'Only the younger generation can learn from the history of the past': Burma Star veteran's Armistice Day message
“Only the younger generation can learn from the history of the past.” This is the view of a 100-year-old Burma Star veteran who along with the rest of the nation joined his community on Remembrance Day to salute the brave.
It has been a milestone year for Alfred Conway – celebrating his own centenary, joining commemorations for the the 80th anniversary of VE Day and shaking hands with His Royal Highness King Charles when he and his travelled to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to mark VJ Day.
Once again, he and his family attended the launch of the Lincolnshire Poppy Appeal at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre in East Kirkby, he was a VIP guest at the unveiling of the 2025 Poppy Display in Skegness – and on Remembrance Day he attended the memorial in Alford. where his great-grandchildren Sarah Jayne, 15, and James Carpenter, 14, proudly lay a wreath on his behalf.
Born in Newborough, Staffordshire, during the Second World War Alfred served in the British Pacific fleet on HMS Wager alongside HMS Whelp - on which Prince Philip was First Lieutenant. He has often described his pride in serving in Tokyo Bay when the surrender treaty was signed and working alongside Prince Philip’s destroyer as it evacuated the British and of escorting POWs.
After the Remembrance Day ceremony, he described his wartime service as fighting for his country and freedom.
"Life on the whole is what you make it and I have no regrets,” said Alfred, who now lives in Anderby Creek with his daughter Josie and son-in-law, Andrew Pretty, and his great-grandchildren
"I cannot change anything – only the younger generation can learn from the history of the past as they will shape the future going forward.
"What ever the future holds I know that I am well supported and loved.”
- Commemorations continue today (Tuesday, November 11) with Armistice Day ceremonies as follows:
St Matthew’s Church, Skegness, memorial, 10.50am
Wainfleet Market Place, 10.50am, followed by refreshments in Methodist Church.
Alford Muster at War Memorial, 10.40am, Service 10.55am.
Burgh le Marsh, SS Peter and Paul Church, 10.50am.