Page 213 - The Bugle 2018

Cpl Lee Brownson CGC - Memorial Garden – dedication 30 June 2018
A Memorial Garden was dedicated on Saturday 30 June 2018 to 25053532 Cpl Lee Brownson CGC who was killed in Afghanistan on 15 January 2010 while on operation on Herrick 11. Cpl Brownson was posthumously awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson his Commanding Officer and CO 3 RIFLES Battle Group, said of Lee:
“Cpl Lee Brownson was the very best of Riflemen, brimming with energy, cheer, modesty and resource- fulness. Such was his self-confidence and inner strength that nothing was too much trouble for him in understanding and caring for the needs of those around him. nd him. Whether for his beloved wife and daughters at home or his brothers-in-arms here in Afghanistan, his first priority was to take care of others. His loss leaves a gaping hole but we shall close ranks and continue the fight, a fight at the forefront of which he was always to be found. We honour his brave sacrifice, saluting his commitment and example. He played a massive part in our work out here, proving himself in combat on countless occasions and giving untold strength to his men through tough times. With spirit and compassion in equally copious measure, he was a beacon of inspiration to us all. He was a leader in every sense; commanding the respect not only of those who worked for him, but also of those for whom he worked. Representing the bright future of the Army his loss is a heavy burden to bear.”
Presided over by the Reverend Matt Keddilty, who gave the blessing, the timing of the ceremony was chosen to coincide with this year’s Armed Forces Day.
Network Rail provided a parcel of land on a long term lease “to establish a focal point in acknowl- edgement of the historic relationship between the town’s station and rail network and deployment of local armed forces personnel to numerous conflicts.”
Opportunity was taken to pay tribute to Bishop Auckland soldier Lee Brownson and Airman Andrew Wilson, who tragically lost his life in an air accident. Both servicemen were honoured with permanent memorials in the garden.
The medal, which ranks only second to the Victoria Cross, was presented to his widow Leanne during a private ceremony with the Queen, and in 2011, a new £8 million garrison accommodation block at Catterick was named after Corporal Brownson.
Whilst there was a strong focus on the day on the Brownson and Wilson families, both of whom were well represented, the service was also attended by representatives of the Royal British Legion, the Durham Light Infantry and Network Rail. In addition an honour guard was ably provided by the Bishop Auckland Air Cadets, with bagpipe accompaniment by the Bishop Pipers.
The establishment of the garden was project managed by the Auckland Railway Group Chairman, Michael O’Neill, supported by funding from the Durham County Council Members Initiative Fund, Bishop Auckland Town Council and Civic Pride Durham, in consideration of the reclamation of a previously derelict site.
The opening of the garden was followed by a highly successful Armed Forces Day event at the Newgate Shopping Centre, with funds raised in
support of the Forces Support charity.
Going forward it is intended the garden will be
open to the public on appropriate occasions such as Remembrance Sunday, Armed Forces Day and related family anniversaries.
The garden has also been shortlisted for a number of awards by Northumbria in Bloom and Durham Civic Pride.
A “Silent Soldier” stands between members of Consett & Stanley Branch “Lest We Forget”
Col Charlton TD DL and Mayor of Stanley cut into the Armed Forces Flag cake
Armed Forces Flag-Raising Day
The Armed Forces Flag Raising Day was held in 2018 at different times at different locations throughout the land. The DLI Association was involved and representatives made the Flag Raising speech at one of the locations in the county on one of a range of themes, mostly to express support of the Armed Forces, frequently on the subject of the Armed Forces Covenant which has been established to ensure that servicemen get full support should they be injured on operations. Armed Forces Day, which used to be called Veterans Day, takes place nationally at about the same time of the year throughout late June in most towns and cities in the country.
Consett & Stanley Branch Flag Raising 2018 was the First Armed Forces Day Flag Raising in Annfield Plain. It was held at the Bowling Club on Sunday 24th June ready for Stanley Armed Forces Day on 1st July which was attended by 16 Durham Light Infantry members from Consett and Stanley Branch, a number of WI members, 4 Local councillors and County Councillors, the new Mayor of Stanley, Head of the Royal British Legion for Northumberland G McKay, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Col Arthur Charlton and Maj A Watson. 2 RBL standards and the Consett & Stanley DLI Standard were paraded. The Armed Forces Flag was raised by G Nichol of the Stanley Branch. Also present were members with the newly refurbished Pit Banner, with 1 of 5 Silent Soldiers bought by the Area Action Partnership. A lovely afternoon was had by all, culminating with the cutting of a cake, which was a replica of the Armed Forces Flag, by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and the Local Mayor. Tea and Coffee was provided by Annfield Plain WI as well
Stockton Armed Forces week began with the Flag Raising Ceremony on 25 June, the keynote speech being given by Lt Col John Heron TD on the subject of The Armed Forces Covenant which seeks to convey the principle that servicemen should expect the support of the nation in return for their readiness to lay down their lives in action. The Armed Forces Covenant is an agreement based on trust and the principle of reciprocity. The Flag Raising Day was followed by Stockton Armed Forces Day on Thursday 28 June. The branch team led by the Stockton Chairman David Smith who shared a Stockton DLI, Light Infantry and Rifles Association gazebo on Stockton High Street with a team from the DLI Association Friends and serving soldiers of the Rifles Display Team based at Bishop Auckland.
THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS 219