DESPITE not being able to hold their traditional Remembrance ceremony this year, cadet students and a small group of staff from Queen Elizabeth’s School, paid their respects to the fallen at 11am on Wednesday, November 11, with silence, a poem and a special dedication to local veteran Robert Harry Thomas Reeves.

Mr Reeves was born on March 3, 1923 and died on March 17, 2020.

During World War Two, “Bob” served in the Merchant Navy as a Petty Officer.

His boat was one of the first at Sword Beach in 1944, otherwise known as the D-Day landings.

He was awarded five medals including the “Legion of Honour” for his service during the war and on that fateful day.

He was a much-loved character by all who met him, including his late wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

As a mark of respect and gratitude, the Tommy was dedicated to “Bob”.

QE teacher Sandra Elson, who heads up arrangements for Remembrance at QE each year, said: “Whilst we were disappointed that we were unable to hold our full Remembrance ceremony this year, we were pleased to be able to honour a very special local veteran, Robert Harry Thomas Reeves, known to his friends and family as Bob, and dedicate our beautiful Tommy statue to him.

“I would like to say a big thank you to our cadet students for representing our armed forces so wonderfully today.”