Commando fliers hit the capital for Poppy Appeal

SAILORS from the Commando Helicopter Force headed up the A303 from Somerset to the capital to support London Poppy Day and the Royal British Legion’s annual appeal.

The Junglies, as they are affectionately known left their helicopters, which support the global operations of the Royal Marine, back at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset to join hundreds of other uniformed personnel from the three Services on the streets of London.

“I think that with the passing of the World Wars from living-memory, it becomes increasingly important to maintain awareness at national and personal levels of the sacrifices made – and still being made – by those who willingly volunteer to protect the freedoms and ideals we hold dear,” said Lieutenant Commander Nathan Dale.

He and colleagues volunteered to stand at collection points in around 80 Underground and mainline railway stations around the city at rush hour as part of is the largest and most ambitious street collecting event of its kind held in the United Kingdom.

Last year the event helped to raise £816,000, prompting the Legion to aim for the £1m barrier with today’s push – and help the charity towards the goal its set for the 2013 poppy appeal of £37m.

“I wear my poppy with both pride and sadness – it is a symbol that should never fade and should be used to teach future generations of the sacrifices made by service personnel both past and present,” said Leading Writer Becky Herron.

“The Royal British Legion is a charity which supports both serving and retired Servicemen and women – and their families. It’s a cause that I feel is very worthwhile.”

Petty Officer Steven Munday added: “The poppy’s a simple, yet poignant, symbol of gratitude to all who have served their country. It reminds the public of those people who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedom that we have today.”