Residents of Westerham Place Care Home in Westerham witnessed a moving ceremony as one of their friends received a military honour.
Terry Brown, a former soldier and a resident of Westerham Place, had a big surprise when members of the town’s army cadets and a representative from the Royal Tank Association paid him a visit in October.
Following a marching display from the cadets, Terry was presented with a veteran badge and plaque in his honour during a ceremony in the home’s garden. His son and daughter were delighted to attend too, sharing this precious moment with their father.
The Westerham Place residents also enjoyed the day, listening to war-time music while enjoying a buffet lunch and congratulating Terry on his service.
Having joined the Army at 17, Terry wasn’t called for active duty during the Second World War, but completed his training at Catterick in the North East and served in India during the partition.
After his career in the army, Terry worked in plastics technology and lived in Germany for some time, along with his late wife Betty, who he still misses.
He said: “The cadet visit was a real treat for me and to receive a veteran badge was fantastic.
“I was only young when I joined the Army and they reminded me of me at a similar age! The best part was sharing the day with my son and daughter and everyone at Westerham Place.”
Senior carer at Westerham Place Isobel Brookes said: “We love welcoming local people to our home and this was a special day.
“Terry loves telling us about his Army days so we thought that a visit from the local cadets and the presentation of a veteran badge would really make his day – and it definitely did!”
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