Richard Pelzer, 100-years-old and from Fforestfach, is the star of an appeal going out to Blind Veterans UK supporters across the country by post and email.
The charity’s campaign aims to emphasise the importance of Remembrance and recognise the sacrifice of all of those who have served. Within the campaign, the charity has captured Richard’s vital role in constructing the Mulberry Harbours, which were so key in the success of the D-Day mission.
Richard was just 19-years-old when he enlisted and went off to war with the Royal Engineers. Not seeing home for five whole years, he spent seven months constructing the British Mulberry Harbour before crossing to France and installing it. At the time Richard had no idea what it was for or how important it was to be.
He says: “They didn’t tell us anything at all, we just got on with it. Got on with it from dawn till dusk.”
The Mulberry Harbours played a vital role on D-Day, allowing Allied troops to refuel and regroup. A qualified stonemason, Richard retrained as a diver, so he could secure the harbour’s moorings.
He says: “I saw terrible things and lost friends and colleagues. One was killed right next to me, as we cleared the beach of mines.”
Richard’s dedication and commitment to his country shine through when he speaks of the success of D-Day.
He says: “The fruits of it were when I came out and saw a better country, a better world for the younger generation. I pray that they won’t go through what I went through.”
Richard lost his sight much later in life to macular degeneration. Luckily he found out about Blind Veterans UK and the charity has been supporting him ever since.
He says: “Before I found out about Blind Veterans UK, I felt forgotten by everyone except my daughter. But after meeting my support worker some simple pieces of equipment changed everything.
“I now have a machine to play music and talking books on. It’s so fantastic that one evening, I felt a bit cold and realised I was still listening at 2 o’clock in the morning! They also gave me a scanner to read my own post now too – before my daughter used to read everything to me.
“I feel honoured and proud to be a part of this campaign and to give back to a wonderful charity that has helped me so much. If this campaign can help raise money so more blind veterans can get the help and support I’ve had, I would be very happy indeed.”
On Remembrance, Richard says: “It’s so important for us to remember. And not to glorify war. I’ll be remembering all those who gave their lives for our freedom.”
Chief Executive of Blind Veterans UK, Adrian Bell says:
“During Remembrance, we honour the courageous sacrifice of all those who gave their lives for their country. We also acknowledge the significant challenges faced by veterans living with life-altering injuries from their service.
“This year marks important anniversaries for our veterans, not least the 80th anniversaries of key battles that turned the tide of the Second World War and 25 years since Kosovo. With these in mind, we will be particularly thinking of all those tragically lost and wounded in these conflicts, and of their families.”
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans like Richard, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/apply
[Lead image: Blind Veterans UK]
