Tag: Military Discounts

A WWII soldier has recalled how ‘the toss of a coin and a pint of Guinness’ saved his life from a Nazi rocket attack, 80 years ago.

Army  veteran Ken Pusey was set to spend the day at Cinema Rex in Antwerp, Belgium on 16 December 1944, but opted for a new NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) called The 21 Club at the last minute after hearing it was serving draught Guinness.

While Ken was at The 21 Club, the Cinema Rex took a direct hit from a Nazi V2 rocket. Over 1,000 people were inside the venue, and it killed 567, including 296 Allied service personnel from Britain, United States, Poland and Canada. It was the most deadly rocket attack of the war.

Ken, 98, was speaking ahead of the 80th anniversary of the rocket attack, from his home at Royal Star & Garter, in High Wycombe. The charity provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, and also has Homes in Solihull and Surbiton. It has also launched new services reaching into the community.

Ken was 18 at the time, having only just joined the Army, and was serving with the Royal Engineers. He said:

“A lot of us were given a day pass, and we were taken by lorry up to the main town centre. It was suggested we go to the cinema, or a new NAAFI called The 21 Club, which was selling draught Guinness by the pint, which was unheard of, for thruppence. We didn’t know what to do so we tossed a coin. It came down tails and we went to the club. After an hour or so we heard an enormous explosion.

We thought ‘what the hell is that?’ But it was just another incident. There was a war going on and people were getting killed all over the place. We didn’t find out until a lot later that a rocket had been fired from Holland and it had hit the cinema directly. It killed all those people and many more were seriously injured. The chaps had no chance, they were annihilated. We just thanked our blessings, because but for the toss of a coin and a pint of Guinness, we’d have been dead.”

The day of the fatal rocket attack marked the first day of the Ardennes Campaign, also known as the Battle of the Bulge, where Germany launched a massive attack on Allied forces in the area around the Ardennes forest in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Ken says:

“The more I think about it, the more I realise how lucky I was. There by the grace of God I’m here today. It’s frightening when you think back, because I was 18 at the time, and now I’m 98. I will never forget. Never.”

Later, Ken moved into Germany, and helped build a Bailey Bridge over the River Wesser, near Hamelin. He demobbed in 1947, having served just over three years, and returned to live in High Wycombe. He got a job at an engineering factory, and went on to work on the factory floors for several companies, including Hoover and Unilever.

He moved to Royal Star & Garter in 2022, following the death of his wife. He said:

“I’d recommend Royal Star & Garter to other people. I think this place is unbelievable.”

A group of ex-Armed Forces personnel participating in the second Alabaré Veterans Build Experience at Drummond Park, Ludgershall, celebrated their graduation at a special event which took place on 12 December.

The event recognised the achievements of veterans who have completed the innovative program, which runs as a collaboration between the charity Alabaré, developer Lovell and housing association Stonewater.

This initiative is designed to help veterans, who have been homeless or at risk of homelessness in their civilian lives, transition back into independent lives by providing hands-on experience in construction, along with personal support and training. The program allows veterans to gain valuable, transferable skills and qualifications that can help them secure long-term employment and housing.

The second cohort of veterans has worked hard on site over the past year, alongside the Lovell team and learning skills from basic construction to more specialised areas of the building trade. With ongoing support from Alabaré, these veterans have grown not only in their professional capabilities but also in their confidence and wellbeing, preparing them to live independently once they move into their new homes which they will rent from national social housing provider Stonewater, on the site they have helped to build.

Jim served in the Army for 27 years. He recently left the Armed Forces and had struggled to find a new home for him and his family. He was keen to find a new career, in a new field. He said:

“Thank you so much to Frank and the team for all the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the last year and helping me secure a family home.”

Kevin enjoyed a successful career in the Army but was hampered by an injury which ultimately led him to decide to leave. He worked in several industries before a relationship breakdown led him to hit rock bottom. He sought help from veterans’ charities before being referred to Alabaré. He said:

“I appreciate the time, effort and perseverance from the team and for sticking by me throughout the program. Thank you all.”

Chris joined the Army aged 19 and served for four years. He found work after leaving and started a family with his partner. He became increasing reliant on prescription painkillers and his relationship broke down leading him to lose his home. He said:

“The self-build project and Frank have supported me to grow in confidence, experience working on a building site, and gain qualifications and new skills to move forward. You get out what you put in. Consistency and routine is the key, if you lose that it’s hard to pick yourself up again.”

Frank Nelson, Project Manager of Alabaré Veterans Build Experience, said:

“Celebrating the success of these veterans is a privilege. Their dedication and hard work has been incredible, and we are excited to see how the skills and experience they have gained over the last year will positively impact their futures. This initiative is about more than just housing; it’s about empowering veterans to take control of their lives again.

“I would also like to thank the other organisations who support our Veterans Build programme, including Veterans’ Foundation, St James’ Place, KVF, H&S Consultants, Forsaken Guardians MCC, Mindset Training and the Royal George Salisbury.”

Regional managing director at Lovell, James Duffett, expressed his pride in the program’s continued success:

“We couldn’t be prouder of the Veterans Build Experience. We are honoured to see these veterans go from strength to strength, and would like to congratulate Jim, Kevin and Chris for all they’ve achieved during their time at Drummond Park.

“This scheme is incredibly special, helping us to inspire both our existing workforce and those considering a career in the industry. Our partnership with Alabaré and Stonewater is a true example of how collaborative working can benefit a community, as we each bring our own expertise to best support the veterans, ensuring they are fully equipped to lead fulfilling, independent lives. We are looking forward to continuing the success of this scheme into its third year and beyond.”

Stonewater’s involvement ensures that the veterans not only build the homes but also have the opportunity to live in them.

Matthew Crucefix, Director of Development (South & West) at Stonewater, added:

“The Veterans Build programme is an initiative we’re incredibly proud to be a part of, and to see the second cohort of veterans graduating at this event is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with strong partnerships and an ambition to improve lives.

“To me, these schemes demonstrate the vital role housing associations like Stonewater, along with our wider network, can play in addressing homelessness.

“I hope that the obvious positive impact on these hard-working and inspiring people, along with their families and communities, will encourage others to join forces with like-minded partners and offer opportunities to build homes and rebuild lives.”