WWII veterans Jeff Haward, Ray Whitwell and Eric Taylor were in France in late May and early June 1940 with the British Expeditionary Force when more than 300,000 allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk in an operation codenamed Dynamo.
Jeff Haward, 100, who lives near Rochester, in Kent, fought from Dunkirk in 1940 to D Day in 1944 with the 1/7th Middlesex Regiment and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in battle. Following evacuation from Dunkirk, the 1/7th, carried out coastal defence duties in preparation for the German invasion.
Raymond Whitwell, 101, who lives in Malton, North Yorkshire, served with the Royal Army Service Corps, he was evacuated at Dunkirk and four years later flew into the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden in September 1944.
Eric Taylor, who celebrates his 100th birthday in June, lives in Cornwall. Eric was in the 7th Batt Royal Norfolk Regiment, who were part of the 51st Highland Division. Unable to make their way to Dunkirk in time to be evacuated they remained in France and made for Le Harve. They were cut off by the Germans and the division surrendered at St Valery-en-Caux on the 12th June.
Dick Goodwin, Vice President, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans said,
“Centenarian’s Jeff, Ray and Eric are fabulous examples of the bravery shown by our armed forces during the Second World War. Usually they would be joining the Taxi Charity on trips to the continent to pay their respects to their comrades that didn’t come home, but sadly this year all our planned visits for the veterans are cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. ”
To find out more about The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans please visit www.taxicharity.org.uk
About Dunkirk
This year is the 80th anniversary of Dunkirk, code-named Operation Dynamo, during WWII, when more than 300,000 Allied soldiers were evacuated from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, in France, between May 26th and June 4th, 1940. The operation commenced after large numbers of Belgian, British, and French troops were cut off and surrounded by German troops during the six-week Battle of France.
About the Taxi Charity
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948, to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of military veterans and arranges many trips every year for veterans from all conflicts.
The charity offers international trips to The Netherlands, Belgium and France, UK day trips to concerts or museums, transport to attend fundraising events, as well as special days out to catch up with friends and comrades.
To fund and facilitate these outings, the charity is wholly reliant on generous donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts and the amazing group of London licensed taxi drivers who offer their time and vehicles free.
