Eastbourne veterans visit Cenotaph for Remembrance

Local veterans represented the area at the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade in London on Sunday (November 13).
Bill Avis carrying the Suez Veterans Association wreathBill Avis carrying the Suez Veterans Association wreath
Bill Avis carrying the Suez Veterans Association wreath

Bill Avis, of Hampden Park, Robin Thorne, of Golden Cross, and John Waite, of Seaside, travelled to London to represent the Suez Veterans Association at the service.

They also visited Westminister Abbey to stand with crosses for the fallen in the Field of Remembrance, where they met Prince Philip and Prince Harry.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Avis, who carried the Suez Veterans Association wreath on Remembrance Sunday, said His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh wished him good morning and looked at the Suez veteran crosses.

The veterans meeting Prince CharlesThe veterans meeting Prince Charles
The veterans meeting Prince Charles

Prince Harry shook his hand and asked about the Suez Veterans Association and his time in Egypt.

At the age of 18, Mr Avis was called up for national service and served as a Royal Engineer in the Suez Crisis of 1956.

He said he saw some awful sights in Egypt and lost friends.

The 81-year-old said, “I will never forget it. I remember it as though it was yesterday. The comradeship and the countries I served with was unforgettable. Many did not return home. Rest in peace lads.”

The veterans meeting Prince CharlesThe veterans meeting Prince Charles
The veterans meeting Prince Charles
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Thorne also served as a Royal Engineer while Mr Waite was in the Royal Air Force.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at Text to display

3) Follow us on Twitter @Eastbournenews

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Eastbourne Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: