Veterans and wives honoured at care home ceremony

15 September 2025

Alexandra BassinghamWest of England

News image — Former Gp Capt Anthony Boden receives his certificate

BBC A person in military uniform presents a framed certificate to an elderly man sat in a wheelchair. Other elderly people nearby also hold certificates. The room features large windows and pictures on the walls. — Former Gp Capt Anthony Boden receives his certificate

Veterans and the wives of veterans living at a care home have been recognised for their military service.

Six residents who served in the Royal Air Force, the Army or the Royal Marines, alongside four wives who supported their husbands in service, were honoured in a ceremony at Monkscroft Care Centre in Cheltenham.

Personnel from 14 Squadron Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion, based at Imjin Barracks, presented the residents with a certificate.

Care home manager Doreen Paisley said the event was "borne out of the pride and passion our veterans feel when they speak about their service".

An older man sits in a room resembling a waiting area, wearing a blue shirt and jacket. The background includes chairs, a framed picture on the wall, and a door with glass panels leading to another room — Anthony Boden said he was proud to receive his certificate

Handout Black and white photograph of a person in military uniform, wearing glasses and a peaked cap with insignia. — Anthony Boden ended his career as a Group Captain

Former Gp Capt Anthony Boden served in the Royal Air Force for 30 years and said he was proud to receive his certificate.

He said working with medical teams showed the humanitarian side of the military, which remains important today.

"We still need to retain our reputation in the world as being an organisation that just doesn't trample over people's heads but treats people as human beings and helps them," he said.

An elderly woman sits in a chair, wearing a white jumper with orange stripes and clasping their hands. Behind them are large windows showing greenery outside, along with some indoor plants — Edith Bennett signed up after going to the cinema

Edith Bennett, who is 102, served in the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI) as a cook.

She was intrigued by a queue she saw after going to the cinema, which turned out to be for signing up.

She said her father was not happy: "He said: 'What do you want to go and do that for?'... my brother had just been taken prisoner of war after Dunkirk. So, of course, they were a bit worried about him and one thing or another. So I got all the trouble."

An elderly person in a dark suit, white shirt, and patterned tie sits in a room with large windows and visible furniture. — Philip Eden said he enjoyed his work for the Royal Signals

Family Handout Black and white photograph of a person standing outdoors in a short-sleeved military-style uniform with buttoned pockets and a waist belt. — Philip Eden in Egypt

Many of the residents served abroad, including Philip Eden, who worked in Egypt for the Royal Signals, maintaining vital communications equipment used to send classified messages back home.

"It was important work, we realised that, which is why we never complained when we got no leave," he said.

"There were only three of us looking after cipher equipment between Egypt and London. We worked solidly, and it was interesting. I enjoyed it."

A man in a suit and tie stands before a wall adorned with photographs and Union Jack flags. The backdrop features images of individuals in military dress, formal wear, and other commemorative or historical scenes — Volunteer Terry Lindop organised the ceremony

The ceremony was organised by care home volunteer Terry Lindop, who wanted to pay tribute to those who have played their part for their country.

"They're a generation that is thinning out now, and we tend to forget that the freedom we enjoy now it's down to them.", he said.

"Just to actually mention to them about their military past, their eyes light up, and it's lovely to have a cup of tea and share the stories with them."

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