A NEW memorial stone has been unveiled in the Remembrance Garden at Heswall Royal British Legion to honour veterans from the town, who have given service to the Armed Forces charity, but passed away outside of conflict.

Army veteran, Dave Wakelam, who served in Borneo, said: “Lots of veterans from Heswall and the surrounding areas pass away peacefully, but because they haven’t lost their lives during conflict, their names don’t appear on the local War Memorial.

“We decided there needed to be a way for this cohort of former soldiers, sailors, airmen and women to be recognised, particularly those who have supported the Royal British Legion in the years after returning to civilian life.”

Once a veteran has passed away, their family can apply to the Heswall Branch of the RBL to have the veteran’s name added to the new memorial, located in the Remembrance Gardens within the grounds of the club.  The veteran’s family provide proof of service and contribute to the cost of engraving.  Full details for qualification are available from the Branch.

Dave, who joined the Intelligence Corps at 16, said: “We would like to thank Simon Broadbent of SJB Memorials and Grave Care Ltd, who produced and fitted the stone, and Johnny Ray, the gardener who dressed the surrounding area.

“This memorial is the outcome of the efforts of a group of individuals who wanted to recognise our local veterans, and they have raised the funds independently. We are also very grateful to the Heswall Branch of the Royal British Legion for allowing us to locate the stone within the Garden of Remembrance.”

The stone was dedicated by the Padre, Rev Martin Cannam, Rector of St Peter’s Church, and the first poppy wreath, in memory of local veterans who have already passed, was laid by former Irish Guardsman, Steve Shakeshaft.