http://www.veteranscharity.org.uk/

Veterans Month, Barnstaple (2026)

02/09/2026

🎭 RONNIE STEVENS — RAF AND ROYAL ENGINEERS VETERAN

Born on this day, 2 September 1925, in Peckham, London, Ronnie Stevens went on to enjoy a long and varied career as an actor across stage, film and television.

Before that career began, however, he served during the Second World War.

Stevens served first with the Royal Air Force and later with the Royal Engineers, giving him the unusual distinction of wartime service in two branches of the Armed Forces.

After the war, he moved into acting and became one of those dependable British character actors whose face was often instantly recognisable, even when his name was less familiar.

His career included appearances in productions such as Brassed Off, The Parent Trap, Goodnight Sweetheart, and numerous television comedies and dramas.

He also became known for voice work and supporting roles, building a career that lasted for decades.

For us, the interesting part of his story is that behind the familiar television and film appearances was a man who had first spent his younger years in uniform during wartime.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember Ronnie Stevens, actor and veteran of both the Royal Air Force and Royal Engineers, British Army.

Happy Birthday, Ronnie. We remember your service.

02/09/2026

⚽ BILL SHANKLY OBE — RAF VETERAN AND FOOTBALL LEGEND

Born on this day, 2 September 1913, in Glenbuck, Ayrshire, Bill Shankly would go on to become one of the most influential managers in the history of British football.

Before Anfield, before Liverpool’s rise to greatness, and before the famous quotations, Shankly served during the Second World War with the Royal Air Force

The war interrupted his playing career at what should have been his peak. Shankly had been a professional footballer with Preston North End Football Club, but like so many of his generation, football was put aside when war came.

During his RAF service, he continued to play wartime football when duties allowed and also boxed as a middleweight, bringing the same competitiveness and physical determination that would later define his managerial career.

The conflict cost him around seven years of his professional playing career, but when football resumed he returned to Preston and continued playing before moving into management.

It was at Liverpool FC, however, that Shankly created his lasting legacy.

Taking charge in 1959, he transformed the club from a Second Division side into one of the dominant forces in English football. Under his leadership Liverpool won league titles, the FA Cup and established the culture and identity that would underpin decades of success.

He also helped create the famous Boot Room, building a tradition of continuity, loyalty and shared knowledge that became central to Liverpool’s later achievements.

Shankly became much more than a football manager. His wit, passion and understanding of supporters made him one of the game’s most enduring personalities.

Yet behind the football legend was also a wartime veteran whose playing career, like those of countless others, was interrupted by service.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember Bill Shankly OBE, RAF veteran, footballer and one of the great architects of modern Liverpool Football Club.

02/09/2026

🪖 RSM RONALD BRITTAIN MBE MSM — “THE VOICE” OF THE BRITISH ARMY

Born on this day, 2 September 1899, in Liverpool, Ronald Brittain became one of the most famous Regimental Sergeant Majors of his generation.

He enlisted in 1917 during the First World War, initially joining the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment before transferring to the South Wales Borderers and later the Coldstream Guards.

Standing around 6ft 3in tall, Brittain had the physical presence to match a voice that became legendary. He served on the training staff at the The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where generations of officer cadets encountered his formidable parade-ground commands. He became known simply as “The Voice”.

During the Second World War, Brittain appeared in a number of British military training films, where his unmistakable Sergeant Major persona made him instantly recognisable. Contemporary accounts even suggested that he may have possessed the loudest voice in the British Army.

He later became Regimental Sergeant Major of the Guards Depot and also served at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, where thousands of future officers passed across his parade square.

Brittain finally retired from the Army in 1954 after 37 years of service, including around two decades as an RSM. His military fame then followed him into civilian life.

He appeared in advertising, voice-over work, film and television, often playing the very character he knew best: the archetypal booming Sergeant Major. His screen appearances included 55 Days at Peking and Casino Royale.

From a Liverpool butcher’s shop to Sandhurst parade grounds and the silver screen, Ronald Brittain carved out one of the most distinctive service careers of his era.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember RSM Ronald Brittain MBE MSM, soldier, instructor and one of the unmistakable voices of the British Army.

Happy Birthday, Sir. We remember your service.

01/09/2026

⚓ VICE ADMIRAL SIR ADRIAN JOHNS KCB CBE DL — ROYAL NAVY VETERAN WITH CORNISH ROOTS

Born on this day, 1 September 1951, in Redruth, Cornwall, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB CBE DL went on to enjoy a distinguished 35 year career in the Royal Navy.

A specialist helicopter pilot and flying instructor, Sir Adrian served extensively at sea and held command on five occasions, in ships ranging from a minesweeper to HMS Ocean, then the Royal Navy’s largest warship.

His career also placed him at the heart of the Fleet Air Arm, which he headed for five years.

Sir Adrian eventually rose to the rank of Vice Admiral and became Second Sea Lord and Commander in Chief Naval Home Command, one of the most senior appointments in the Royal Navy.

In that role, he was responsible for the people behind the Service, including recruitment, training, pay, career management and personnel support across the Naval Service.

He retired from the Royal Navy in 2008, but his public service continued.

From 2009 to 2013, Sir Adrian served as Governor and Commander in Chief of Gibraltar, maintaining another strong connection with Britain’s maritime and military heritage.

He has since continued to support veterans and charitable organisations and serves as a Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London.

For us here in Cornwall, there is an added reason to mark his birthday. From Redruth to the highest levels of the Royal Navy, Sir Adrian’s career is another reminder of the remarkable service stories that begin in our county.

Today we wish Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB CBE DL a very happy birthday and thank him for his many years of service.

Happy Birthday, Sir Adrian.

01/09/2026

🥊 ROCKY MARCIANO — UNDEFEATED CHAMPION AND WWII VETERAN

Born on this day, 1 September 1923, Rocco Francis Marchegiano, known to the world as Rocky Marciano, would go on to become one of boxing’s greatest ever heavyweights.

Before fame, titles and an undefeated record, Marciano served during the Second World War with the U.S. Army.

He was posted to Wales, serving with the 150th Combat Engineers, and played his part in the Allied war effort in Britain. His duties later included helping move supplies across the English Channel in support of operations following D Day.

Like so many young men of his generation, military service came before personal ambition.

After the war, Marciano turned seriously to boxing and built one of the most remarkable records in sporting history.

He became World Heavyweight Champion in 1952 after defeating Jersey Joe Walcott, and went on to defend his title successfully against fighters including Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore.

What still sets him apart is this: Rocky Marciano retired unbeaten, with a professional record of 49 wins from 49 contests, including 43 knockouts.

He remains the only world heavyweight champion to retire with an undefeated record.

Though remembered chiefly as a boxing icon, his wartime service deserves to be remembered too. Before he conquered the ring, Rocky Marciano wore his country’s uniform and served as part of the vast Allied effort that helped secure victory in Europe.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember Rocky Marciano, soldier, sportsman and heavyweight champion.

Happy Birthday, Rocky. We remember your service.

01/09/2026

ADMIRAL SIR REGINALD HENDERSON GCB — CORNISH NAVAL OFFICER AND WWI VETERAN

Born on this day, 1 September 1881, in Falmouth, Cornwall, Admiral Sir Reginald Guy Hannam Henderson GCB went on to become one of the Royal Navy’s senior officers of the early 20th century.

Henderson entered the Royal Navy as a young man and built his career during a period of enormous change in naval warfare.

During the First World War, he served in senior appointments and was closely associated with the development and operation of aircraft carriers and naval aviation.

He later commanded HMS Furious, one of the Royal Navy’s pioneering aircraft carriers, at a time when the service was still learning how to combine sea power with aviation.

His career continued to rise after the war.

Henderson became Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Navy, one of the Admiralty’s most senior posts, with responsibility for major aspects of naval equipment, construction and development.

He ultimately reached the rank of Admiral and was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath.

For those in Cornwall, his story has an added local connection. He was born in Falmouth and went on to serve at the very highest levels of the Royal Navy.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember Admiral Sir Reginald Henderson GCB, Cornishman, Royal Navy officer and veteran of the First World War.

Happy Birthday, Sir Reginald. We remember your service.

31/08/2026

🎺 ROY CASTLE OBE — RAF VETERAN, RECORD BREAKER AND MUCH LOVED ENTERTAINER

Born on this day, 31 August 1932, in Yorkshire, Roy Castle OBE became one of the most familiar and loved faces on British television.

Before Record Breakers, before the television shows, comedy, dancing and music, Roy served his country.

In 1950, aged 18, he began two years of National Service with the Royal Air Force, serving as a technical storeman. His time in the RAF also proved important to his future career. During his National Service he developed his skills as a jazz trumpeter, an instrument that would become closely associated with him throughout his life.

After leaving the RAF, Castle embarked on an extraordinary entertainment career.

He could sing, dance, act, perform comedy and play numerous musical instruments. His talents eventually earned him the nickname “Mr Versatility.”

But for millions who grew up watching BBC television, one programme above all defined Roy Castle:

Record Breakers

Beginning in 1972, Castle presented the programme alongside the extraordinary twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter, founders of the Guinness World Records - Book of Records.

And there is a wonderful veterans connection here.

As we have previously remembered, both Norris and Ross McWhirter had themselves served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War.

So one of Britain's best remembered children's television partnerships brought together three veterans:

Roy Castle — Royal Air Force
Norris McWhirter — Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve
Ross McWhirter — Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve

Together they introduced generations of youngsters to extraordinary achievements, remarkable people and the idea that records were there to be broken.

Roy even became a record breaker himself, achieving records connected with his considerable talents, including tap dancing.

Later in life, his courage was demonstrated in another way. Following his diagnosis with lung cancer, Castle became a tireless campaigner and fundraiser, helping raise awareness of the dangers of passive smoking.

He died on 2 September 1994, just two days after his 62nd birthday.

Today we remember the entertainer, musician, record breaker and the young Yorkshireman who first wore the uniform of the Royal Air Force.

Happy Birthday, Roy Castle OBE. We remember your service.

31/08/2026

🎭 GEORGE SEWELL — RAF VETERAN AND FAMILIAR FACE OF BRITISH TELEVISION

Born on this day, 31 August 1924, in Hoxton, London, George Sewell became one of Britain’s most recognisable character actors.

Before acting, however, he served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Sewell joined the RAF in 1943 and trained as a pilot. The war ended before he was able to complete his training and see operational service, but his time in uniform formed part of an extraordinarily varied early life.

After demobilisation he joined the Merchant Navy, working aboard famous Cunard liners including the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth on Atlantic crossings. He also worked in a remarkable assortment of jobs before acting finally found him.

Sewell did not begin acting professionally until he was in his mid 30s, after a chance meeting with actor Dudley Sutton led him to audition for Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop.

From there grew a distinguished career in theatre, film and television.

He became especially well known for Special Branch, the science fiction series UFO, and the classic crime film Get Carter. He also appeared in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and This Sporting Life, building a reputation for convincing, tough and authoritative characters.

Perhaps fittingly, audiences often saw him playing policemen, soldiers and hard men, without necessarily knowing that his own life had included wartime RAF service and years at sea.

George Sewell died in 2007, aged 82.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember both the accomplished actor and the young man who joined the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Happy Birthday, George. We remember your service.

31/08/2026

⚓ COMMANDER JAMES CAMPBELL CLOUSTON — The Canadian at the heart of the Dunkirk evacuation

Born on this day, 31 August 1900, in Montreal, Canada, James Campbell Clouston became one of the largely unsung heroes of the evacuation from Dunkirk.

A Canadian serving in the Royal Navy, Clouston had risen to the rank of Commander and had previously commanded the destroyer HMS Isis.

In May 1940, with Allied forces trapped around Dunkirk, he was sent ashore as part of the naval team organising Operation Dynamo.

Clouston was given responsibility for the East Mole, a long wooden breakwater which had never been intended to serve as a harbour for large ships.

It became one of the evacuation’s most important lifelines.

For days, under bombing and artillery fire, Clouston controlled the flow of thousands of exhausted soldiers along the narrow structure and onto waiting ships. The majority of those evacuated from Dunkirk were ultimately taken off through the harbour and mole rather than directly from the beaches.

His ability to maintain order under extraordinary pressure helped ships embark men at remarkable speed. Some accounts describe around 600 soldiers being loaded in as little as 20 minutes.

Clouston remained at his post through several days and nights of the evacuation.

After briefly returning to England, he set out once more for Dunkirk. His motor launch was attacked by German aircraft and sunk in the Channel.

Clouston survived the initial attack but, while awaiting rescue with members of his crew, he died at sea on 3 June 1940, aged just 39.

His contribution was enormous. Nearly 200,000 servicemen are estimated to have passed through the East Mole during Operation Dynamo.

For decades his name was far less familiar than the story of the “little ships”, but today Commander James Campbell Clouston is increasingly recognised as one of the key figures who helped make the miracle of Dunkirk possible.

Sadly he wasn't featured directly in the latest film Dunkirk, but he inspired the part played by Kenneth Branagh - Commander Bolton, as the Director Christopher Nolan felt he couldn't do his story justice.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember a Canadian who served in the Royal Navy and stood at one of the most important gateways to safety in 1940.

Commander James Campbell Clouston, we remember your service.

31/08/2026

🇯🇲✈️ LAURENT “LAURIE” PHILLPOTTS — RAF VETERAN AND COMMONWEALTH CAMPAIGNER

Born on this day, 30 August 1922, in Jamaica, Laurent “Laurie” Phillpotts was one of the thousands of Caribbean men who answered Britain’s call during the Second World War.

He joined the Royal Air Force in 1943, becoming part of a generation whose service helped bind Britain and the Commonwealth together during the conflict. Training at RAF Hummanby Moor (aka RAF Filey) a requisitioned Butlin's holiday park!

After the war, Phillpotts continued to serve the veteran community in a very different way. He became a prominent advocate for Caribbean and Commonwealth veterans, helping to ensure that their contribution to Britain’s wartime story was not forgotten.

One of his most important achievements was his involvement in the campaign for the Memorial Gates in London, created to honour the millions of men and women from Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent who served the British Empire and Commonwealth during the two world wars.

The Memorial Gates now stand as a permanent reminder that Britain’s wartime effort was never Britain’s alone.

Laurie Phillpotts’ legacy therefore stretches beyond his own RAF service. He helped make sure that the service and sacrifice of others were remembered too.

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we remember Laurent “Laurie” Phillpotts, RAF veteran, campaigner and champion of Commonwealth remembrance.

Happy Birthday, Laurie. We remember your service.

Veterans Month

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request