Heywood veteran John Wilson chosen to speak at Westminster Abbey

John Wilson

Heywood veteran John ‘Jack’ Wilson was the veteran chosen to represent the commonwealth at a ceremony in Westminster Abbey on Sunday 10 May.

Mr Wilson, 91, who has lived in Heywood for 50 years, described his time in London as “extraordinary”.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, he said: “It was an extraordinary experience. When I found out that I had been chosen, it put me back a little. It was a real honour.”

Mr Wilson was chosen to be part of the service in Westminster Abbey after hearing from a friend that veterans were being sought for the service. He said: “I am part of NAPRO (National Association of Retired Police Officers) and I heard from a friend that they were looking for people to be part of this service, so I did the application and didn’t hear anything for about a month.

“I then heard from the PR man for the British Legion who said to me ‘if you say yes to my request, you will remember it for the rest of your life,” said Mr Wilson.

Mr Wilson was then informed that he had been chosen to give a reading as part of the service to mark the 70th anniversary of VE day. He added: “It did put me back a little if I am honest, because it was such an honour to be representing all of those people. I originally thought I was representing the police forces throughout the UK in Westminster but it turned out that I was actually representing the forces throughout the whole of the commonwealth.”

During the service, Mr Wilson read the act of rededication, along with the great-great granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, Zoe Churchill.

Speaking about Zoe, Mr Wilson said: “What a treasure she is. She was such a lovely girl. She was absolutely terrific and is a terrific kid.”

Mr Wilson served in the Navy for over three years where he was a wireless operator on an Escort Vessel. After leaving the Navy, he joined the police force where he served for 31 years. He began his career in the police in Liverpool.

Originally from Clitheroe, Mr Wilson joined the force in Liverpool City before being transferred to Lancashire. He then joined Heywood in 1964 where he stayed for 10 years.

Mr Wilson said: “It was hard work but I have enjoyed my life.

"When I was transferred to Heywood, it was described as a 'tough town' and it was my job to turn it all around. I have been here for 50 years now and I like it here.”