On 28 February a group of veterans enjoyed a private visit to the Royal Navy’s largest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, as special guests of the Captain and Commodore
A fleet of six London Licensed Taxis escorted the group of nonagenarian veterans from London for this VIP visit to tour HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth Harbour.
Following an overnight stay at the Royal Maritime Club, the black cabs escorted the seven veterans to Portsmouth Harbour where they were joined for the visit by Taxi Charity Patron, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns KCB, CBE, DL. The group of veterans included five WWII veterans, two, who served on aircraft carriers, one, who was part of the Russian Convoy, one who served in the in the Royal Navy and a WREN who was stationed at Fort Southwick on D Day.
The tour of the ship included, a walk through the aircraft hangar, refreshments in the Captain’s cabin and a tour of The Bridge. From The Bridge, WWII veteran WREN Marie Scott, pictured, who transmitted messages to and from the beaches on D Day, had the honour of transmitting a short message over 75 years after she sent messages to those coordinating Operation Neptune.
"I can't believe the honour that people place on what I did. At the time we all thought we were doing a job which we were. Now at the great age unbelievable is the only word that describes it, but I think there is a genuine feeling of relief that the war ended in victory and that we have maintained a sort of peace for over 75 years."
– MARIE SCOTT
Marie Scott, WWII D Day Veteran, said, “It was a real honour that The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans arranged for me to transmit a message today, 75 years after I transmitted messages to and from the beaches on D Day.”
Frances Wyhowska, Vice President, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said, “The Taxi Charity would like to thank the Captain and crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth who gave us all VIP treatment during our visit. The look of excitement on the veterans’ faces made today an outstanding experience for us all.”
Commander Charles Guy RN – HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Commander and Second in Command. “We are always delighted to host our Naval Veterans but especially so in this important anniversary year for the Victory in Europe. We are grateful for the support of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans; it is a remarkable organisation.”
About HMS Queen Elizabeth
HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH is one of two 65,000 tonne aircraft carriers in service with the Royal Navy. The ship is currently alongside in her homeport of Portsmouth, enhancing her capabilities as she gets ready for further training with her F35 Lightning jets and Strike Group off the South coast this summer. This represents the final steps as she prepares for her global Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2021.
About the Taxi Charity
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was formed in Fulham in 1948, to work for the benefit, comfort and enjoyment of military veterans and arranges many trips every year for veterans from all conflicts.
The charity offers international trips to Holland, Belgium and France, UK day trips to concerts or museums, transport to attend fundraising events, as well as special days out to catch up with friends and comrades.
To fund and facilitate these outings, the charity is wholly reliant on generous donations from members of the public, businesses and trusts and the amazing group of London licensed taxi drivers who offer their time and vehicles free.
www.taxicharity.org
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