Charles Penfold

A great day was had by all at a very special ceremony. The James Garnett Foundation organised and presented the –‘Charles Penfold Centenary Celebration’ – hosted by Dekka Taylor of the Guards Club in Blackpool.

The celebration marked the 100th (Centenary) anniversary of the attestation of Charles Penfold into the Royal Marines. Charles served for many years before he was tragically Killed-in-Action during WW2 in 1941.

In a day of entertainment we were able to repatriate Charles’ original WW2 medals group in a special presentation to the Royal Marines Association (Blackpool and Fylde Branch). The presentation was given by the Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr. Peter Hunter. Also in attendance was Blackpool South MP, Chris Webb and Cllr. Major (Rtd) Adrian Hoyle with a delegation of other local councillors from Blackpool – and of course the veterans themselves from the region, alongside 101-year old Royal Marine D-Day veteran, Jim Laughlin who travelled from Accrington to attend.

The pictures below (courtesy of Ian Livesey) enhance the story of a wonderful day.