To mark Remembrance Sunday, Corps Security has laid wreaths at Brookwood Cemetery, where many of our fallen soldiers are buried. Earlier this week, before the national lockdown commenced, former serviceman Nigel Horne and honorary Australian Commissionaire Diz Sollesse, placed wreaths on the granite obelisk which commemorates the life of our founder Captain Sir Edward Walter.
They remembered Sergeant William Kenny from the Gordon Highlanders who was awarded the Victoria Cross and Cross of the Order of St George and mentioned in dispatches for his bravery during the Great War where he served across the Western Front. After being discharged in 1919, he joined the Corps of Commissionaires, working in Bond Street, Berkeley Square and the Park Royal. He was also a member of the VC guard at the interment of the unknown warrior on 11 November 1920.
Nigel and Diz also remembered Lance-Corporal James Hollowell from the 78th Highlanders who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his courage during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. He was described as a crack shot who successfully defended a burning house with nine fellow soldiers while the enemy, who vastly outnumbered the group, fired at them through the windows. He returned to England and joined the Corps of Commissionaires serving outside a gentleman’s outfitters on London’s Oxford Street.
We are proud of our military links and Remembrance Day firmly connects us to our 160-year-old military roots. Although celebrations are more muted this year, they are no less important.
