Remembrance 2014

The Queen has led the nation in remembering service personnel who have died during conflicts, as Remembrance Sunday services were held around the UK.

The Blesma contingent at this years Cenotaph parade comprised of 21 Members on electric scooters lead by 3 Members followed by 7 “walking wounded” Members.  Those taking part were drawn from all quarters of the UK and have seen service in conflicts from World War II up to and including Afghanistan. Those leading the Blesma contingent were Major Stephen Hambrook, Captain Anthony Harris & Lieutenant William Dixon.

Member Major Stephen Hambrook MBE GM served with the Royal Engineers from 1954 to 1992.   He lost his left leg and suffered other injuries while carrying out mine clearance in The Falklands in 1983 and has subsequently had his right leg below knee amputated due to other issues not related to his injuries.  He received the George Medal in 1971 following the defusing of three bombs in London and was awarded the MBE in 1991 in recognition of the help given by him to others suffering from physical disabilities.

A Trustee and Member Lieutenant William Dixon served in The Rifles from 2007 until 2011. He was deployed on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan when, in 2009 whilst on patrol in Sangin Province his vehicle was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), the resultant injuries were so severe that he had to have his left leg amputated below the knee.

A Trustee and Member Captain Anthony Harris served in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers from 2001 until 2013.  He was deployed on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan when, in 2010 whilst on patrol in Sangin Province his vehicle initiated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), his injuries were so severe that his left leg was amputated below the knee.