Service badge presented to centenarian resident
Former RAF Bomber Command Pilot and The Wood resident, John Beeching was awarded further recognition recently for his war service.
The British High Commission saw a Stuff article about the 101-year-old’s birthday celebration and found that John was eligible for the badge.
Executive Manager to the Defence Adviser, Louise Exley saw the story and called Arvida to make contact with John. She said that although the centenarian had already been awarded the Bomber Command clasp, he was also eligible for the UK Veteran Lapel Badge.
Born in London, Beeching served with the RAF during World War II before moving to New Zealand in 1960. He vividly remembered flying Mosquito planes on six-hour bombing missions over Germany. In 2012, Beeching and his wife Wendy attended the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in London. The crews' efforts were recognised with the Bomber Command clasp in 2013.
After successfully applying through the UK Medal Office, Nelson RSA President, Barry Pont was on hand to present the lapel badge to a very pleased John at The Wood community in Nelson. Reflecting on his longevity, John humorously credited it to drinking beer, eating salty food, and smoking till he was 40.
