When Word War Two veteran Dennis Burnett received an envelope through the post, he didn’t realise the letter had come from Royalty.
95-year-old Mr Burnett is one of four extraordinary men from the Yorkshire Branch of the Grenadier Guards to receive an acknowledgement from the Duke of York, Prince Andrew.
Prince Andrew is a Colonel of the Regiment and wrote to acknowledge and thanks the men, who served before the end of hostilities in May 1945. The letter coincided with the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Mr Burnett, of Springbank Rise, Farsley, is a vice president of the Grenadier Guards Association Yorkshire Branch who served in Palestine with the Regiment. He was underage when he enlisted.
Yorkshire branch honorary secretary Michael Spencer said:
“Dennis didn’t know that he was getting the letter. He was very pleased and honoured to receive the letter – all four were absolutely delighted.”
The four Yorkshire men acknowledged by the Prince included:
- Sgt ADAMSON, H C (4867686) (V), Yorkshire, aged 97
- Drum Major ANGELL-BAKER, R J (2741341) (V), Yorkshire, aged 91
- Sgt BURNETT, D (4868559) (V), Yorkshire, aged 95
- Company Sgt Major DYER, H E (2624875) (V) Yorkshire, aged 93.