Withernsea’s war stories are coming to light, thanks to the work of Withernsea’s veteran community and especially Darren England.
Darren has done significant work to protect the War Graves at Withernsea Cemetary over many years and invited Graham to share the stories behind the names.
In an emotional visit to the cemetery, Darren (who was awarded a Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award last year following a nomination by Graham) told Graham the stories of some of the names on memorials, both private and public.
Graham was visibly moved as Darren told stories, like that of Telegraphist Brian Lewis Barnes, who died when HMS Coventry sank in the Mediterranean on 14th September 1942 following a German dive-bombing attack.
Barnes was 25 when he died, serving his country. His parents lived at 4 Marine Parade in Withernsea.
Darren devotes much of his life to keeping stories like Barnes’ alive. Graham is a long-time admirer of Darren’s work to support veterans and remembering our war dead. He nominated Darren for a Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and has been a long-standing supporter of the Veterans’ Breakfast Club.
Graham has long been a supporter of our veteran community, both within and without Parliament is Honorary President of the Beverley branch of the Royal British Legion.
Graham Stuart, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness, commented, “We will remember them. That’s what we say every year on Remembrance Sunday.
“People like Darren England go above and beyond in remembering not just that people died for this country, and for freedom, but who they were.
“I’m so grateful for Darren for telling me the stories behind the names on our memorials.
“The work he does is incredible, and he richly deserves the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award he won last year.”
Darren England said, “The names on the war memorials in Withernsea and all around the country aren’t just names scratched into a piece of stone.
“They were people. Mostly young men, from places like Withernsea, who went to fight and died for their country.
“I hope that Withernsea will never forget its heroes, and I’m grateful to Graham for what he’s done to help our veteran community here in Holderness.”
