Colonel Tom tribute at Cannock Chase war memorial
He's captured the hearts of the nation. He was honoured on his 100th birthday by a flypast. And now the newly promoted Colonel Tom has prompted a special tribute at Cannock Chase.
After following the coverage of Tom Moore's effort in raising over £30 million for the NHS, Richard Pursehouse of Cannock remembered that there is a memorial at Cannock Chase to Burma Star veterans like him, and linked up with Berni Wilkins to lay wreaths.
Richard said: "There is an unassuming yet dignified memorial in a small copse on Cannock Chase at the old RAF Hednesford site, installed by the North Staffordshire branch of the Burma Star Association. Having amalgamated with the Burma Star Memorial Fund in April 2020, the association will formally close on August 15, the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.
Covid-19 coverage:
"I contacted Berni Wilkins who lives in Burntwood and who is involved in the Wreath of Respect organisation, which is a wreath of metal poppies commissioned in 2014, and suggested we could meet at the site while en route to work. Berni readily agreed, so printing off a quick card message and grabbing two other wreaths, within an hour we met up."
Berni said: "Acknowledging the 100th birthday and achievements of Honorary Colonel Tom Moore was made all the more poignant when I realised that he and my late uncle, Sergeant Patrick Gallacher, served in Burma during World War Two, and their paths may well have crossed.
“It was also an opportunity to pay homage and respect to all who served and their families, particularly at the anniversary of VE Day."
