​As we mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday this week, members of the Omega team have been reflecting on their own families who risked their lives for the freedom of others. We wear our poppy with pride and think of the sacrifices they made and their heroic efforts during wartime.

Amie Daniels – Office Manager

From my Dad’s side of the family, we honour my Great Grandfather Joe who served in the Navy during the First World War. He was part of the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and lost one of his eyes.

At this time of year, we also remember Ray Hewlett who served in the Second World War between 1939-1945. He signed up at just 18 years of age and was placed in Ardennes, France, and spent time within a concentration camp (he didn’t talk a lot about the war as my Dad believed he suffered with what he saw). On the way back through France following the end of the war, he told his family he saw a lot of dead bodies carelessly led where they fell, which for his age he really struggled with. He came back to the UK, married my Nan and lived until the age of 72.

From my maternal side, I remember my Grandad, Leslie James Hudd, who was enlisted in the Royal Artillery (240 Heavy AA Tng Regiment) on the 15th April 1943. He ended up in India until the end of the War, then returned to marry my Nanny Violet in 1948.

Carys Pegrum – Recruitment Support Officer

From my family, I honour my Great Grandad Maurice Collins who was a pre-war member of the 5th Territorial Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment and was called up in September 1939. He saw service in France in 1940 with the British Expeditionary Force. Following the evacuation, he transferred to Airborne Forces and was posted to the 8th Parachute Battalion going to France on the 6th of June 1944 in the Bois de Bacent Area. On the 17th of August 1944, his unit had fought its way inland where they reached Roucherville and Troarn. They met German opposition in farm buildings above the village of St Richer. They were unable to outflank the enemy and in attacking a German defense point, he and two officers were killed. He is buried in the Ranville Military Cemetery and left behind my Great Grandmother and her four children.  

Every individual thinks of a loved one or ancestor during Remembrance in particular and the plight they made for their country. Their names and actions will forever live on.