Burma Star Association - B.C. Chapter
In June 2005 several members of our branch headed for England to attend the Burma Star Association Reunion in Blackpool. It is the only time I have visited Blackpool in blazing sunshine and endured 30 degrees Celsius. In the past I have always had to walk the promenade doubled over into the wind and rain, trying to avoid been blown across the sea to Ireland!
The reunion was successful but it is beginning to lose some of its excitement and lustre due to falling membership and increasing costs. But I still tip my hat to the hardworking members of the Blackpool and Fylde Branch and also for the generous support provided by the City of Blackpool.
Following the reunion our small band went their separate ways sightseeing, visiting friends and relatives in Britain and Ireland and also to attend the many functions and celebrations taking place all over Britain to mark the end of World War 2.
During these remembrance gatherings it so happened that three of our Branch members were thrilled to have the honor of enjoying personal contacts with several members of the Royal Family.
Our President, Percy Smith was invited to attend the garden party hosted by Her Majesty the Queen on the lawn of Buckingham Palace on Sunday July 10th. Several hundred veterans mingled in many large tents erected on the grounds through which Her Majesty strolled and randomly greeted her guests. Our President was totally surprised when Queen Elizabeth walked over to him and began a conversation. It turned out to be relatively long conversation - largely one sided - because for once in his loquacious life Percy was rendered absolutely speechless!
In July, Herb Lim, another member of our local Branch visited the mammoth display of memorabilia of the War Years in St. James Park in London. While touring this display he fell into conversations with both HRH Prince Charles and his wife Camilla. The photograph of Herb and Camilla shaking hands is priceless and is surely one for the record. They both look terrific
Yet another member, Michael Williams , was invited to attend several VJ Day Commemoration Services on August 21st culminating in a reception in Westminster Hall where he was selected to meet and chat with HRH Prince Charles. However this is not a new occurrence since Michael is heavily involved in the Chindits Old Comrades Association, of which Prince Charles is Patron; they meet on a yearly basis at Highgrove, which is the home of Prince Charles.
So at the present time our British Columbia Branch is riding high in the afterglow of Royal encounters.
Joe Arblaster, webmaster
Camilla greeting Herb Lim
Prince Charles chatting with Herb Lim
Does Herb turn his back on the Royals?
Herb doing what he likes best!
Herb Lim with Burma Star friends