Derbyshire Veterans’ Community Champion

1993. Terry Hall

Terry has worked tirelessly over the past twenty years to ensure that the crew lost in the W5795 Wellington Bomber crash in 1942 are remembered.  He helps coordinate an annual parade and memorial service, arranging flypasts to mark significant milestones, including the Lancaster aircraft for last year’s 80th anniversary.

Terry has also supported the Poppy Appeal in his village for over half-a-century, and is the editor of the ‘Derbyshire Submariners’, a regular magazine bringing together the local veterans’ community.

In a personal letter to Terry, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:

“I wanted to write to thank you for your many decades of service to our country in the Royal Navy – and for all that you have done to support your community of veterans in Derbyshire.

“Through your tireless dedication, you have ensured there is a fitting memorial for all those who lost their lives in the W5795 Wellington Bomber crash. You have created a special place where their families can remember them, and where we can all pay tribute to their sacrifice – and to the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War.

“You have also been at the heart of your community of veterans in Derbyshire for more than two decades. From supporting numerous local remembrance services and Poppy Appeals to your newsletters and events for your band of “Derbyshire Submariners”, you are a point of light in your community”.

Pauline Latham OBE, Terry’s local MP said:

“Many congratulations to Terry, I am delighted that he has received this award in recognition of his dedication to the memory of fallen servicemen, in particular the crew of the Wellington W5795 Bomber and their families, and for his continuous commitment to the local community of Stanley village in Derbyshire.”

Terry said:

“Service not Self.”