerial campaigns.

Flying Hurricanes and Spitfires, he took part in the Battle of Britain and later commanded fighter squadrons during operations across Europe and the Mediterranean. Known for his leadership, determination and flying ability, he became one of the RAF’s respected wartime commanders.

Throughout the conflict, Duncan Smith earned multiple decorations for gallantry and service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, reflecting repeated courage and skill in combat operations against the Luftwaffe.

Following the war, he remained connected to aviation and public service, becoming part of the generation of RAF veterans whose efforts helped secure victory in the skies during Britain’s darkest years.

He was also the father of The Conservatives party politician and former British Army officer Iain Duncan Smith MP continuing a family connection to national service.

Today we remember both the pilot and the leader whose contribution formed part of the RAF’s wartime story.

28/05/2026

The names Fleming, Ian Fleming.

Today we remember Ian Fleming Royal Navy intelligence officer, wartime planner and the author who introduced the world to James Bond, 007. 🇬🇧🕵️‍♂️

Born on this day in 1908, Fleming served during the Second World War as a commander in British Naval Intelligence, working closely with Admiral John Godfrey and playing a significant role in intelligence planning, deception operations and special missions.

His wartime work brought him into contact with spies, commandos, codebreakers and covert operations across Europe and beyond — experiences that would later heavily influence his writing. Fleming was also involved in planning Operation Goldeneye and helped support the creation of specialist units such as 30 Assault Unit, tasked with gathering enemy intelligence behind advancing Allied lines.

Following the war, Fleming turned to journalism and writing, eventually creating James Bond 007 the sophisticated, dangerous and resourceful British secret agent who first appeared in Casino Royale in 1953.

The Bond novels became a worldwide phenomenon, leading to one of the most successful film franchises in cinematic history. Characters, locations and missions within the books often drew inspiration from Fleming’s own wartime experiences and the people he encountered during intelligence service.

Beyond Bond, Fleming also wrote Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and remained deeply connected to journalism, travel and international affairs throughout his life.

Today we remember both the veteran and the author whose imagination shaped modern spy fiction forever.

#007

28/05/2026

Born on this day 1883 — Sir Clough Williams-Ellis MC, a First World War British Army veteran and celebrated architect. 🇬🇧

Awarded the Military Cross for his wartime service, he later created the remarkable village of Portmeirion and became a passionate advocate for protecting Britain’s landscapes and heritage.

A fascinating life of service, creativity and conservation.

27/05/2026

Another "birthday" veteran we remember today is Rick Rescorla, soldier, police officer, security leader and one of the great heroes of 9/11.

Born in Hayle, Cornwall on this day in 1939, Cyril Richard “Rick” Rescorla lived a life defined by courage, leadership and service on both sides of the Atlantic and across the globe.

As a young man he served in the British Army - The Parachute Regiment, the Colonial Police in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia Police) and later the Metropolitan Police Service before emigrating to the United States, where he joined the U.S. Army - 1st Cavalry Division and served with distinction during the Vietnam War.

As a platoon leader in the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965, Rescorla displayed extraordinary bravery under fire, earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart and numerous other decorations. Fellow soldiers remembered him not only for his courage, but also for his leadership, famously singing Cornish songs and marching tunes to steady and inspire his men during battle.

Following military service, he became Director of Security for Morgan Stanley at the World Trade Center. After the 1993 bombing, he became convinced the towers remained vulnerable and relentlessly prepared evacuation procedures despite resistance from some executives.

On 11 September 2001, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, Rescorla immediately began calmly evacuating Morgan Stanley employees, personally directing thousands to safety while singing over a megaphone to keep people calm amid the chaos.

Having helped save an estimated 2,700 lives, he repeatedly returned into the South Tower to search for more people and singing Cornish songs once more.

His final known words to his wife by phone were:

“Stop crying. I have to get these people out safely. If something happens to me, I want you to know that you made my life.”

Moments later, the tower collapsed. He never returned.

Today we remember a Cornishman whose extraordinary courage, leadership and humanity saved countless lives and inspired people around the world.

At 1939hrs this evening at his memorial in his hometown of Hayle, we will remember him.

#911

27/05/2026

Today we remember Bob Godfrey a Royal Marines veteran, animator, illustrator and one of Britain’s most influential creative talents. 🇬🇧🎨⚓

Born on this day in 1921, Godfrey served with the Royal Marines during the Second World War, including on D-Day, before going on to revolutionise British animation with his distinctive humour, imagination and artistic style.

Following the war, he became one of the UK’s pioneering animators and illustrators, creating work that ranged from children’s television to satirical adult animation. His productions included the beloved Roobarb and Henry’s Cat, while his studio also contributed to iconic advertising campaigns and innovative animated films.

Godfrey earned Academy Award recognition and became widely respected for pushing the boundaries of British animation, inspiring generations of artists and animators that followed.

Like many veterans of his generation, his wartime service was followed by a remarkable contribution to Britain’s cultural and creative life.

Today we remember both the Royal Marine and the artist whose imagination entertained millions.