Thank You Liberator Medal

On Saturday, July 25th, Chairman Maikel and Secretary Amanda, along with their daughter, Katie, attended a very special South Yorkshire Veterans Breakfast Club at Toby’s Carvery in Rotherham.

Sergeant Arnold Walton, Hallamshire Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, was presented with the medal by the Dutch Military Attaché, Captain Rick Ongering, who attended with his lovely wife, Marloes.

Other special guests included Deputy Lieutenant Adrian Hunt, Mayor of Rotherham Haroon Rashid, and the Rotherham Armed Forces Champion Gill Garnett. The lovely Ellie Colton from BBC Radio Sheffield also came and interviewed a few of the guests, and Mr. Philip Knight, who’s grandfather, Fred Adamson, was also part of the 49th West Riding (Infantry) Division.

The entire day was made possible by a few incredible people. Tracy and Gary Richardson, who are Arnold’s neighbours and help to take care of Arnold’s every-day needs made the arrangements with Sharon Lee and Mark Granger of the SYVBC.

We were also joined by Martin, who attended with his wife Sharon. Just over 2 years ago, Martin was sat in his car, waiting for Sharon to finish at the dentist next to Arnold’s house, when he saw Arnold fall over backwards. Martin jumped into action and found Arnold in cardiac arrest. He performed CPR until the paramedics arrived. Without his quick and heroic actions, we would not have been able to find and recognise Arnold for his service in World War 2.

A few speeches, great food, and a lot of laughs made for a fantastic morning that Arnold will remember for ever.