War veteran wins civic award (From Borehamwood Times)

War veteran Bill Davies, of Borehamwood, wins Hertsmere Civic Award

5:22pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Anna Slater

It came as a surprise – but war veteran Bill Davies was “over the moon” to be named one of Borehamwood’s heroes.

The 93-year-old was handed a civic award at a special ceremony this weekend for his inspirational work in teaching schoolchildren about life during the war.

But despite his accolade, the former tank driver for the Coldstream Guards remains humble about his success and says he owes it all to his wife, Reene.

Mr Davies, of Stainer Close, Borehamwood, said: “It is such an honour – but then I don’t really like to talk about it. I don’t think my work is anything special. I just feel it is my duty to educate children about what happened during the war to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“I can’t take all the credit for what I do – it is all down to Reene that I won this award. She is my rock and she sticks with me through thick and thin.”

Mr Davies was stationed in different towns across England during the Second World War, including a stint in Borehamwood.

A member of the Royal British Legion, in Shenley Road, the grandfather spent 28 years as a parade marshall for Borehamwood’s Remembrance Day parade – but last year felt it was time to hand the baton to someone else.

Around 200 guests attended the Mayor Pat Strack’s Civic Dinner, at Elstree Studios, on Saturday.

She said: “These awards are an opportunity to say thank you to all those volunteers who work tirelessly for the good of the borough.

“Well done to all our award winners. In their own way, each one has made a difference to the lives of others.

“I hope their example will inspire other volunteers to come forward.”

Other winners include 16-year-old Amber Gill, of Elstree, Reverend Richard Leslie and Royal British Legion volunteer Audrey Lambert.

Marijke Turner, who volunteers at the Borehamwood Children’s Centre, also won an award and Lisa Hunter, who won the Dave Rankin award for community safety.