South Wales Echo

Wales Air Ambulance pays tribute to those who died in WWI

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WALES Air Ambulance Charity’s flying medics and Babcock pilots are commemorat­ing the 100th anniversar­y of Armistice day by decorating its South Wales aircraft with 100 poppies.

Tomorrow, the nation will come together to remember those who died during World War I and recognise the significan­ce of Armistice Day.

To pay its respects, Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) will adorn its South Wales aircraft with 100 poppies.

The helicopter will also have “100” in gold lettering across its nose.

Captain Grant Elgar, who served 23 years in the British Army and is now WAA’s senior pilot, said: “A handful of the pilots and medics who work on board the WAA helicopter­s are either former or currently serving military personnel.

“All of our crews across Wales felt that it was important for us to respectful­ly mark this occasion and acknowledg­e the sacrifice of others.

“Every time our helicopter­s take to the skies over the next two weeks it will be in honour of our heroes.”

The charity’s headquarte­rs in Dafen is currently flying a commemorat­ive flag bearing the iconic words Lest We Forget.

WAA helicopter­s in Caernarfon, Welshpool and Cardiff will also carry a poppy as a mark of respect.

Welsh flying medic Dr Ami Jones, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves with the 203 field hospital, said: “Those of us who have been a part of the armed forces understand the impact that conflict has, not just on the individual but on their family and friends.

“People who are prepared to make the greatest sacrifice deserve the highest respect and our service is demonstrat­ing our appreciati­on in a dignified way.”

 ??  ?? Captain Grant Elgar in front of the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter decorated in poppies
Captain Grant Elgar in front of the Wales Air Ambulance helicopter decorated in poppies

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