A FORMER Royal Navy officer will be watched by thousands as he leads a commemorative parade through Liverpool this weekend carrying the National Standard.
Arthur Young, of Cornmore, Pershore, has been given the honour of bearing the standard at the final event in a series held across the country to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.
The 78-year-old, who has been a standard bearer for 15 years, said it was an honour to be asked to take part in the event.
“I was very proud because to carry the national standard is quite an honour,” said Mr Young, who ended his career in the Royal Naval Patrol Service as a petty officer. “They always lead the parade on Sunday.
“About three years ago I did a sponsored walk from Worcester to Pershore and swam a mile and raised £7,000.
“We had a beautiful monument put up in the Arboretum in Staffordshire. The headquarters there put me forward for this honour.”
Throughout the weekend events will take place around the city to mark the occasion including the arrival of veterans of the battle and warships from around the globe.
Mr Young recalled his time on board naval vessels.
He said: “I had eight different ships setting off with the vanguard and we used to have the Royal family on board.
“We travelled with the Queen just after she came to the throne in 1953. We took her to Norway and Holland.
“In those days you had to be very careful so all we said was ‘Good morning, ma’am’.
“A few years after I came out of the Navy I got back involved again and I have since carried the standard in Canada and Norway.” The event begins today as ships start to arrive in Liverpool.
The main parade will take place on Sunday along with a flypast by aircraft from the Royal Navy Historic Flight.
For more information, visit royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and- Events.
