‘Lest We Forget’ - London Legacy looks for Support for the UK’s Forgotten War Widows.

April 2, 2008 - PRLog -- 2008 sees the 60th year of London Legacy, the European arm of Legacy, a uniquely Australian & New Zealand charity No 1085603, established in 1947 in London by ex-servicemen. Legacy is dedicated to the task of caring for the widows and dependants of their comrades who have served in a war or operational area or whose death was occasioned by hazardous service or training for war.

Lindsay Birrell, Legatee & President of London Legacy today pointed out that many Australian & New Zealand Service Personnel have fallen in love with and married brides whilst stationed in the UK. “For 60 years now we have been assisting widows here in the UK who don’t have the same support network for them as exists in Australia”.

“Our major challenge is the care of widows of advanced years who now need special care and practical assistance in such matters as accommodation, medical, legal and general welfare and assistance. This all costs money so we are looking for help” Birrell commented. “We find ANZAC Day is a time of the year where people open their hearts and pockets to us, so we are looking for people to support Legacy either through donations, buying a Legacy Pin or even by giving their time to us as a Volunteer” he added.

“Never has it been more important in our 60 year history in Europe as now in taking care of our widows and we will use the services of ANZAC Day 2008 for a moment of reflection not only for the departed, but the families and loved ones who remain behind. This year we will particularly remember fallen comrade Dick Sinclair and his widow and son still with us” advised Birrell. “Dick’s Widow Naomi Sinclair has an amazing story of love and tragedy”.

Naomi met her future husband Dick, a naval pilot, when he was sent to England in March 1950. They met in HMS Garnet at Eglinton Co. Derry, Ireland, where Naomi was an aircraft engine mechanic in the WRENS. They were ‘the missing halves of each other’ and were married on June 3 1950. They moved to Australia later that year. They were posted all around Australia in a short span of time until in March 1951 Dick was told that he was to be posted onto HMAS Sydney, which was going to Korea for 6 months.

By this time Naomi was pregnant so Dick was able to get leave for the birth of their son Roger on August the 28th. Dick had said goodbye at 10.30 am on Thursday the 30th of August 1951. He never saw his son again as sadly; he was killed in action aged 22 on 7th of December.

Naomi remembers “I have never forgotten the verse Dr Morrison told me in 1951 - To you, from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to lift it high. If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders fields. Australian Legacy and London Legacy has not broken faith and I am grateful – 77years old now and still grateful”.

London Legacy is looking for help to support deserving people such as Naomi and will be present at services on ANZAC Day, commencing with the Dawn Service at the New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park Corner, London. The service will commence at 5am. Wreaths will be laid at the Australian War Memorial (also at Hyde Park Corner) immediately after the completion of the Dawn Service.

At 11am, a service and march will take place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall followed by the ANZAC service at Westminster Abbey at 12 noon.

Legacy will also be present at other ANZAC Day themed events including the ANZAC DOGS NIGHT & the TNT ANZAC BALL on the 11th of April, the ANZAC SPORTS CHALLENGE on the 26th of April and ANZAC DAY at “The Church” in Camden on Sunday the 27th of April.  Any help and assistance people can offer to London Legacy UK Registered Charity No 1085603 would be very much appreciated to allow the continued support of widows still living in Europe.

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London Legacy is a not for profit Charity organisation supporting widows of Australian and New Zealand servicemen in the United Kingdom.