Hemel Hempstead Member of Parliament, Mike Penning, presented badges to veterans who served in HM Forces on Thursday 11th October at a ceremony at the Royal British Legion Club in Queensway. (Photo: Silver Images Photography [1])

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Chairman of the Hemel Hempstead Branch of the Royal British Legion, and former submariner Peter Gibbons. The evening was opened by President of the Royal British Legion Club, Bernie Kelly.

Mike Penning MP said:
“It is a real honour to present these badges in recognition of the service these men and women gave to their country. I am constantly amazed at the number of local people who have served in the forces as well as the diversity of the units they have served in.

“We must never forget the debt of gratitude we owe our veterans and those who continue to serve in Afghanistan and elsewhere.”

Mike Penning presented 30 veterans badges, 3 Women's Land Army badges, a Merchant Navy badge and a Bevin Boy badge.

The veterans badge scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Defence to recognise veterans for their service to Queen and country and to raise the profile of our armed forces. Special badges are given to those who served in the Merchant Navy, the Women’s Land Army and as Bevin Boys.

Photo: Mike with three Women’s Land Army veterans, Elizabeth Blocki, Gladys Halford and Olive Baldry, (Photo credit: Silver Images Photography [2])

If you served in the forces - in wartime or peacetime - you are entitled to a veterans badge. An application form can be downloaded here [3] or call Mike’s office on 01442 450444.

If you would like to help the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in November, please contact Sue Rose on 01442 267956.

For all the photos of the evening click here [4].

[5]