Anne, 70, wins promotions and hearts of veterans

A MOVED Princess Anne has shared memories online with VJ Day veterans.

The Princess Royal, who yesterday picked up new military titles to mark her 70th birthday, spoke with the Second World War veterans about their experiences of the bitter conflict in the Far East.

Sydney Pidgeon, 99, of the Royal Army Service Corps, said: “Good morning, your Royal Highness. How can I help you?”

She replied: “Oddly enough, I’m after some of your memories.”

He told the Princess Royal about seeing her great-uncle, Lord Mountbatten, who was Supreme Allied Commander, southeast Asia. Sydney, who also spoke of his duties loading military aircraft with supplies for troops while stationed in Burma, added: “He came and spoke to us, Lord Louis.”

He then related how he was disappointed to arrive in Burma and find he didn’t have the promised motorbike to use.

He said: “When I joined the Army, I and another fellow joined with the belief that we would get a motorbike. Well, when we got in, we got a three-ton lorry!”

The Princess asked about the “hot and humid” climate and Mr Pidgeon replied: “Well, I had malaria, dengue fever...”

He recalled he had been given leave and returned to Burma on August 15, 1945 – the day the war ended.

“When I went back they said ‘The war’s over, your group’s come up, you’re going home’,” he said. “So I spent the last five months, six months travelling.”

Anne also spoke to Leslie Cook, an Australian veteran. Leslie, who was at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, was stationed in Borneo on VJ Day and remained in Japan as part of the occupation force until 1947. Anne thanked him for taking the time to chat. He replied: “On behalf of all the Australians who served with Britain during the Second World War, I must thank you for your interest in us.”

The Princess Royal, already an Admiral in the Royal Navy, has now been promoted to General in the Army and Air Chief Marshal in the RAF.

Speaking about her promotion, which was approved by the Queen, an MOD spokesman said Anne had been “hugely supportive” of the Armed Forces.

He added: “This promotion recognises her invaluable contribution and commitment to the military.”