THE oldest surviving member of Durham Light Infantry to have fought in the Second World War is due to attend a special remembrance ceremony tonight.
Former Miner Harry Oliver, who spent five years as a prisoner of war in Poland, is attending the Festival of Remembrance Concert at Durham Cathedral.
Harry Oliver
The 102-year-old, who was from Coxhoe, worked at Bowburn Colliery until he was called up aged 20, and spent most of the conflict as a captive.
Speaking to the Northern Echo four years ago, Mr Oliver said: "After the initial shock of being captured, the worst part was the lack of food.
"A lot of people starved to death.”
At the end of the war he faced a 450-mile “death march” through Poland into Germany where he was freed.
He said: “At a time like this I think of all the lads who didn’t come home.
"I’m home. I’ve had a good life . . . a wonderful life.”
Mr Oliver is being joined by 98-year-old D-Day veteran Cyril Coxon, who will be awarded the Legion D’honneur by the Honorary French Consul at the event, and 96-year-old Nora High from Seaham who served as a spotter for a Royal Artillery Anti-Aircraft Battery during the war.
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The moving fundraising concert, in support of The Soldiers’ Charity, remembers those who have given their lives for their country and serving soldiers who put their lives at risk for our liberties today.
The night will include a muster parade and a two-minute silence with thousands of poppy petals dropped from the cathedral tower.
The evening’s speaker will reflect on the role of the Navy in the Falklands War, looking ahead to the 40th anniversary of the conflict next year.
Alasdair Hutton, narrator of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, is being joined by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 102 Battalion REME Pipe Band, Durham ACF Band and Bugles, John Rowland, Julie Pendleton, Durham Musical Theatre Company, Blue Light Choir and Enter CIC.
The Muster Parade continues to grow and this year will be the largest to date with more youth organisations participating.
Major Eric Ingram, who organises the event, said “We are delighted to return to a live event, the past two years have been difficult for everyone so we also remember those who lost their lives to Covid.
“We have three very special guests at the festival this year, 102-year-old Harry Oliver, the oldest surviving member of the DLI, 98-year-old D Day veteran Cyril Coxon and 96-year-old Nora High from Seaham.”
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