Veteran appeals for poppies to add to breathtaking Remembrance display

Chris Young, 73, served in the Royal Tank Regiment for 20 years before he left in 1992, and returned to the UK from Germany in 2009.

When he returned, Chris and his wife, Muriel, found a house in Great Sankey and began helping other veterans and the British Legion.

Last year, Chris decided to create a wall of poppies outside his house for Remembrance Day to pay tribute to the fallen.

“I contacted the commanding officer of my regiment despite the fact that it was 31 years after I left the regiment and he immediately agreed to send me a large camouflage net,” said Chris.

“I appealed to the wives of former members of the regiment and local ladies in the Penketh and Great Sankey area to knit some poppies.”

Chris hopes the display will become bigger and better than last year (Image: Supplied)

Around 700 kitted and crocheted poppies were used to make the spectacular display, and metal figures and flags were used to create the tribute.

“It’s important that we remember them,” he said.

“There are so many aspects of British history that people are trying to erase, this is something that we cannot erase.

“So many people have fallen in previous conflicts it’s important first of all to remember them and to bare them in mind when trying to avoid future conflict.”

Chris is also appealing for wool to be donated to help create the display in three months and make it bigger and better than last year.

“It’s our intention to grow this as big as we can. There are already people knitting poppies for us. It’s all going to expand.

“People can help by producing the poppies and, if they’re prepared to do so, the pillar box toppers or other little Tommy figures. There’s no reason why this should stop at our house.”

Those willing to donate handmade poppies and wool can get in touch with Chris via Facebook.