A SECOND World War hero has praised a PCSO for ’making his day’ after he arranged for the veteran to go the unveiling of a war memorial statue.
PCSO Allan Cameron struck up a friendship with veteran Laurie Brunger while on patrol in the Kingshurst area of Solihull.
Laurie told Allan all about his time serving as a sailor and how he often wondered if any of his old shipmates were still around.
Touched by Laurie’s stories, Allan got in touch with Elaine Butler who sits on the Independent Advisory Group for Solihull and also works for The Royal British Legion.
Together with Solihull Council, they managed to link Laurie to his old shipmates and invited him to the unveiling of a new Tommy statue in Shirley.
Laurie said: “I would like to thank PCSO Cameron, the Council’s chief executive, staff and members of Shirley British Legion and all others whose names I do not know or have forgotten, for the most generous support, assistance and welcome given to myself, daughter and son-in-law.
“Apart from shopping or taking my dog out, occasions of that nature are a rarity. Suffice to say, you made my day. Thank you one and all.”
PCSO Allan Cameron from Solihull Police, said: “After hearing everything Laurie has done for his country I wanted to do something special for him.
“By working with partner agencies, we were able to link Laurie to his old regiment and welcome him to the unveiling of the new Tommy statue.
“A tribute to those who gave their lives in the First World War and other wars after that. It was a really special day and great to see how much it meant to Laurie.”
A Royal British Legion spokesperson said: “We are thrilled that our local branch was able to offer help and assistance to Laurie and it is a great example of how we are involved within local communities.
“The Legion is here to support veterans of all ages and today’s currently serving personnel and their families.”
