WWII Veteran Celebrates 90 years

The Royal British Legion Shoulder to shoulder with all who Serve

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World War II veteran celebrates 90 years!

At their most recent meeting, Clee Hill & District Royal British Legion celebrated the imminent 90^th birthday of their Chairman, Alec Evans, with a special presentation. Neil Jenkins, Vice Chairman of Shropshire Royal British Legion presented Alec with a certificate commemorating the fact that his 90^th birthday falls in the same year that the Royal British Legion have been celebrating their 90^th birthday. Afterwards members of the branch and Alec's family enjoyed a buffet at the Golden Cross, Clee Hill, the branch headquarters.

Alec did his Army training at Aldershot before being posted to Egypt where he was involved in the battle of Alamein which is viewed as one of the decisive victories of World War Two. The battle was primarily fought between two of the outstanding commanders of World War Two, Montgomery and Rommel. The Allied victory at Alamein led to the German surrender in North Africa in May 1943. Alec then travelled up the desert and met the 1^st Army near Tunis then onto the invasion of Sicily. Christmas 1943 saw Alec return home ready for D-Day. He then served in France, Belgium and Holland, finishing up in Germany.

Alec joined the Royal British Legion in 1946 he says "Over those 65 years I have seen many changes and met many nice people at County and Branch level. We had a bad spell a few years ago where we sadly lost quite a few members, but thanks to everybody pulling together the branch now feels strong again."

Alec has previously received a gold badge from the Royal British Legion in recognition of his hard work on behalf of the charity. He is currently Chairman of Clee Hill & District Branch and Vice-President of Shropshire County branch.

Fay Vass, Secretary of Clee Hill & District branch said "Alec is a much loved and respected member of the branch and of the community in general. We are delighted to have been able to in some small way recognise the fantastic work he has done, and continues to do, on behalf of our branch."

PICTURED: Royal British Legion County Vice Chairman for Shropshire, Neil Jenkins presenting the certificate to Alec Evans, Chairman of Clee Hill & District Branch.