Date: 22/06/2010
A 92-year-old veteran of the Second World War took centre stage on Monday 21 June as the High Peak paid tribute to the Armed Forces.
Mr Derek Eley, of Eccles Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith, was invited by the Borough Council to raise a specially modified version of the Union Flag as part of a nationwide show of solidarity with the military.
The ceremony outside the council's Chinley offices was attended by several former servicemen and women, and by community leaders including Borough Mayor Graham Oakley. With Afghanistan and Iraq in mind, he said it was more necessary than ever to show solidarity with those who were sacrificing so much in the name of democracy, freedom and world peace.
He then asked the community to remember the many relatives who waited at home, praying for the safe return of their loved ones.
Followed by the serving of refreshments in the Committee Room, the flag raising was a prelude to the second annual British Armed Forces Day, taking place on Saturday to promote understanding of the crucial role played by the Armed Forces in defending the nation, its people and interests.
Speaking after the event, Mr Eley recalled travelling by cattle truck to Cherbourg, where he arrived for active service on his 21st birthday. Serving in the 5th Battalion Sherwood Forresters, he was involved in a perilous retreat from Dunkirk. By the time he and his colleagues returned by train to Sheffield, the battalion's numbers had fallen from 901 to 453.
Service in India was followed by an order to fly to Italy, where he joined a psychological warfare branch answerable to the Foreign Office.
"I was only 22 at the time and was astonished to find myself flying in the company of generals to join what was effectively the intelligence corps. To this day, I don't know why I was chosen, and my efforts to find out have been frustrated by the Official Secrets Act", he added.
His duties included the dropping of propaganda leaflets over German-occupied territory.
A lifelong supporter of Derby County FC, Mr Eley is a dedicated member of the Chapel branch of the Royal British Legion. With fellow members, he raises thousands of pounds a year for the Poppy Appeal.
The Chinley ceremony was among numerous happening nationwide, taking their lead from an event at the Historic Dockyard, at Chatham, Kent.
Said Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of the Defence Staff and professional head of the British Armed Forces: "Our armed forces perform superbly in the service of the nation, from war fighting to humanitarian relief, from peacekeeping to search and rescue, and much else besides. And sometimes, alas, they pay the ultimate price.
"Regulars, reservists and their families have more than earned the nation's gratitude", he paid tribute.