Welsh Secretary marks Remembrance Day at The Royal Mint
Stephen Crabb strikes 2015 Remembrance Day coin
Remembrance Day
The debt of gratitude that we owe to the generations of Armed Forces personnel is immeasurable, Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb said today during a visit to The Royal Mint in Llantrisant.
Mr Crabb attended a Remembrance Day ceremony in the company of Royal Mint staff and World War Two veterans, where he laid a wreath at the war memorial on site.
During the visit, he also struck a 2015 £5 Remembrance Day coin, struck by The Royal Mint to remember the heroes of conflicts past and present.
The coin bears a poignant composition by Royal Mint Engraver, Glyn Davies, who, taking transience as his theme, was inspired not only by personal loss but also the concept of the transformation of Flanders Fields
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb said:
Today, thousands of people across Wales will wear their poppies with pride, and gather at war memorials to mark the sacrifices made by our service men and women around the world.
The Remembrance Day coin is a fitting mark of respect to those who have given their lives in the service of our country. I am privileged to have the opportunity to make this small, but significant tribute today to the many generations that have fallen in times of conflict.
Adam Lawrence, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, said:
The Royal Mint has a long tradition of striking military campaign medals and is proud to play a part in recognising those who have served our country in times of conflict.
Joining the Secretary of State at the service of Remembrance was Flt Lt Russell Rusty Waughman from Warwickshire, Flt Lt John Moore from Cowbridge and Warrant Officer Doug Mustoe from Bridgend.
Flt Lt Waughman DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), 94, flew Lancaster bombers on special duties in the prestigious 101 Squadron during WW2.
Flt Lt Moore, 92, flew 27 operations flying Lancaster bombers on sorties across Europe with Bomber Command in WW2 before being injured when his plane crash landed after sustaining damage on a sortie. After recovering from his injuries, Flt Lt Moore flew Dakotas in the transport arm.
Warrant Officer Doug Mustoe, 94, took part in the Desert Air Force North Africa in 1941/2 and Bomber Command 1944/5.
The Secretary of State for Wales added:
It was a huge honour to meet Flt Lt Moore, Flt Lt Waughman and Warrant Officer Mustoe today. They are men that showed incredible bravery and incredible courage; against extraordinary odds. The debt of gratitude that we owe to them, and to those who never came home, is immeasurable and today we say thank you. We will remember them.