Veterans’ Foundation
@VeteransFdn
Followers
8K
Following
2K
Media
4K
Statuses
5K
Raising funds to provide a better life for armed forces veterans in need. Awarded £25m to 500+ charities UK military charities to date.
United Kingdom
Joined May 2016
HERO VETERANS – REAL LIFE STORIES.Mark Harding spent 16 years serving with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, completing tours of Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Iraq. But it was in Afghanistan in May 2010 when his life changed forever. Mark was shot by a Taliban sniper, the
0
3
12
We are sorry to hear about the recent passing of Royal Marine Mark Fricker.🕯️. Mark sadly died after a three-year battle against bowel cancer. The local war hero, who completed operational tours of Afghanistan and Iraq, was just 45 when he passed away. May you rest in peace.❤️
492
716
9K
Happy 103rd birthday to RAF veteran Pauline Penrose!🎉🎂. Pauline worked for the RAF as a plotter during WW2. She was tasked with tracking enemy aircraft approaching the British coast so the RAF could be scrambled to attack them. Thank you for your service, Pauline.❤️
323
979
7K
🌟 We've been captivated by the stunning knitted tributes for remembrance that are popping up all around us! 🧶❤️ . Each piece tells a story of love and honour weaving together community spirit. Why not send us an image of your beautiful artistry for remembrance 🌺
127
1K
7K
Bernard Morgan, 100, is one of the veterans heading to Normandy ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. 🇬🇧 ❤️. Bernard was one of the youngest RAF Sergeants to land in Normandy on D-Day at just 20 years old. Thank you for your service, Sir. Lest we forget. 🌺
31
662
6K
Respect to the Muslim, Hindu and Sikh pilots of WW2. We will remember them 🌺
37
688
6K
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Percy Chafer at 104 years old. 🕯️. A D-Day veteran, Percy was a gunner, landing on Sword Beach with the 7th Armoured Division of the British Army. Thank you for your service, Sir. Rest in Peace.❤️. Source: British Normandy Memorial
251
781
5K
A lovely festive photo of 100-year-old D-Day veteran Bernard Morgan and Princess Kate at the Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. 🎄❤️
33
383
5K
✈️🎈Join us in wishing Bomber Command veteran George Dunn a very happy 102nd birthday!. George completed 44 operations during WW2, serving with 76 Squadron. 🇬🇧. We hope he had a lovely day! 🎉. 📰Source: RAF Benevolant Fund
270
635
4K
We are pleased to learn that the Princess of Wales will be returning to her royal duties after completing her preventative chemotherapy. Her deeply personal video with her family revealed her strength and resilience. We wish you all the best in this next phase of your recovery.
40
311
4K
🎉🎈 We hope D-day Fred Adamson had a very happy 105th birthday!. Fred served in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 1st/4th Battalion from 1940 to 1946. He was awarded the French Legion of Honour. 🎖️. Happy Birthday Fred!. 📰 Source: Doncaster Free Press
199
549
4K
Visibly exhausted 23 year old RAF pilot Brian Lane, photographed here after nearly 30 hours of dogfighting during the Battle of Britain in 1940 🇬🇧. Lest we forget 🌺. #BattleofBritainDay
87
521
4K
Thank you for your service, your Majesty 🇬🇧. Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022 . Lest we forget 🌺
31
293
4K
D-Day veteran, Ron Baker passed away peacefully at 100 years old. 🕯️❤️. "He had been surrounded by family leading up to this and was very settled despite his failing health.". Our condolences to his family at this time. Thank you for your service, Sir. Source: Maldon Nub News
257
501
4K
Wishing The Duke of Sussex a happy 40th birthday! We hope you have a wonderful day.🎂🎉
96
616
3K
In memory of D-Day veteran Harry Billinge MBE.❤️
56
453
3K
Please take a moment to remember our brave heroes who won't be home for Christmas. 🎄❤️
37
580
3K
🎉👏 Happy 100th birthday to veteran, John King! . John was 18 years old when he was drafted into the Royal Navy. He was a Gunner on HMS Janus in 1942 when the battleship was struck and sank. John was one of 80 survivors. Source: THD News
110
348
3K
Join us in wishing Prince William a happy birthday! We hope he has a wonderful day. ❤️ 🇬🇧
27
330
3K
We are sorry to hear about the passing of D-Day veteran Don Sheppard, aged 104.🕯️. Don was a dispatch rider for the Royal Engineers and landed on Juno beach. He also helped liberate the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentration camp. Thank you for your service, Don. Lest we forget.❤️🕊️
130
377
3K
🇬🇧🇬🇧 D-Day hero George Chandler was due to march past the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday, but sadly passed away on 19 October. His granddaughters upheld his wishes to be present at this year’s parade, and marched in honour of him. 🌺❤️. Source: BlindVeteransUK
71
291
3K
Wishing D-day veteran Eric Birkin a happy 100th birthday! 🎉. Eric served in the Armed Forces between 1942 and 1948. He was part of the D-Day landings during WW2. Thank you for your service, Sir. We hope you had a wonderful day!❤️🎂. Source: Harwich and Manningtree Standard
89
337
3K
Join us in wishing Phil Sweet a magnificent 100th birthday! 👏 🎉. Phil is a D-Day veteran, and on the landings he said "Those six weeks were the toughest I have experienced in my life both physically and mentally.". We are grateful for his service. ❤️. Source: Stratford Herald
163
439
3K
Let's give a round of applause to ex-serviceman Jonathan Farrelly and his friend Lee Jennings, who have walked 150 miles to raise awareness of homelessness among veterans!👏👏. Well done to you both!💪❤️. Source: BBC News
105
437
3K
D-Day veteran, Harry Hughes, has been laid to rest, aged 98. 🌹. Harry was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2015 for liberating France during WW2. Thank you for your service, Sir. Rest in peace. 🫡. Source: EADT
134
362
3K
🎉💯 We wish D-Day veteran Reginald Pye an amazing 100th birthday! . Reginald served with 224 Field Company, Royal Engineers, as part of the Allied Invasion. He celebrated his special day with family and friends. Happy Birthday, Reggie! 🎂🎈
139
240
2K
🎉🇬🇧Celebrating Donald Rose, Britain’s oldest WW2 veteran, who turns 110 on Christmas Eve! A true hero who honoured fallen soldiers at Remembrance Sunday. 🌺💪
64
368
2K
Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to HRH, The Princess of Wales. ✨🎂🎉
29
236
2K
Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson was a distinguished bomber pilot in the RAF during WW2. He was killed in action on the 19th of September 1944 in Steenbergen, Holland. We remember his sacrifice. 🌺.#MemorialWall
61
355
2K
Please take a moment to remember Joseph David Windall who died in Afghanistan in 2006. 🕯️. Joe joined the Royal Marines in November 2002 and was described as being "an immensely popular member of the Royal Marines.". Thank you for your service, Sir. ❤️.#MemorialWall
73
229
2K
🌺🕯️ We were deeply saddened to hear about the death of D-day veteran William Wake, who has died aged 99. William was only 18 when he went to sea for the first time on D-day and served on a LST Tank Landing ship. Our thoughts are with his friends and family. 🌺🕊️
143
277
2K
🎉🎂 We wish WW2 veteran Kenneth Kingsley a very happy 100th birthday!. Kenneth joined the King's Regiment (Liverpool) at 18. He was sent to Naples and later fought with the Gurkhas. He was taken prisoner in a farmhouse by the Nazis. 📰 Source: Barnsley Chronicle
125
243
2K
A soldier from the Royal Corps of Signals, paints a poppy mural in honour of the fallen, onto the compound wall in Gao, Mali, in 2020. We will remember them. 🌺
14
243
2K
This weekend, during the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, we remember the bravery of those who made sacrifices in 1944. In all, 1,485 British and Polish airborne troops were killed or died of wounds and 6,525 more became prisoners of war. Lest we forget.🌺
43
466
2K
Join us in paying our respects to Royal Navy veteran, Michael Tibbs who passed away aged 102. His bravery in the Arctic Convoys will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, sir 🕯️🌺
86
257
2K
Happy birthday to Ruth Dicksee, who has turned 103 years old! 🎂🤩. Ruth served as a Sergeant in the WRAF during WW2 working in the operations room at North Weald Airfield in Essex, one of the main fighter bases used for the Battle of Britain. 🫡. Source: Salisbury Journal
113
265
2K
🎈🎉 Join us in wishing WAAF veteran Joyce Ensell a happy 103rd birthday!. Joyce served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force from 1941 to 1944, and rose to the rank of Leading Aircraftwoman. We hope she had a lovely day!. 📰 Source: Cobseo
153
267
2K
Two British WW2 servicemen were given touching funerals at Arnhem - 80 years after they were killed.🌺🕯️. Their remains were recently found and identified through DNA tests. Both men were killed during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024
49
265
2K
Please take a moment to remember Corporal Channing Amanda Day who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012. 🕊️. Channing was a Combat Medical Technician Class One with the UK Medical Group. "A girl who lived her life to the full without ever giving up on her dreams." ❤️. #MemorialWall
101
256
2K
Happy birthday to former flight engineer, Bryan Wardell who turned 103! 🎈👏. When asked if he was scared during WW2, he said "I didn't have time to be frightened.". Thank you for your bravery, Sir. We hope you have a wonderful day. Source: Daily Echo
92
304
2K
We are saddened to hear of the passing of D-Day veteran, Joe Turpin. ❤️🕯️. Joe was a radar operator in the Navy during WW2 and took part in the D-Day landings. Our condolences to Joe's family and friends. Thank you for your service, Sir. 🫡. Source: Blackpool Gazette
88
264
2K
🎉 WW2 veteran Bryan Wardell will be turning 103 this weekend, and his Care Home are hoping he'll have 103 birthday cards!. We hope he has a lovely birthday! Cards can be posted to Sunnybank House on Botley Road, Eastleigh. 🎈. 📰 Source: Southern Daily Echo
92
287
2K
🌺🇬🇧 We were deeply saddened by the death of WW2 veteran Raymond Whitwell, who died at the age of 105. Raymond was called up in 1939 and was part of the Dunkirk evacuation. He fought in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, the Battle of Arnhem, and Operation Market Garden. 🌺🕊️
100
295
2K
We are sorry to hear about the death of D-Day veteran Dennis Donovan, aged 100. Dennis served with 48 (Royal Marine) Commando and was part of a force that landed at Juno Beach on June 6 1944. None of them had helmets, only their green berets. Thank you for your service, Sir.❤️🕊️
125
282
2K
🎉🎈We wish D-day veteran Peter Smoothy a very happy 100th birthday!. Peter served in the Royal Navy, and on D-day was just 19 when he served aboard Landing Ship Tank 215 which came under heavy bombardment. Happy birthday Peter! 🎂. 📰 Source: Daily Express
100
257
2K
Join us in wishing Princess Kate a happy birthday. We hope she has a wonderful day. 🎉 ❤️
26
218
2K
Remembering young Franjo Brummer, a life cut tragically short at Bergen-Belsen. His battle against horror ended at just 10. We honour his memory. 🕊️ #NeverForget 🌺
76
320
2K
Join us in wishing Tony a wonderful 105th birthday! 👏 🎉. He landed at Gold Beach in Normandy, France, just after the D-Day landings in 1944 and was awarded the French Legion of Honour in 2020 for his service. Thank you for your service, Sir. ❤️. Source: BBC News
123
294
2K
On this day in 1940, the Luftwaffe launched a massive assault in the skies over Britain. It was a day of heavy fighting and significant casualties. The RAF shot down more than 50 German aircraft in what proved to be a pivotal victory over the Luftwaffe. Lest we forget.🌺
27
462
2K
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Marjorie Dodsworth a Wren who worked at Bletchley Park during WW2. 🕊️. We are grateful for her contribution to the war. Rest in peace, Ma'am. 🫡. Source: ITV News
86
251
2K
🎖️A heroic former Royal Marine, Brad 'Bugsy' Malone, has sold his Conspicuous Gallantry Cross - one of only 60 awarded - for a world record £160,000 to finance the building of a retreat for veterans in the Scottish highlands. Source: Forces Network #RoyalMarine #VeteransRetreat
53
267
2K
WW2 veteran Harry Rawlins, who played a key role in liberating Nazi-occupied Holland, has passed away at 98. Thank you for your service, Harry. 🌺🕊️"
47
184
2K
Happy birthday to D-Day veteran, Bill Redston, who turned 100 on Thursday! 🎉❤️. Bill was a First Lieutenant of Motor Launch 191 during WW2 as part of Naval Coastal Forces. Thank you for your service, Sir. We hope you had a great day! 🫡. Source: Express and Star
76
210
2K
Five Australian former prisoners of war relaxing and catching up with cups of tea and a newspaper after their release from Japanese captivity in Changi POW camp Singapore. September 1945 . Lest we forget 🌺
67
375
2K
Please join us in thanking our brave armed forces today.🇬🇧💪
35
365
2K
We are deeply saddened about the death of D-Day veteran David Woodrow who passed away last week, aged 100.🕯️🇬🇧. David served with the Royal Air Force 652 Air Observation Post Squadron and was part of the advance party that landed on D-Day. Thank you, David. Lest we forget.🕊️
36
197
2K
Janet Hazlewood, a blind RAF veteran is set to march with her great-grandson at the Cenotaph in London this Remembrance Sunday. She will be joined by more than 40 other blind veterans supported by Blind Veterans UK. 🌺. Source: Yahoo
29
225
2K
Join us in remembering Ken Watkins, who died aged 47.🕯️🇬🇧. Ken did his Para Course in February 1944 and went to the 2nd SAS Regiment. After the war, he served in 14th Bn Parachute Regt, 21 SAS, 22 SAS (D Sqn), and finished his service as RSM 23 SAS Regt. Lest we forget.🌺
46
153
2K
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. 🌺
11
297
2K
In memory of Harry Billinge, MBE.🇬🇧🕯️.Harry was one of the first British soldiers to reach Gold Beach during the Normandy landings in 1944. At just 18 years old, Harry was one of only four in his ten-man section to survive the Battle of Normandy. Lest we forget.🌺
33
204
2K
REMEMBERING OUR D-DAY HEROES.“By noon we’d lost 1,000 lads. I still think about them every day.”.David Teacher MBE was among the first to arrive at Juno Beach as part of the D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944. Sadly, David passed away aged 100, but his incredible courage will never
24
309
2K
🌺🇬🇧 We were sorry to hear about the death of Royal Marines Commando Tim Crossin. After being diagnosed with cancer, he raised more than £27,000 for charity by completing cold water swims. In his memory, his family and friends decided to take a cold dip every day in January.
86
213
2K
Men of the Northumberland Fusiliers in St Eloi, France, March 1916. We will remember them 🌺
40
196
2K
Remembering Philip Louis Ulric Cross, the most decorated West Indian of WW2. A member of the Pathfinder Force, his bravery should never be forgotten. #BlackHistoryMonth 🌺
43
243
2K
Gilbert Clarke from Jamaica, volunteered for the RAF at 18-years-old in 1943. On the 6th June 1944, he was a trainee learning about radar systems, when the roar of aircraft engines above alerted him that D-Day was underway, with the aircraft heading to France. ✈️. Source: AP News
16
213
2K
We are saddened to hear of the passing of WW2 veteran, Bernard Gough at 98. 🕯️. Bernard signed up for the Navy at 16 and served in the Arctic Convoy. “He was a real hero, through his war record, his work ethic and his devotion to his family. ”. Source: Herald Wales
83
215
2K
📷 American war veterans lined up to take pictures with Prince William at the D-Day 80th anniversary in Normandy last week. 🇺🇸🇬🇧
24
171
2K
🎉🎈Join us in wishing D-day veteran Cecil Newton a very happy 101st birthday! . Cecil landed in an amphibious tank on Gold Beach on D-day, and was among those tasked with attacking part of the German concrete defences. We hope he had a lovely day. 🎂. 📰Source: Newbury today
118
263
2K
Happy 110th birthday to D-Day veteran and the UK's oldest man, Donald Rose!.Donald was born in 1914 and served on the front line with the 7th Armoured Division. Mr Rose joined the Queen's Royal Regiment at age 25 and served in North Africa and Europe before training as a sniper.
87
273
2K
“I shall never forget what I saw." 🕯️. Ted Rutland was only 20 when he took part in the Allied invasion as part of the 147 Regiment Royal Armoured Corps. As part of the 80th anniversary commemorations, Ted will unveil a new war monument in Portsmouth tomorrow. Source: BBC News
10
161
2K
Join us in wishing a happy birthday to Captain Walter Godsal RN who turns 100 today! 🎉 ❤️. There will be a presentation for Walter where he will be presented with a centenary birthday card and a letter of congratulations at Dunkirk Memorial House. 🫡. Source: WSFP
125
224
2K
Please take a moment to remember L/Corporal James Fullarton, 2nd Bn The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who was killed in an explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan on the 16th of August 2009. James was 24 years old. 🕯️. Source: @war_fallen
56
157
2K
Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 21st August 2010. 🕯️. "You will always be in our hearts, Jordan - Mum, Dad, your brothers Paul and Leighton, your sister Toni, and your girlfriend Lauren.". #MemorialWall
50
151
2K
Remembering veteran Vera Hay who helped 200 casualties per day after landing on Gold Beach shortly after D-Day in her role as Junior Sister in the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service. We thank you for your amazing service, Vera. Lest we forget. 🇬🇧❤️🇬🇧
19
238
2K
In June 1944, Royal Engineers embarked on a ship for Normandy. Lest we forget 🌺
57
218
2K
🎉🇬🇧 Celebrating 100 years of heroism! Happy Birthday to Royal Navy veteran Peter Smoothy, who bravely served on D-Day. Wishing you strength & joy today! 🌟 #DDayHero #Happy100thBirthday
106
266
2K
Wishing D-Day veteran Peter Belcher a happy 101st birthday!🎉. Peter was a paratrooper in the Airborne Regiment, 4th Battalion Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and fought throughout WW2. He served in 17 countries and was awarded six military medals.🎖️
102
272
2K
Join us in remembering veteran Paul Muirhead, who died aged 28.🕯️.Paul was a L/Cpl and was very proud to be in the Royal Irish Regiment. He had served in Northern Ireland, been in Iraq twice & volunteered to go to Afghanistan. Thank you for your service, Paul. Lest we forget.🌺
41
159
2K
Our condolences to the family and friends of Robert ‘Bob’ Henry Knight, who passed away earlier this month at age 99. 🕯️. Bob served in the RAF during WW2 and also worked as a Justice of the Peace. Rest in peace, Bob. ❤️. Source: St Helens Star
45
189
2K
🌺 Today we honour the memory of French Resistance member, Josephine Baker. In 1961, in recognition to her contribution to the war effort, Baker received the Croix de Guerre and the Legion de Honor, two of Frances highest military honours.
30
239
2K
Respect to our allied forces.❤️🎖️.Major General Richard Rohmer was among those at Juno Beach celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day last week. Thank you for your service, Richard.🇨🇦
20
152
1K
Please take a moment to remember Marine Georgie Sparks, 42 Commando Royal Marines, who died of wounds received in an RPG attack northwest of Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province. Lest we forget.🕯️🌺.#MemorialWall
71
166
1K
Remembering Ernest Horsfall, aged 105.🕯️🇬🇧. Ernest served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as a staff sergeant from 1940 to 1946. He served in London during the Blitz before joining the Allied campaign in North Africa and then went to Italy to maintain tanks.
43
197
1K
Today we remember the incredible bravery of WW2 hero Don Sheppard, laid to rest with full military honours last Friday. A true inspiration to us all. Rest in peace, Don 🙏🏼🕊 #LestWeForget
67
201
1K
🎖️Albert Ball, a decorated British flying ace during WW1. He died at the age of 20 while persuing the brother of the infamous Red Baron through a cloud bank. Lest we forget.🌺. Source: War History Online
49
195
1K
Paying tribute to D-day veteran John Duke.🕯️. John was 23 and serving with the Reconnaissance Corps when he landed on Gold Beach in June 1944. As part of the Recce Corps John’s daring job was to provide intelligence for advancing infantry divisions. Thank you for your service.❤️
54
236
1K
Honouring the brave WW2 veterans at the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands. Thank you to the Taxi charity for making it possible. Lest we forget 🌺 #Arnhem80 #OperationMarketGarden
33
198
1K
46
181
1K
🎖️Congratulations to WW2 veteran Basil Smith who has received his service medals 80 years after leaving the RAF!. He was presented with a war medal and a defence medal in his hometown on Monday. 📰 Source: BBC News
60
178
1K
Remembering Marine James Wright, 42 Commando Royal Marines. Who died of his wounds from an enemy grenade at Checkpoint Kamiabi on 5th August 2011 in Afghanistan. He was 22 years old. #LestWeForget #RIP
40
138
1K
🕯️Join us in remembering Lance Corporal David Kirkness, 3rd Battalion The Rifles, who was killed in a suicide IED blast near central Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, aged 24. Lest we forget.🌺.#MemorialWall
73
197
1K
