Pictured: Extra Care resident, Syd  

To mark Remembrance, residents at Housing 21 are preparing to honour the memory of those who served. Housing 21, which began under the Royal British Legion (RBL) in 1921, was originally established to provide homes for disabled ex-servicemen and widows, over time, its mission expanded to support older ex-servicemen and women as well. 

Among those commemorating the day is Extra Care resident Syd, a former RAF member who served in the 644 Squadron. Now 101 years old, Syd reflects on his time in service. “During my training period in 1941, I was stationed in Suffolk. They were circulating notices for volunteers to serve as helmsmen on the troop,” he recalls, offering a glimpse into the duty and dedication that defined his generation.  

Pictured: Retirement Living resident, Averil 

Averil, a resident at Housing 21’s Retirement Living scheme in Newcastle, also looks back on her time in service. With a family history tied to the sea, she joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service (the Wrens) at the onset of World War II. Stationed at Cape Wrath on the far northwest coast of Scotland, Averil and her fellow Wrens sang for the Navy and RAF aircrews, many of whom would not return.  

“I joined the Wrens when I was 18, and although we worked very hard, I loved every minute of it. 

“I met so many wonderful people, many of whom I stayed in touch with long after the war”. She said.  

Averil served from 1942 to 1946, and upon returning home, continued singing in choirs, raised a son, and even opened her own hair salon after training as a hairdresser.  

Housing 21 proudly honours its roots in the Royal British Legion. Though the housing association officially separated from the Royal British Legion in 1993, it remains committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel and veterans. In March last year, Housing 21 signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming its dedication to service members and earning the Bronze Award shortly thereafter.  

For the residents at Housing 21, Remembrance Sunday is a day to honour fallen comrades, share memories, and reflect on their shared history of service.