National Service veteran Mike Hyde
The Royal British Legion is calling on families of 80-97 year olds to ‘Ask Dad or Grandad’ about their National Service experiences in a new appeal to mark 60 years of National Service
All National Service veterans and their families are also being invited to a special ‘Remembering National Service – 60 years on’ event on 16 May at the National Memorial Arboretum to acknowledge the service, bravery and sacrifices of this generation.
“We’re appealing to the great British public to AskDad or AskGrandad to help us find more of our unsung National Service heroes, especially those who may have played down their contribution and not really talked about it with their families,” said Philippa Rawlinson, director of Remembrance, Royal British Legion.
“We know that everyone’s experience of National Service was different, from those who found it incredibly rewarding to those who from the very first day couldn’t wait to be demobbed, but we’re eager to celebrate the invaluable contributions of everyone who served.”
More than two million men were conscripted following the end of the Second World War, with 395 National Servicemen killed during active service.
The names of those killed are inscribed on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, part of the RBL and the Nation’s year-round place to remember.
National Service veteran Jim Watson
The 150-acre garden and woodland site, set within the National Forest in Staffordshire, is also the home of the National Service Memorial.
“While the youngest conscripts will now be in their eighties, it’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of National Service veterans are still alive today, and we’d like as many of these veterans and their families as possible to join us at Remembering National Service – 60 years on in May,” continued Philippa.
“This ceremony will highlight the special role of National Servicemen and give attendees the opportunity to visit a new National Service 60 exhibition on display at the National Memorial Arboretum until 20 June this year.”
All National Service veterans, bereaved families, and descendants can register on the RBL website to attend ‘Remembering National Service – 60 years on’ – applications close on Monday 24 April. https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/national-service-60
