High – Tea With Sir Tom !

BDF Media Release| 18 December 20

Photography and Story credit: AB Bryan T, BDF Media

Headquarters Barbados Defence Force joined the Barbados Tourism and Marketing Incorporated to welcome British World War II veteran and centenarian Colonel, Sir Tom Moore to the island. Col Sir Tom’s visit included historic tours and culminated with High Tea at the Officers’ Mess, St Ann’s Fort. The touring party were joined by Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, Ministers of Government and the members of the United Kingdom High Commission.

During his tour, Col Sir Tom was warmly greeted by fellow ex-military centenarians, Ms Ena Collymore-Woodstock, aged 103 and Warrant Officer (retired) Class 2 Elder Bishop aged 101. Ms Ena Collymore-Woodstock, a Jamaican with Barbadian ancestry, was among the first batch of Caribbean women to join the Auxiliary Territorial Service, a branch of the British Army during World War II.

In the ambience of the Fort and a military display by the BDF Band in Zouave uniform, Col Sir Tom expressed his delight to be present in Barbados and “enjoying every moment”. He further stated that, “it was usually soldiers who were on the front lines for any type of national emergency, with nursing second… but COVID 19 has it now in the reverse …”

Col Sir Tom, raised more than $90 million (£33 million) in charity walks for the UK National Health Service (NHS). He received honorary membership with the Barbados Legion.