THURROCK Council members stood in remembrance and tribute following the passing of a local hero.

At a meeting of the full council last night Thursday, 26 September, its leader Cllr John Kent and Mayor Cllr Kairen Raper paid tribute to 98-year-old Wyn England, who died recently.

Members then stood for a minute's silence in her memory.

Wyn, and her late husband Albert, were synomous with respect, honour and tribute as founder members of Thurrock's Burma Star Association.

The Association was awarded the Freedom of the Borough 2008 with Wyn and Albert custodians of the honour. 

In 2014  Albert and Wyn gained individual recognition when they were honoured at Thurrock Council's Civic Awards for their contribution to civic life in the borough. The award was presented to celebrate outstanding contribution and dedication to the borough over their lifetime.

Wyn and Albert were front page news as VJ Day was commemorated in 2018. This picture by David Meacham featured on the front page of Guardian, as well as the Thurrock Independent newspaper.

Yesterday Cllr Kent said: "Wyn and Albert were a wonderful, devoted couple.

"Wyn was a force of nature with an incredible sense of humour. Someone who would have you laughing out loud, very very quickly. 

"To mark Wyn's passing we should remember that that generation are now few and far between and I think we should redouble our efforts to cherish those who are left." 

The couple lived in Corringham for most of their lives, before Albert died in January 2021.

Mr England was part of the D-Day operation, helping pilot a landing craft to the Normandy beaches. His boat didn't make it to the shore, as it was bombed and Albert was rescued from the sea.

Soon after he was flown to Burma where he served with honour.

The dedication of the Thurock Burma Star Association memorial in 2016. Albert England is pictured with Mayor Sue Grays and Essex Lord-lieutenant Lord Petre.

One of the couple's proudest days came in 2016 with the unveiling of a permanent memorial to the Thurrock branch of the Burma Star Association at the restored rose garden off Wingfield Drive, Orsett.

The couple received a small replica of the memorial to keep. It remains a treasured posion by their extended family, who have pledged to help maintain the rose garden and they will help with the organisation of the annual VJ celebration held there, following the announcement at this year's ceremony that Far East Veterans stalwart Mike Ostler is standing down.

Wyn's funeral will take place on Thursday, 17 October at 12 noon at Pitsea Crematorium.