John “Boy” as he likes to be known, is a resident at Brook House Care Home who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. This was a celebration like no other, as it would lead to a star-studded ceremony and once in a lifetime opportunity to be reunited with achievements that he earned in his younger years.
John Boy served in the Royal navy through his early adult life and for his service, was awarded medals to honour his commitment. His time in the Navy was discussed on his birthday with the Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr McPherson and during this call, it was revealed that John’s medals had been lost at some point in his past. With no family relations alive, the councillor knew that if there was a way of reuniting John with these medals, it would serve as an honourable and deserved reminder of his service to the country.
Some months later, off the back of his call with the Mayor, the Mayor’s Secretary, Penny got in touch with Brook House and said they had been in touch with the Royal Navy about his lost medals. To John’s amazement, the Navy said they would like to put on a special ceremony at the Guildhall in Cambridge, where we would be re-presented with his medals on VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day).
John was very excited and couldn’t believe that he would be reunited with his medals after turning 100.
Alongside Home Manager, Jessy, Lifestyle Coordinator, Sophie and Lifestyle and Wellbeing Lead, Pearl, they travelled up to Guildhall for the special service.
Upon arrival, they were escorted upstairs and John was helped to his large red throne chair where he sat with pride throughout the ceremony. Commodore David Elford, Naval Regional Commander for East of England, Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridge, Col Roger Herriot and the Mayor, Cllr Mcpherson all stood to the side of John “Boy” as he was presented with his medals.
A speech was then read by Commodore, David Elford, the Naval Regional commander, about the life and service of John Boy.
“Mr Jude joined the Navy on 19th August 1940 at the age of 20, conducting his initial training at HMS Collingwood Fareham and a short draft at HMS Pembroke Chatham, then moved to the government training school HMS Excellent at Portsmouth.
“In April 1941, Mr Jude was drafted to HMS Farmdale a hunt class destroyer that spent almost a year patrolling the Mediterranean but predominantly based in Alexander Egypt. However the ship was severely damaged by enemy action in February 1942, able seaman Jude was drafted to Dynoclass light cruiser HMS Naiad in Malta but only for 7 days as this ship suffered severe torpedo damage from German aircraft operated by Crete and was sunk 11th March 1942.
“As ante airman gunner able seaman Jude continued with coastal forces throughout 1943. He served across the Mediterranean in a selection of motor torpedo boats and motor launches. Returning to the UK in 1944 for further training and later served in motor torpedo boats and motor launches on the South Coast HMS Hornet in Gosport, HMS Cicala in Dartmouth and HMS St Christopher in Fort William Scotland.
At the end of World War II Mr Jude was based at HMS Wildflower and then at Sheerness in Kent where he cruised motor launches until March 1947. He then transferred to the royal fleet reserve where he served the remaining of his Navy years and was discharged from the Navy on 13th February 1953 having served some 12 years and 7 months.
“Mr Jude then returned to his home town of Norwich and worked in the Mackintosh Chocolate Factory which had reopened after being destroyed by enemy bombing 1942.”
The medals John received include:
- Defence medal 1939-1945
- War medal 1939-1945
- War Star 1939-1945
- France & Germany Star
- Italy Star
- Africa Star with North Africa Clasp
- Veteran badge from the Ministry of Defence
TV Anglia and the British Forces Service came down to film and take pictures of the ceremony, for online articles and a broadcast news piece aired on the channel that evening.
After an emotional service, John commented, “today has been remarkable and I never expected it to be so grand and just all about me. It has meant a lot to me and I thank everyone that has made this day happen.”
Congratulations John Boy, we’re glad they're back in your possession and are proud to have you as part of our family.