North Staffordshire Royal British Legion News  September  2008

Serving TA Soldiers and Veterans from around the United Kingdom gathered together at the National Memorial Arboretum Staffordshire. Saturday 13th September 2008 to take part in the National TA100 Armed Forces Memorial Parade and Service. They came from as far away as Wick in Scotland, Eastbourne and the West Country just to be there in the presence of HRH Duke of Kent.

After service and the memorial plaque and ceremonial tree planting HRH The Duke of Kent said in remembrance of the fallen soldiers: "We value them greatly and the Territorial Army hails them all by dedicating itself to their memory."


Baroness Taylor Minister of Defence Equipment and Support delivered a message from Prime Minister Gordon Brown which thanked the TA and said it was playing a "crucial role" in the country's defence.

The Chief of the General Staff Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, was also among dignitaries at the memorial service as were Major General Simon Lalor TD Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets) and Major General Brown General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland were also present.

The event was hosted by Maj Gen Martin Rutledge, general officer commanding the Army's 5th Division, based in Shrewsbury and organised by Major Mal Cooper and Mr Bob Rankin (Royal British Legion and Regimental Association Liaison Officer).

 

The oldest surviving member of the TA, 104-year-old Edwin Cooper, of Abergele, Conwy, was guest of honour at the event. Chelsea Pensioner John Shuter and North Staffordshire Royal British Legion's own Geoff Robinson BEM represented veterans who had been on the 50th Anniversary Parade and Service at Westminster Abbey in 1958 and were presented to the Duke of Kent.

George MacDonald MBE National Chairman of The Royal British Legion Scotland, and Bill Parkin The Royal British Legion National Board of Trustees Member representing the National Chairman were both presented to the Duke of Kent.


Many cap badges of different and former Regiments and Corps could be proudly seen. 74 standards and guidons a marching party of over 300 veterans of which one third where represented by The Mercian Volunteers (above) and where lead by The Stafford Regimental Association's  mascot and escort.