Page 42 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

 SCC
VETERAN’S VISIT
In November we had the pleasure of 100 year old Navy Veteran Bernard Golding who visited our unit, T.S. Lightning, as part of his Birthday celebrations.
Our cadets piped him on board, and he said he never expected that kind of welcome and was overwhelmed by the experience.
Bernard is a WW2 Royal Navy Veteran, and he brought some photos in to show everyone and discuss his experiences with our cadets. One story which pulled at our heart strings was that on his 21st birthday he was loading the ship all day and they had no provisions, so he never told anyone it was his birthday. He was on a ship at the beach on D Day but didn’t go ashore. He lost a lot of friends that day.
The full ships company of T.S. Lightning also listened respectfully as Bernard told them about his time serving during World War II aboard HMS Swift, which was destroyed when it struck a mine in June 1944.
This amazing gentleman turned 101 on 22nd November 2023 and we were so honoured to have him at the unit to spend time with us. Bernard was presented with a signed card and gifts. The cadets sang Happy Birthday to him as he was presented with a cake made by City of Doncaster Council North Communities Co-ordinator, Adam Heavisides.
Bernard was supported by his City of Doncaster Council Wellbeing Officer, Amanda Wilkinson
and was thanked for his service by Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Mark Houlbrook.
Happy Birthday Bernard, we look forward to helping you celebrate your 102nd birthday this year!
42 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2024