Issue 105 - the Pembury Village Website

PEMBURY PEOPLEA new feature spotlighting village residentsAFAMILIAR character is often seen walking his dog Meg, along with other canine friends,through the Pembury byways – his name is Alfred ‘Alf’ Pimblett. It was only on lastRemembrance Sunday, having seen him bedecked with countless medals, that I suspected thatthere might be an interesting story attached to this gentleman. Alf is, in fact, somewhat of awar hero.Having cajoled him into giving me an interview, I visited him at his cosy Pembury home andwas astounded to find that he was awarded the Military Medal when on active service as acommando in Burma during the Second World War. Several seminal publications haverecorded his bravery when, amongst other commendable actions, he carried his woundedcompany officer Lt. Col. Pollitt out of the range of enemy gunfire and back to safety. He sawactive service in many campaigns ranging from Boulogne to Madagascar. Upon the cessationof the 1939-45 conflict Alf joined the merchant navy and then spent 22 years with the RoyalFleet Auxiliary. He was soon back at the front line however when, at the age of 61 he foundhimself to be the oldest active serviceman during the Falklands conflict!Nowadays, Alf busies himself by walking dogs for people in the village and beingenthusiastically involved with groups such as the Burma Star Association where he serves asvice-chairman. He still corresponds with one of his old Japanese adversaries and has enjoyeda visit to Japan for a conciliatory meeting.Alf thinks Pembury is a smashing place to live and is overwhelmed by the kindness of hisneighbours since his beloved wife of 52 years, Hazel, recently passed away. Alf’s own fatherlived to the ripe old age of 98, so we hope that with his current fitness regime we will be ableto enjoy Alf’s company in Pembury for many years to come.Paul Barrington-KingAlf with faithful friend Meg15