A JBP Just For Me!

British History, British Traditions, Friendships, RAF, Remembrance

You may recall recently that I blogged about JBPs; today it was my turn to receive one. My uber-talented sister (how many times have I described her as such?) sent me a crocheted poppy, with an accompanying note which read, “just a little something I made while watching TV.”

I have photographed it with one of this year’s Royal British Legion poppies, so you could get a sense of scale.

The handsome young man is Edwin “Ted” Tomlinson, an RAF Pilot who was Killed In Action on 16 April 1945 and is buried in Belgrade, in what is now Serbia. He was just 24 when he died but, in a letter home, he had described himself as the Granddad of his Squadron.

I am not related to Ted but spent my growing-up years knowing about him and the ultimate sacrifice he made for the sake of freedom. He was the brother of our next-door neighbour, a wonderful lady, now in her 80s. She very recently passed this original photo onto me, because she knew that when she was gone and her house emptied, no-one would care about him.

I am so honoured, and humbled, to receive this gift … the reverse of this postcard-photo reads: 4/8/44, Cairo. Lots of love from Edwin. xxx.

Published by Ruth

Life in West London; married to The Brainy One; mum to The Boy Child. This is where I share most aspects of my everyday life. I hope you'll stay awhile.

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7 thoughts on “A JBP Just For Me!”

  3. Ruth, this is so sweet it makes me want to cry. I can't think of a better recipient for both gifts than YOU!

    We will never know this side of Heaven all that has been sacrificed in the name of freedom. Someone sent me a series of photographs of all the graves of American servicemen and women who are buried throughout Europe and the UK alone, and the numbers are staggering. Thousands and Thousands. I just sat in stunned silence and awe. I hate to even think how many marines were killed during the invasion of Normandy. So I salute that gentleman and all of the other members of the military who have paid the ultimate price for a worthy cause.

    XO,

    Sheila

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