Published: Friday, 18th July, 2008 09:00
Missing flag is laid at veterans' event
By Steve McElroy
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VETERANS' DAY: Veteram gather for the event.
A LONG-lost flag belonging into the Helensburgh Branch of the British Legion — missing for almost 50 years — was paraded through the town at the weekend before being laid in a church.
Veterans, serving soldiers, British Legion members and guests were led by Helensburgh Pipe Band as they paraded on Saturday from the pier car park.
The flag was carried by the Burgh branch’s Bearers Graham White and John Webster.
They walked to the West Kirk where they were received by West Kirk minister the Rev David Clark and Father Peter Lennon, of St Joseph’s Church.
A very moving tribute was paid to past and present members of the three serving forces, and, during the service, Mrs Irene White committed the Jubilee Colours into the hands of Mr Clark for the safe keeping.
Among the invited guests was Andy Bryant, the British Legion area chairman, Jim Richardson, vice chair, Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead. Commodaore Chris Hockley from the Faslane Base, and members of the branch’s steering committee — chairman Willie Dunwoodie, Roy Cheshire, Mike Channing, Mrs B. McColl, Mrs C. Brown and May Peat.
After the service the combined Queen’s representative took the march past salute, which included two soldiers, Chris Masson and Matt Hughes on leave from the Royal Signals Regiment, who have been on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Chris is the grandson of one of the British Legion members.
The Standard commemorates the Silver Jubilee of King George V 75 years ago and belonged to the Helensburgh Legion branch before it folded in 1960. But as a result the flag was lost.
The branch reformed in 1996 with Irene and Graham White initially setting up a steering committee. Members thought the flag had been lost forever until it was spotted by Glasgow man Daniel McCrae who found it while rummaging through a stall at the Barras.
He had an inkling that the flag belonged to the Helensburgh Legion and contacted a friend, Dumbarton man George Sharp, who confirmed it was the missing flag.
There was an excellent turnout of members, guests and even some visitors who were in Helensburgh for the day.
The parade disbanded at the pier and a reception was held in St Joseph’s Church Hall.
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