Military Dinner on HMS Drake, Plymouth

Our first Military Dinner this year took place on the 26 April 2024 at HMS Drake, Plymouth. This is the first of a series of Military Dinners taking place in 2024.

50 people attended an afternoon of celebrations, as we recognised the achievements of Members and volunteers through our Founder Awards. For the winners, the day was made all the more special as each award was presented by a member of HMS Drake’s Command, and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth.

Blind Veterans UK has a long-standing history with HMS Drake. Plymouth based Sailor’s suffering sight loss in the First and Second World Wars were sent to St Dunstan’s for aftercare after receiving initial treatment at Plymouth’s Royal Navy and Military Hospitals.

In recognition of our history and enduring friendship, Gary Brunskill presented the Naval base Commander, Brigadier Mike Tanner, OBE Royal Marines, with a limited-edition Blind Veterans UK sterling silver coin and an accompanying framed biography, commemorating one of the first 16 war-blinded veterans of 1915.

The Naval base was overjoyed to have us there and engaged with everyone sharing stories of past and present. It proved a fantastic opportunity to bring together blind veterans and those who continue to serve.

Member Barry Woon said, “This has been a remarkable day; it’s been over 40 years since I have been inside HMS Drake, I stood were I used to run Field Gun and actually ate dinner in what was the old Drill Shed, I will never forget it”.

Member Lee Whitfield said, “It was such a great experience and so nice to be back on a Military base again. All our members should get involved in these dinners, thank you for everything”.