A Calne veteran has honoured the fallen by laying a wreath at the Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore on behalf of all residents of the SN11 area.
Frank Rumble, who spent 22 years serving in the Royal Corps of Signals – including three in Singapore – returned to the country this summer with his wife, daughter and her family.
Frank first met his wife, then a Singapore citizen, during his posting there. The couple have visited many times over the years, witnessing the nation’s transformation since its independence in 1965 into what Frank describes as “one of the safest and most advanced in the world.”
“I have visited Kranji War Cemetery a few times in the past during previous visits and often thought of laying a wreath,” Frank said.
“As this year marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and I knew I would be in Singapore, it seemed a good time to do so. I managed to obtain the wreath from Calne Royal British Legion. Knowing the links the people of Calne and surrounding areas, i.e. the SN11 area, have with the military, to me it was only correct that the wreath should be from everyone.”
Frank’s 20-year-old grandson accompanied him, and together they visited the Battle Box, the final headquarters of the British and Commonwealth forces before Singapore’s surrender in 1942.
“It certainly was rather emotional for him, with the build-up to the original surrender followed by the number of casualties caused,” Frank explained. “Seeing the number of graves that contained unknown soldiers, in addition to the 24,000 named ones, rather shocked him. I had intended to include a visit to the Changi Memorial Chapel but ended up just explaining it to him rather than shock him even more.”
Frank said the visit had a profound effect on his grandson: “The experience has opened his mind to the futility of war and the fact that it must be far better to talk through any differences and problems rather than just try and totally destroy everything along with everyone.”
The wreath-laying was not only a personal act of remembrance but also a tribute from the whole SN11 community to those who served and sacrificed.
VJ Day will be marked on 15th August with a national two-minute silence at 12 noon. Calne Town Councillors and staff will assemble outside the Town Hall. There will be a short service at 2:15 pm held at the Town War Memorial by St.Mary's Church. Refreshments will be available inside the church. St Mary's Church bells will ring at 6:30pm to mark the day as part of the nationwide remembrance. A flag will be raised at the Town Gardens on 15th August and remain in place until 2nd September - marking the VJ Day Period.
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