It was just before Christmas that we sadly lost another very fine WWII veteran when our dear friend Fred Field went to sleep, aged 92.

Fred was a sergeant in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, REME for short and was attached to the 2^nd British Division. He enlisted in December 1939 at the age of 22 and given the serial number 7618490. This is something one never forgets and is always remembered for the rest of ones life.

He was finally demobbed about 8 years later in January 1946, but during that time he saw action with the British forces in France in 1940 with the British Expeditionary Force, then escaped via the little ships exodus from Dunkirk, he was then sent to the Yorkshire beach defences between 1940 to 1941, watching for any potential invasion as well as the Luftwaffe coming over on their bombing raids. Then he was sent off to India and Burma for three years between 1942 through to 1945 in the war of the Pacific and South East Asia.

Fred’s funeral took place on January 2^nd, with a very large congregation at his church in Nether Street, North Finchley. Fred had faithfully served his church, virtually all his life, together with the Catholic School next door. He was highly respected by all. Martin 

Russell, Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Barnet, gave a wonderful synopsis of Fred’s life which was appreciated by all.

So, dear Fred, on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for all you did for us during the dark days of WWII, and all the service you have given to others throughout your life. We shall all miss you and we send our condolences to all your family.