Ron’s emotional journey - a dangerous mission to pay his final respects to a fallen comrade
As we explore some of the life histories of our fascinating residents we meet Ron, who tells us about a very dangerous mission he made to pay his final respects to a fallen comrade.
Ron has lived in our Briggs Lodge Residential and Nursing Home in Devizes for six months following a stroke.
When you talk to Ron, he is incredibly proud of his two years’ National Service with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. He says: “I enjoyed every minute – I would like to do my national service all over again!”
However, his time was touched with great sadness while stationed in Cyprus, where they lost five men, one of whom was 18-year-old Private John Ashe.
Many years later, Ron felt compelled to visit his comrade's grave, but it was during the 1970s when the area was the scene of great conflict following the Turkish invasion.
He explains: “The cemetery was right in the middle of the international line that runs right through Nicosia and it’s difficult to get to it. It was in the middle of a demarcation zone and you would get shot if you went wondering about!”
Ron contacted the United Nations which, to his surprise safely escorted former servicemen to pay their respects at the military graveyards. He arrived at his hotel and waited….
“A great big car pulled up covered in United Nations flags and the driver saluted me! I found his grave and I just burst into tears. I didn’t think I would be so upset when I got there. He was only 18 - we were all young. The graveyard was totally filled by national servicemen.”
The emotional journey was one Ron will never forget, but one he feels incredibly privileged to have made.
And after arriving at Briggs, John’s mobility is slowly getting better following his stroke. And while he is a man who is very comfortable in his own company, he is however known to his fellow residents as the ‘King of the Quiz’, always coming first with his amazing general knowledge!
For information about life at Briggs or any of our other care homes, our Enquiry Support Team advisors are here to talk on 0800 917 0478.
