Date for heroes recognition

AT LONG last a date has finally been set to unveil the names of the Ipswich soldiers who gave their lives in the Second World War.

On May 16, the 595 names of the heroic soldiers, which were never added to the cenotaph in Christchurch Park, will finally get the recognition they deserve.

It has been a long and expensive battle for those involved with the Ipswich World War Two Memorial Fund who have been trying to get the names put on the cenotaph as a proper tribute to those who lost their lives.

Former Ipswich serviceman, Peter Thompson has been working with the fund for the last five years to raise the money needed to make the additions.

He said: "It feels marvellous (to have set a date).

"It is so important that we get these names up."

So far around £80,000 has been raised and Mr Thompson said they hope to raise another £10-£12,000.

Many fundraising events have taken place and people across the county have been sending in money.

Suffolk singer Terry Lee Travis also released a CD to raise money for the fund and has been selling copies as he travels around the country on tour.

He is hoping to raise around £1,000 by selling his CD called Belleau Wood which includes songs with a theme of remembrance.

The £18,000 brass plaques with the names engraved on them have already been made up and a special service was held in Mr Thompson's garden on Remembrance Sunday to honour them.

An addition will be built on to the back of the cenotaph to create space for the new names.

Mr Thompson said: "It is mainly older people who send the money in.

"We tend to get money from widows who perhaps send £10 here or £6 there because that is what they can afford."

n. To help out with getting the names put in their rightful place, donations can be made out to Ipswich World War Two Memorial Fund c/o Peter Thompson at The Bungalow, Thurleston Lane, Ipswich.