Three Modern naval heroes will be honoured on Sunday 10 September at the Naval Associations’ Biennial Parade at the Cenotaph by the dedication of 3 wheelchair accessible minibuses provided by the LIBOR fund. Witnessed by 500 naval veterans, a naval volunteer band, 70 sailors in the final stages of their professional training, sea cadets and 60 standards. The buses will be used to assist socially isolated veterans get out and about, including going to the pub! The naval personnel to be honoured are:
- The late Lt Cdr Ian Molyneux George Medal RN – represented by his widow Mrs Gillian Molyneux
- Chief Petty Officer Kate Nesbit – Military Cross (awarded during service in Afghanistan)
- Warrant Officer (RSM) Matthew Tomlinson – Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and Military Cross (Iraq and Afghanistan).
The Second Sea Lord – Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE will take the salute
Bethany Molyneux will read her poem ‘Why do you wear a poppy Beth’ – read at the 2016 Remembrance evening at the Albert Hall and featured at the National Memorial Arboretum.
ENDS
Background
The buses will be based in Blackburn, Liskeard and Portsmouth. Stanford Coachbuilders (Essex) completed conversion. The buses will be used to assist in reducing social isolation for naval veterans of the Royal Naval Association and others. They are fitted with a wheelchair lift and easy access steps. Each bus is sign written with the name of the dedicated gallantry award holder.
The Parade starts at 1100 at the Cenotaph. Captain Paul Quinn OBE RN is the General Secretary and is available for quotes 07850 646 755, interviews etc. E-mail at paul@royalnavalassoc.com Press are welcome to the event and should arrive before 1030.
