Marching for Jesse
NUNEATON and Bedworth honoured the memory of old soldier Jesse Owen in a ceremony full of gratitude and pride, - but tinged with sadness.
Veterans and cadets gathered in rain drenched Riversley Park for the dedication of the two-tonne granite memorial to Jesse and all Commando Forces, who have served their country through the years.
Moving tributes were paid to an “extraordinary man.”
The craggy featured, ex-Royal Marine Commando was described as the “Voice of Remembrance’’ for the two towns he served so well.
But there was one special face missing – Jesse’s beloved grand-daughter Lisa Buxton, who died barely two months ago.
His niece Marion Knockleberg, herself a veteran, who served in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Nursing Corps, told the assembled throng: “Lisa would have been very proud to see her grandfather honoured here today.”
Clearly moved, she added: ‘‘It was a privilege to spend a lot of time with Jesse during his last few years and also with my cousin Lisa, who tragically we lost a few short weeks ago.”
Struggling to control his emotions, Lisa’s father Les Jackson, said: “She was completely devoted to Jesse and took him all over the place. She would have loved it here today.”
Lisa, who was 42, suffered from a degenerative heart disease.
“She died on October 13, twelve months to the day Jesse was taken into hospital for the final time last year,” said her grieving father. “She really loved him and missed him.”
Drizzle developed into a downpour as the veterans and cadets marched from the Pingles tunnel to the inscribed block of granite, their rain sodden standards that were so important to Jesse, struggled to unfurl beneath mournful, leaden skies.
Among them were former comrades of the Commando Offices each in a green beret, the distinctive cap of courage the man they were honouring wore so well
The new granite monolith is just a few yards from the town’s towering war memorial around which Jesse officiated as parade marshal on so many Remembrance Sundays and other occasions.
Showing courage and composure that would have made her uncle proud Marion Knockleberg pointed out:“On the cenotaph a few yards from here there is another name. William Thomas Hancocks, Jesse’s uncle and my great uncle. At the age of 20, William was killed in action during the Great War in 1918.”
She added: “Perhaps we should remember that, just as he gave his life for his country, so Jesse gave himself for his community as well as for his country. Isn’t it worth thinking for a moment how we, too, can serve our community, especially at Christmas?”
Marion later unveiled the monument, along with Timothy Cox, the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, who said: “As the Queen’s representative I am delighted to be here to share this special day.
“When I took over, my predecessor, Sir Martin Dunne told me about this extraordinary man, who did so much for the Royal Marines, the VCP (Veterans Contact Point) and various charities.”
Opening the proceedings, Cllr Barry Longden, who was instrumental in acquiring the memorial and getting it placed in Riversley Park, welcomed the veterans and guests and particularly the Army, Navy and Sea Cadets.
Cllr Longden outlined Jesse’s military career and his work and care for the veterans: “Jesse made transition from military service to ‘Civvy Street’ in his own amiable way,” he said
“But he did have concerns for those who had severe problems. like post traumatic stress disorder, and always praised the work done by the VCP in helping those with problems make the change.”
Raincoat-clad groups of townsfolk huddled beneath umbrellas as Jesse’s long-time friend and former colleague Don Jacques paid his own tribute. He said: “During the years that I knew him he was always ready to help and to give and organise support for the ex-service community – the Poppy Appeal, the Boer War replacement memorial and, of course, Remembrance Sunday all benefited from his presence and support.
“Jesse is remembered as the ‘Voice of Remembrance’ and for his performances as parade marshal at so many events in the memories of local people for his efforts in both fundraising and in controlling local events . We owe him very much. Thank you, Jesse, you were a friend to us all.”
One veteran travelled from the Isle of Skye to pay his respects and a wreath was sent from the Royal Marines Association in America with a message that read: “With the utmost admiration and deepest respect.”
Deputy head Keith McDonald laid a holly wreath from Queens Academy, where Jesse went to school and which he had visited and enthralled the pupils: “They loved him,” said Mr McDonald.
Coventry Branch of the Royal Marines Association of which he was treasurer for many years, also sent a poppy wreath. Their message read: “Goodbye old friend. Jesse. Once a Royal Marine – Always a Royal Marine.”