WHEN a Second World War veteran was unable to make a commemoration event, members of Staple Hill & District Royal British Legion took the service to him.
Harry Francis, 100, fought in the Battle of the Atlantic with the Royal Navy before joining the Royal Marines and seeing action in Sicily, Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Burma as part of the Special Boat Service.
The RBL planned a service on August 31 in Page Park to jointly mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day – the end of the conflict – and the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
On learning that Harry was unable to leave home, branch president Ian Boulton and members including a standard bearer and bugler visited Harry and his wife Gwen at their home in Soundwell.
Gwen said: “We had a standard bearer in the living room and the bugler played the Last Post in the hallway.
“We had a minute’s silence and the Reveille.
“It was a nice little service, although I don’t know what the neighbours thought about it!”
Bad weather on the day saw the main service moved from Page Park indoors to the Staple Hill Salvation Army building in Broad Street.
Branch chair Ian Campbell said: “I really want to thank the Staple Hill Salvation Army for opening their doors and hosting the joint VJ Day and Battle of Britain service.
“The weather meant we couldn’t be at the war memorial, but the hall was absolutely packed with local people who wanted to come together and pay their respects.
“After the service, a few members of the Legion went to see Harry Francis, our local veteran of the Far East campaign, where we shared a short service and some time reflecting on his experiences.
“It’s moments like these that remind me how strong our community is. We come together not just to remember, but to show that the courage and sacrifice of past generations still matter deeply to us today.”
The RBL is inviting local organisations, schools, community groups, and individuals to order wreaths for this year’s Remembrance Sunday service on November 9.
Orders are now being taken on the website www.staplehillrbl.org.uk/remembrance.