Blind veteran pays tribute to fallen comrades

A former Welsh Guardsman whose military career ended when he was blinded in an assault is among thousands set to honour the lives of those lost in war.

Clive Jones, from Market Drayton, laid a tribute at the Royal British Legion's Field of Remembrance in Staffordshire at the opening of its annual display.

Around 30,000 handwritten messages are expected to be planted this year at the National Remembrance Gardens in Alrewas.

"It's phenomenal. It's emotional. It always pulls at the heartstrings for me," said Jones, a Royal British Legion ambassador.

The opening service on Friday concluded with prayers and a moment of reflection for those who have died and the families they left behind.

While many people associate the poppy with the First and Second World Wars, the tributes at Alrewas commemorate service and sacrifice across generations, including more recent conflicts such as the Gulf War and operations in Afghanistan.

Jones' army career was cut short when he suffered injuries that left him blind on his 26th birthday.

He said: "Waking up out of the coma, I was in total blackness. It was my wife and children that I worried for."

He said support from the Royal British Legion, including the Battle Back recovery programme at Lilleshall, helped him adapt to civilian life.

"They took me under their wing and looked after me fantastically well. It opened my eyes, so to speak.

"When I lay a tribute, I think about those I've lost from my regiment."

The Field of Remembrance has been a fixture at the National Remembrance Gardens since 2016 and raises funds for the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal.

This year's appeal, which launched on 22 October, highlights the sacrifices made by Armed Forces families and the challenges they face while supporting loved ones in service.

Each tribute carries a personal message of remembrance for a loved one, including those who lost their life serving their country.

Founded in 1921, the appeal aims to raise more than £50 million to help fund support services for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Speaking at the event, Royal British Legion representatives reminded visitors that "when one service person serves, their whole family serves".

The field will remain open to visitors until 15 November.

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