We salute you! Army promotes Capt Tom to Colonel
CAPTAIN Sir Tom had quite a homecoming yesterday – as he was made an honorary colonel in the county of his birth.
The 100-year-old was presented with a cloth slide denoting his new rank at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorks.
Attaching it to his tie, he was applauded by staff and the 16 and 17 year olds who are training at the base.
He said: “To go up in so many ranks so quickly, I’m really delighted with that, and I know it’s only an honorary one but really I’m absolutely thrilled with the fact the honour has been placed on me. It really is truly a great honour.”
The centenarian, who was knighted by the Queen last month but still goes by the name Captain Tom, told youngsters at the base he did not know whether he would have been capable of going through the tough training.
Junior soldier Daniel Barker, 17, from Sheffield, said: “He gave us some advice for our future, to understand how lucky we are because back in his day it was much different, he didn’t have the opportunities we have here at the college and to take full advantage of that.”
Capt Tom, who took part in the Battle of Ramree Island during the Burma campaign in the Second World War, watched a drill lesson, a personal development session and a demonstration on the high ropes. He said: “I never anticipated some time ago that I would get the opportunity or the privilege of coming here and I never knew that it’s such an outstanding operation.
“I’ve never seen so many opportunities for young people as there are here.”
He went on: “When I was conscripted, one of the things I did, I looked around to see all the other people and thought, ‘I’m going to be the best.’
“Without climbing over anyone’s shoulders, just quietly get on and do your best and be your best.” Capt Tom, born in
Keighley in 1920 and now living in Bedfordshire with a daughter, arrived at the college in a people carrier, escorted by military police.
He then posed for a photograph with staff before attending a service in the chapel.
He also gave a wave and a thumbs up as staff and Army trainees applauded him.
A member of civilian staff said: “We just want to say a big thank you from everyone for the inspiration” – referring to Capt Tom’s walk that raised £33million for the NHS.
Captain Tom replied: “It has been my pleasure.”