Tri-Service

Get Him To The Cenotaph!

David Skilton is 92-years-old and a D-Day veteran. He landed on the Arromanches beaches on Tuesday, 6 June 1944, before pushing on to Normandy.

In a recent conversation with his friend and neighbour, Phil, he had expressed regret at having never been part of the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

That is when Phil got in touch with Forces TV to see if we could help make it happen.

Over the next few weeks calls and emails flew between the Forces TV newsroom and the Royal British Legion, until eventually, David got sent an invite asking him to be part of the parade on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. It was on!

When Forces TV went to pick David up from his home, he was putting on his medals and straightening up his poppy. He was excited but nervous about the toll the day might take on him.

We had everything covered though - from cups of tea to a wheelchair, to make sure he was able to complete the parade.

At Horse Guards Parade, David was introduced to his old unit - the Royal Army Service Corps.

Unfortunately, he didn't recognise anyone from his time in the Army. That didn't stop him from receiving a warm welcome from all the veterans he met, however.

It was clear that David thoroughly enjoyed the day and led the Royal British Legion's march with a smile on his face all the way.

The next day Forces TV received this message from David's neighbour, Phil.

"Very, very grateful to you and the British Legion for arranging for me and David [to go the Cenotaph]. I was so humbled to be there and didn't feel worthy to be honest. However, [it] was an honour and privilege."

This certainly brightened up our Monday! Thank you to the Royal British Legion for helping us make it happen.