Alan Davies, a soldier unknown until now, will be added to a UK memorial. He survived Dunkirk and the Battle of Imjin River.
They learned about a new veteran from the Forest of Dean, Alan Davies. He was previously unknown to the group, and his name will be added to the memorial. Alan’s family read about the memorial appeal.
Alan’s daughter, Pam Walker, spoke about her dad, saying he was a quiet, private man who never discussed his war experiences. Therefore, nobody knew about his service. Pam felt they had to share his name when they saw the news.
Alan died in 1989. He was a career soldier who served in World War II as part of the 2nd Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, and was hurt during the Dunkirk retreat. Later, he served in Burma and sustained another injury at Imjin River before being evacuated before the area was surrounded.
Roger Deeks, part of the memorial project team, recently met Pam. She showed him Alan’s war medals and displayed a bullet from his Imjin River wound.
Roger said Alan was a remarkable soldier, facing injury in both Dunkirk and Korea and avoiding death or capture both times. We must remember his service.
After the army, Alan worked at Lydney Tin Plate Works. He was also an avid angler at Lydney Lake, which was his hobby.
The team wants more veteran info. If you know a Forest of Dean veteran who fought at Imjin River in 1951, call the Forest of Dean District Council at 01594 810000.
Julia Gooch, who leads the memorial group, is thrilled with the community’s support. The fundraising campaign has real momentum, which shows strong support for the veterans. She thanks all donors.