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Ron Gumbley, one of the final living veterans who served in the Far East during the Second World War, has passed away at the age of 101. Hailing from Birmingham, he enlisted in the Royal Air Force at the age of 18. His family, through a statement given by his daughter Kay, described him as a hero who lived life to the fullest and expressed their deep sorrow at his peaceful passing.
Earlier this year, Ron was among 33 veterans honored at a national service held in Staffordshire commemorating 80 years since Japan’s surrender, marking the end of World War Two. The event was hosted by the Royal British Legion at the National Memorial Arboretum and attended by the King, Queen, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During this ceremony, Ron shared an excerpt from Laurence Binyon’s poem For The Fallen and later had the opportunity to meet the King during a reception for veterans who served in the Far East and their families.
In November, Ron attended a further reception at Windsor Castle, joining the King, Queen, and the Prince of Wales to observe VJ Day. During the summer months, the BBC spoke with him at his home, marking the first time he publicly recounted his wartime experiences. Ron talked about his duties, which mainly involved delivering letters to troops and returning correspondence to their loved ones. He remembered the challenges of landing in jungle regions and assisting prisoners of war following Japan’s surrender. A particularly cherished memory for Ron was meeting Vera Lynn, the famous wartime singer who toured globally to lift the spirits of soldiers.
In the interview, Ron also shared a poignant piece of personal history: the first love letter he sent home to his “sweetheart” Peggy, who later became his wife. The letter read: “To the only girl I love, I will always remember you, my darling. I am waiting for the day when I can come back to you and make you very happy. From your ever loving sweetheart, Ron xxxx.” This tender message remains a touching reminder of the personal lives touched by the global conflict
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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