On June 6, the Thatcham Branch of The Royal British Legion commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Following the Act of Remembrance at 11am, Mayor of Thatcham, Suzanne Adamantos, and Thatcham RBL chairman, Brian Hare, laid wreaths at the town’s War Memorial.
Members of Thatcham RBL laid wreaths dedicated to Second World War veterans Arthur Batey, Bob Clements and Jack Jowat — none of whom survive today.
Mr Batey and Mr Clements were both awarded the Legion d’Honneur — France’s highest decoration — in 2016.
Mr Jowat lived in Thatcham for many years and was a lifelong member of the RBL.
Trustees of Thatcham Memorial Foundation also laid wreaths for veterans Jesse Victor Pearce, Ernest Albert Jackson and Reginald Arthur Claridge.
The commemoration was supported by Thatcham Town Council.
Thatcham’s War Memorial is 105 years old and the wider Garden of Remembrance was designed in 1969.
Thatcham Memorial Foundation says both urgently need more support due to their age.
Individuals can support their ongoing upkeep and maintenance by subscribing to Thatcham War Memorial Friends and Guardians.
Other group associates volunteer their time at fundraising events and with watering plants.
Each membership category comes with specific benefits, including invitations to commemorative services.
Please contact enquiries@thatchammemorial.org.uk or 01635868244 to lend your support.
