Bench unveiling in memory of ‘Tina’

Bench unveiling in memory of ‘Tina’

15 September 2021

PEOPLE gathered in Killyleagh last week to honour the late Martin Charters, who sadly passed away earlier this year aged 99.

The World War Two veteran would have celebrated his 100th birthday last Tuesday and to mark the occasion a bench — positioned outside the town’s castle and adjacent to the war memorial — was dedicated in his memory.

The bench, which featured a small inion on a brass plate, was bought by local councillor Billy Walker who was delighted that representatives from the veteran’s family, including his great nieces Nicola Donnan and Bridgeen Jackson, were in attendance for the short ceremony. 

The bench was formally dedicated by the Rev Dr Stanley Gamble.

Known locally as ‘Tina’, Mr Charters was held in high regard and Cllr Walker said he was pleased that so many people attended last week’s poignant ceremony in memory of someone he was proud to call his friend.

He said that due to Covid restrictions, the war veteran did not get the send off he thoroughly deserved when he sadly passed away last February.

“It was a short but moving ceremony last week and in addition to Bridgeen speaking about her great uncle, Austin Cheevers from the Sloane History Group paid tribute to Tina and what he meant to the people of the town,” Cllr Walker said.

“Chris Hagan also said a few words on behalf of the Killyleagh group while, Mr Austin Cheevers made a presentation to Ms Zena McAllister for all her hard work on the group’s behalf. Zena was supposed to travel to Westminster Abbey for an event to represent the people of Killyleagh several years ago but was sadly unable to make the trip.”

Thanking people for supporting last week’s event, Cllr Walker said he was pleased to play a small role in keeping the war veteran’s memory alive, paying tribute to the bravery of all those who fought in two world wars.

“Tina was loved and respected by the young and old alike,” he continued. “Everyone loved to hear his war time stories and he never tired of telling them. Tonight is a celebration of Tina’s life; a life that he lived to the full. We should never forget the service he gave for others and the nation.

“Many people from Killyleagh and Shrigley who went to war never came back, but Martin did and we were all so proud of him. He always attended the annual Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying ceremony in Killyleagh to remember his fallen colleagues who fought alongside him.”

Cllr Walker added: “We are indebted to all our remaining war veterans for their service. Martin Charters is a man who was held in the highest regard by the people of the district. He served his country with distinction. We will never forget what he and others did, along with many others who went to war and made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Seven years ago, the former Down Council held a civic reception for the Killyleagh war veteran who witnessed great social, economic and political change over the decades. 

Mr Charters joined the RAF and became a tail-gunner in a Lancaster bomber, taking part in countless dangerous bombing missions over Europe.

In November 2014, he was presented with a prestigious Bomber Command Clasp during a special presentation ceremony at the Downshire Civic Centre in Downpatrick, attended by RAF Air Vice Marshall David Niven and other invited guests.

Mr Charters joined the RAF in 1941 and during his remarkable service throughout the war he worked as a mechanic on Spitfires and later as rear gunner in a Halifax bomber, seeing nearly 40 missions over Europe. He also trained rear gunners for Lancaster bombers.

The Bomber Command Clasp was approved by the Queen for those who qualified with service to Bomber Command between 1939 and 1945 and who already held the 39-45 Star. 

Mr Charters was sent to train as a mechanic in Blackpool after joining the RAF, before he was deployed to St. Athens in South Wales.

He initially trained on a Hawker Fury biplane, with his training lasting around 11 months before he was sent to Fighter Command 11 Group to work on Spitfires as a mechanic in early 1942. 

The veteran, who was one of just a handful of surviving members of Bomber Command, was later moved to an army unit before being transferred to the legendary RAF unit in 1943 and based in West Yorkshire with his operational training for bombing missions to Germany carried out in the Isle of Man.

Following his service as gunner in a Lancaster squadron he worked in Australia and Canada before returning to settle in Killyleagh.

He saw a lot of active service and was delighted to be a special guest at the international Festival of Flight in Newcastle a number of years ago to witness the distinctive Lancaster bomber soaring overhead. 

Cllr Walker said Mr Charters will live long in the memory of the people of Killyleagh and Shrigley and descried Conal Montgomery’s rendition of “We’ll meet again” during last Tuesday evening’s short ceremony as “very moving”.

He added: “Martin left an indelible mark on all those whom he came into contact with him. It was my pleasure to know him. He certainly was one of Killyleagh’s most respected citizens and will be very sadly missed.”

Following the ceremony, many of those who were in attendance made their way to the nearby Sloane Centre which featured an exhibition chronicling the life of the war veteran which included memorabilia and photographs.

Also on display was a silver poppy mounted on a mahogany base which was presented to Mr Charters by Newry, Mourne and Down Council. It was one of a number presented to war veterans across the district.