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Victoria cross

norfolk brummie

norfolk brummie

gone but not forgotten
Earlier this week, I watched the presentation of the Victoria Cross to a very brave L/Cpl Joshua Mark Leakey, by a General. It was a formal and public presentation, shown on TV, but what amazed me was that the General then HUGGED the corporal. Would never have happened in my day, certainly not in public and hardly in private. I am sure that Montgomery would be turning in his grave. How the army has changed.

I also read that L/Cpl Leakey comes from a long line of heroes,, a relative also winning a VC in WW2.

Is it known how many brave Birmingham born men have won the Victoria Cross? I am sure that some one out there can tell us.

In WW2 my father won a Military Medal, and for that, I am very proud, but a Victoria Cross......wow, never.

Eddie
 



Just for info


[h=2]VICTORIA CROSS COMMEMORATIVE PAVING STONE UNVEILING[/h]Thursday 5 March 2015As part of the Centenary commemorations of the First World War the Department of Communities and Local Government has been laying commemorative paving stones in the birthplace of each Victoria Cross recipient, to honour their bravery and to provide a lasting legacy within the communities of their local heroes.
A total of 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded during the First World War, of which 145 were awarded to servicemen who fought for Britain, but were born overseas. These 145 international born servicemen will be honoured at a private unveiling ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum on 5th March by the Secretary of State, the Rt Hon Eric Pickles.

The event is by invitation only.

Information: Contact [email protected] or click here for more information.
 
norfolk brummie said:
Earlier this week, I watched the presentation of the Victoria Cross to a very brave L/Cpl Joshua Mark Leakey, by a General. It was a formal and public presentation, shown on TV, but what amazed me was that the General then HUGGED the corporal. Would never have happened in my day, certainly not in public and hardly in private. I am sure that Montgomery would be turning in his grave. How the army has changed.


Eddie
Click to expand...

I don't want to detract from the occasion in any way but why was L/Cpl Leakey wearing "Combat Kit" ? Surely such an event would warrant the wearing of No 2 dress at least.
I was also surprised that the medal wasn't presented by a member of the royal family.
 
I read about the bravery of this young man and was very moved.

I think , Eddie and Baz things have moved on and changed since you were in the Forces.In all walks of life things have become less formal and
giving someone a hug has become a common thing, and as for the dress code, I am sure that the young man must have been dressed appropriately
or someone would have had something to say.

I understand how some old soldiers feel but I am sure that they will agree that in spite of the changing of attitudes to some aspects of military life it does not alter the fact that we have a generation of wonderful young men in our Armed forces.
 
Personally I think it showed the Generals sincerity and feeling and I see nothing wrong with that, it shows the man is human. Eric
 
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