The best part of working so closely with residents is hearing their stories first hand. We love when residents engage with our staff members and tell them snippets, however small or seemingly irrelevant, of things that happened long ago. Those unlocked memories aid reminiscence therapy and help us to get to know our residents much better, as well as providing countless opportunities for meaningful conversations. Every now and again we hear something that's too special to keep to ourselves, and with the permission of resident John and his family we'd like to share his story...
John lives in Summer Fields Care Home in the Wirral. During the Second World War he served as a sapper with the Royal Engineers 11th Armoured (Taurus) Division, and was present at the D-Day Landings. He has spoken of landing on Juno Beach, and of his time building bridges that the Germans often destroyed. Staff members have been enthralled by his stories, and the additional facts that his family has been able to provide us with along the way. We have also appreciated seeing his old photographs. Together his narrative and photographs have helped us to really get to know John, as well as building a much better picture of what life must have been like for a serviceman or woman during the war.
Your Health Limited's Health, Safety and Training Manager, Mick Murphy, is a veteran himself, having served as an Intelligence Senior NCO during operational tours in the 1980s and 90s and working with the School of Military Engineering upon leaving the army. Mick recognised the significance of John's role in the Second World War. His presence at the D-Day Landings entitles John to a very special honour, the Legion d'Honneur, which is the highest order of merit awarded for French military or civil achievement. Usually reserved for French nationals the award has also been given to foreign nationals who have served the country and protected its people. John is one such D-Day veteran. When the staff at Summer Fields found out they did all they could to apply for his medal, and we are eagerly awaiting news of its presentation.
John's story doesn't end there. Recently he and activities coordinator Emma went to a meeting of the Birkenhead Royal British Engineers, where John was made a life member. His face lit up as he met others who had served for the Royal British Engineers, and he spoke of so much that he remembered. John was also the guest of honour at the 75 Engineer Regiment's 75th D-Day Commemoration event, which took place on 17th May, 2019. He was given a seat next to Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs during the group photo, and had plenty of people queuing to shake his hand. We were so proud to hear that John had been thanked for his bravery and service at the close of the event. The Lord Mayors and servicemen and women showed their admiration too, and we're so pleased that John was able to hear their words for himself.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day. To hear about such a moment in time from someone who was there, our own dear John, is very special indeed. We will keep you updated with news of John's honour, and cannot wait until he is awarded the recognition he so deserves.
- Louise Baker, Marketing Assistant
John lives in Summer Fields Care Home in the Wirral. During the Second World War he served as a sapper with the Royal Engineers 11th Armoured (Taurus) Division, and was present at the D-Day Landings. He has spoken of landing on Juno Beach, and of his time building bridges that the Germans often destroyed. Staff members have been enthralled by his stories, and the additional facts that his family has been able to provide us with along the way. We have also appreciated seeing his old photographs. Together his narrative and photographs have helped us to really get to know John, as well as building a much better picture of what life must have been like for a serviceman or woman during the war.
John is to the right, leaning on the bridge
John sits to the right of the front row, 1943
John and Emma at the Birkenhead Royal British Engineers meeting
John's story doesn't end there. Recently he and activities coordinator Emma went to a meeting of the Birkenhead Royal British Engineers, where John was made a life member. His face lit up as he met others who had served for the Royal British Engineers, and he spoke of so much that he remembered. John was also the guest of honour at the 75 Engineer Regiment's 75th D-Day Commemoration event, which took place on 17th May, 2019. He was given a seat next to Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs during the group photo, and had plenty of people queuing to shake his hand. We were so proud to hear that John had been thanked for his bravery and service at the close of the event. The Lord Mayors and servicemen and women showed their admiration too, and we're so pleased that John was able to hear their words for himself.
John at the 75 Engineer Regiment's 75th D-Day Commemoration event
This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day. To hear about such a moment in time from someone who was there, our own dear John, is very special indeed. We will keep you updated with news of John's honour, and cannot wait until he is awarded the recognition he so deserves.
- Louise Baker, Marketing Assistant
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