“for veterans by veterans”
lest we forget
“Inverclyde’s association and connection to HM Forces goes back many centuries, with every village and town in the district having memorials to the fallen in conflicts past. It should not surprise anyone that many Veterans, having served their country, have returned to their roots or settled in this area. It may however surprise a lot of people that up until now, there has not been a network to connect those Veterans or to help promote the values, standards and traditions instilled in all of them, throughout their Service lives. Inverclyde Veterans’ Network rights that wrong and looks to provide a safe haven for anyone needing a helping hand, a bit of advice or quite simply, a brew and a blether. Service personnel instinctively know how to support each other. It is what we have always done and it is what we will always do. Inverclyde Veterans’ Network is here to serve you.”
-Colonel (Retired) J David McILROY DL (Late RE)
Gallipoli
Gallipoli is synonymous with the ANZACS - the Australian and New Zealand Imperial Forces - with the participation of the 5th (Renfrewshire) Battalion Argylls being largely ignored. But it was Greenock's Argyll’s (supported with Companies from Gourock and Port Glasgow) and Greenock Argyll’s alone, who gained the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders regimental battle honours at Gallipoli and Palestine. They fought through three campaigns - Mediterranean, Palestine and the Western Front.
(c) Imperial War Museum (https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205248700)
Troops of the 5th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (52nd Division) at work on the cliff side, helping to make a breakwater at Cape Helles.
Greenock, Gourock & Port Glasgow also played a crucial part in the war effort during WW2. Many convoys started their journeys from here, and many foreign troops spent time here. A thousand or so locals in the Armed Forces lost their lives during the Second World War, several hundred in the Merchant Navy, and 271 men women and children as a result of the Greenock Blitz on 6/7 May 1941.
Inverclyde has lost many sons and daughters during various other conflicts including Korea, Northern Ireland, Falklands, and, more recently, Iraq and Afghanistan. IVN will ensure that all the fallen will continue to be remembered!
Veterans fought for and helped shape Inverclyde whilst fallen comrades gave the ultimate to ensure it continued to enjoy its freedom. Inverclyde Council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in March 2012 stating it is committed to improving access to council services for veterans, service personnel, reservists and their families. We, at IVN, will endeavour to ensure that commitment continues to be met!