THREE war veterans were honoured by Chelsea pensioners during a touching ceremony to recognise their service to their country.

Canvey residents Charles Biscoe, 96, Dennis Reber, 78, and George Turner, were members of the Armed Forces and all played their part in various battles over the years.

On learning of the men’s dedication, bravery and loyalty the Smallgains Social Club, at the Smallgains Hall, in Smallgains Avenue, wanted to thank them for everything they have achieved and held a special ceremony in their honour.

Three Chelsea Pensioners, David Grant, 69, John Riley, 84, and Derek Walters, 83, were invited by councillor and chairman of the group Peter May to present the men with certificates and to publicly thank them for their service during a special pie and mash Cockney afternoon.

Mr May, who thanked the veterans alongside Castle Point councillors Colin Riley, John Anderson and his wife and fellow councillor Doreen Anderson ,said: “It makes me feel really proud we have been able to recognise what these veterans have done for us all.”

Mr Biscoe, of Heilsberg Road, was enlisted into the Dorset Regiment aged 18 in 1938 before becoming a member of the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment in 1939.

He was a driver and mechanic and was involved in the Dunkirk evacuation after being sent to France in 1940 . He also served in Persia, Iraq and Africa during his eight years in the force.

He said: “I’m very pleased to be here. I was surprised to get the certificate. I’m very proud of what we did.”

Chairman of the Canvey Royal British Legion Mr Reber, of Abensberg Road, Canvey, was called up for national service in 1956 and reported to the Royal Fusiliers at the Tower of London before being transfered to the Middlesex regiment and sent on active service in Cyprus for 20 months.

He said: “It’s been a wonderful afternoon, I’m very honoured to meet the Chelsea Pensioners. I was really pleased to get the certificate.”

Sadly, Mr Turner could not attend the ceremony due to illness but the pensioners made a special visit to see him yesterday evening.

He joined the Royal Navy after his 17th birthday and was involved in many operations across the world. He was wounded in battle several times and was awarded many medals for his service. He now lives in the Long View Care Home.

The afternoon was also enjoyed by the Chelsea Pensioners, who were delighted to meet their fellow veterans.

Mr Riley, who was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers in Korea and Germany during the 1950s, said: “This has been a wonderful day, I’m really honoured to present these certificates to these men, it gets you all choked up thinking about it.”

Mr Grant, who was part of the army infantry in Belfast between 1969 and 1974, was also visibly moved by the mens’ stories. He said: “I am honestly struggling to find the right words to describe how wonderful today has been.

“As an old soldier myself it makes me very proud to be able to give these to the men who served our country.”

Mr Walters, was just 18 when he joined the army and eventually served as a sergeant in  Germany.

He added: “It has been fantastic coming down here to meet everyone,, they are such a loveable  crowd.

“They are  marvellous, it is wonderful what they did for their country.”

A  certificate was also given to the Canvey Royal British Legion to thank its members for their support and the Chelsea Pensioners to thank them for their own service.