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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Remembrance Day, Veteran's Day and Heroes

The Victoria Cross




11.11.11


Remembrance Day is a special day for us.  We thank all veterans and service personnel.  We also thank and remember my father-in-law Col. Fred Tilston VC.   The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various
Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories.   The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour acts of valour during the  Crimean War.  Since then, the medal has been awarded approximately 1,356 times. 

Col. F.A. Tilston, VC

 Dad as I called him was one of the most unselfish people I have met.  He was extremely disciplined and maintained a positive attitude. He loved life and loved to laugh. He introduced me to opera.  An avid reader and public speaker. A Pharmacist by profession.  One year to the date from his war injury, he was back walking and at his desk at Sterling Drug. He was fluent in French and attended French classes weekly, on retirement.  At age 80 he returned to high school and took Grade 13 math to simply see if he could keep up with current teachings. He graduated and had tremendous respect for his fellow classmates.  Each year, we spent ten days in Arizona at a working ranch, which essentially was room, board and a horse.  Dad decided to take up horseback riding when he was 75 yrs of age. He rode for many years on a large horse named Dan. (he lost both legs and one eye in 1945) One of his favourite comments was "you walk up here, pointing to his head and when one is fitted with proper fitting prosthesis, there is no reason not to walk and live life to the fullest "  He walked with the aid of a cane, drove right up until the end  and never, ever used handicapped parking.  He abhorred people who wallow in self pity and said to the press one time "when one feels sorry for themselves, take a visit to the Burn Unit of your local hospital. 

Col. Fred Tilston, Helen Tilston and HRH The Queen Mother at St James Palace(my sweater I designed and knitted for occasion)
At the Throne Room, Buckingham Palace, HRH The Queen, Col Fred Tilston, Helen Tilston


Every two years the Victoria Cross Association and the Royal Family invite the VC's to London for one week.   This is a most memorable time with an heavy itinerary which  includes high tea with the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace, St. James Palace and a memorial service at St. Martin in the Fields, complete with choir conducted by Sir Neville Mariner. At the end of the service, the "Last Post" is played by two trumpeters posted to the balcony.    We have accompanied Dad through the years and have beautiful memories of these occasions.

At Buckingham Palace, Mike Tilston, Helen Tilston, Col Fred Tilston and HRH The Queen Mother



Who are your heroes?
Posted by at

87 comments:

  1. UnknownNovember 10, 2011 at 7:21 PM

    Tomorrow I will stand proudly for my late dear mum a WAC vet and now also for your dad Helen at our little service in town. And of course, for every other soldier that has travelled the Highway of Heroes. This is a ceremony that truly, simply breaks my heart.

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  2. Used-to-BeesNovember 10, 2011 at 11:08 PM

    An inspirational man. Thanks and remembrance today...
    x

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  3. Jane and Lance HattattNovember 10, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Hello Dearest Helen:
    What a wonderful tribute to a very intelligent, kind, gentle man who, from all that you write and from what it is possible to infer, had a very strong sense of duty for which he was rewarded with the highest possible honour. For this your entire family must feel so very proud.

    And how splendid to have such pictorial records of moments at the Palace which do, of course, form intimate interludes of history. Thank you so much for sharing all of this with us on, appropriately, this particular day, 11-11-11.

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  4. MiseNovember 11, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    He was clearly a wonderfully positive and honourable man, who made the most of his time. I'm sure his strong character influenced yours, Helen.

    It would be great to see a close-up of the special sweater...?

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  5. helen tilstonNovember 11, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    Hello Jacqueline

    Thank you for sharing about you late Mum's service to our country and how kind of you to include Fred Tilston in your service.
    Yes, the 'Highway of Heroes' is a truly beautiful and also sad tribute to the present day soldiers who are lost, perhaps we need to do a post on this? Will you do the honours?
    My best
    Helen xx

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  6. helen tilstonNovember 11, 2011 at 5:07 AM

    Alix

    Thank you Alix for taking the time to comment. Dad was inspirational and had wisdom. We shall remember.
    Helen xx

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  7. helen tilstonNovember 11, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    Jane and Lance Hattatt

    My dear friends thank you for adding to the tribute to Dad. You always so eloquently express your thoughts and feelings.

    I know Fred would absolutely love you both and there would be so much in common, and paramount would be the fun you would have together. He also was an expert "rose grower" many wedding parties would come to their home to have pictures taken.
    Fred visited my family in Ireland at least once a year, they embraced him and he was family. One time he included my mother in the VC Reunion and her comment after speaking and hand-shaking with the Queen was "I feel like I have had an electric shock".
    Thank you and wishing you a joyful weekend.

    Helen xx

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  8. helen tilstonNovember 11, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    Mise, Good Morning

    Thank you for your kind words and I hope I can be influenced by Fred Tilston. An extremely difficult act to follow but strangely I think of him when making difficult decisions.
    He loved Galway and visited frequently.
    I don't have a better picture of the sweater referred to by my cleints as "The Queen Mother Sweater" - but it was Italian ecru cotton ribbon, in a lace patter. I left all my designs with the store when I sold my business.

    Gra
    Helenxx

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  9. SuzeNovember 11, 2011 at 6:35 AM

    This was an excellent tribute to your father, Helen. Thank you so very much for posting it.

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  10. MadeliefNovember 11, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Dear Helen,

    So good to remember those who fought for our freedom. Your father in law sounds like a very special man to me. I enjoyed reading about him and looking at the photo's from Buckingham Palace.

    It mus have been very special meeting part of the Royal family.

    Have a lovely weekend,

    Madelief x

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  11. MrsLittleJeansNovember 11, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Oh Helen, What an inspiring figure! I am always in awe of people like your dad who know their purpose and are not brought down by life's tests and trials...I too believe that this is an extremely important day to remember, to honor all veterans. xx

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  12. metteNovember 11, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Hi, I´m a day late in commenting..
    What an incredible real story about your FIL, your dad. I am particularly interested that he started riding at a high age, handicapped.
    He surely is worth to be remembered.
    Who is my hero?
    I admire my grandfather in some ways. He was a strong personality, but died early, I was in my early teens at the time. I have respect for my father too. He was a humble man, spent four years on the front- WW2, never bored people with talking about it.
    But the real hero?
    I believe each and everyone of us is important - a hero.

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  13. Val's alentejo blogNovember 11, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Dearest Helen.
    What proud memories you have of your father in law Colonel Tilston..He sounded like a very kind person. With such a posative attitude..
    The photos of you with the Queen Mother are wonderful. How exciting to be able to be at the ceremonies.
    He recieved the highest military honour.
    Let us always remember these wonderful men..who fought for our freedom.. My father too..
    Corpral Stanley Tilston.
    Thank you Helen...a lovely Tribute.
    Enjoy your weekend.. with love val

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  14. Barbara MatsonNovember 11, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    Wow, very touching and moving. Thanks for this... and thanks to your dad for all his sacrifice.

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  15. Emilie's daughterNovember 11, 2011 at 11:55 AM

    I am impressed, Helen! What a lovely story. It is nice that you took us along.

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  16. MarkNovember 11, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    A day for rememberance indeed, great post:)

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  17. Castles Crowns and CottagesNovember 11, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    OH HELEN...what a wonderful MAN HE WAS!!! HE WAS FLUENT IN FRENCH??? Alors, nous nous entendrions bien! And to think he went back to take classes for MATH? What a brave man indeed..thank you for your kind visit my friend...Anita

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  18. Lisa GordonNovember 11, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Helen, this is a truly beautiful post.
    Thank you!

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  19. MarjaNovember 12, 2011 at 1:07 AM

    A wonderful tribute for a very specuial man

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  20. FlossNovember 12, 2011 at 3:22 AM

    Wow - what wonderful memories of an incredible man. Thanks so much for sharing them. My grandparents were both heroes in their own way - my grandpa for his role in both fighting and in encouraging the troops during the Second World War (he became an Entertainments Officer and booked people like Vera Lynn and Yehudi Mehuin to play for the troops). My grandmother carried on life without him, and I recently found my mum's baby book, where my grandmother had written 'she is a delight to her mother, whose only sadness is that dad cannot be there to see her growning up.' That really made me think about the cost of war to all involved.

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  21. FlossNovember 12, 2011 at 3:26 AM

    PS in answer to your question on my Tintin post. The questioning you correctly detected is there because these are 'translations' given for made-up words. Therefore, there can be no genuine translation, but the original translators just had to make up equivalently 'exclamative' words in English. Nowadays they sound rather dated and funny, but I guess they do in French too!

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  22. vicki archerNovember 12, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    This is a wonderful tribute Helen... Your father-in-law sounds not only wise but also such a delight...xv

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  23. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Suze - Good Morning to you and thank you for taking the time to read my post. Your kind words are always appreciated.
    Helen xx

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  24. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:11 AM

    Hello Madelief

    You are so right when you say we must remember those who believed in freedom and sacrificed so much for us.
    It was exciting visiting Buckingham Palace and St James Palace and enjoying "high tea" in both places.The interiors are stunning. No photgraphs allowed, so the pictures you see were take by the Palace Photographer.

    My best
    Helen xx

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  25. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:13 AM

    Mrs. Little Jeans, hello to you today.
    Thank you for your kind words about Fred Tilston He would love to have known you and your beautiful words of wisdom and love for animals.
    Helen xx

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  26. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    Metscan

    Hello Mette

    Thank you for sharing your feelings for your grandfather and father. Both very honourable men I am sure.
    I do agree with you that every person has a gift and a light to shine and this makes us heroes to one another.

    My best
    Helen xx

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  27. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:24 AM

    Val's alentejo blog

    Dear Valerie,

    I believe the Tilston men all had and have a strong sense of duty to their country. Where did Corp. Stanley Tilston serve? I wonder if he ever met up with Fred?

    I held a special love for the Queen Mother. She was close to Fred Tilston and many times, he was selected to sit with her at the tea table. Following tea she would walk to each table and we were introduced to her. She wore the most beautiful brooches/pins on her coat.
    Have a great week
    Helenxx

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  28. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Hodge Podge, Hello Barbara

    Thank you for your kindness and support for Fred Tilston.

    My best
    Helenxx

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  29. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Emilie's Daughter

    Thank you for your comments.

    I am happy you found this interesting.

    My best to you
    Helenxx

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  30. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Hello Mark Noce

    Thank you Mark for your kind words. It is a special day to remember

    Wishing you a great weekend

    Helen x

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  31. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:29 AM

    Castles Crowns and Cottages

    Dear Anita

    I know you would have enjoyed Fred. He had tremendous style and decorated his home with such taste and class.
    He was eloquent and had a joy for life.
    Wishing you a delightful week
    Helen xx

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  32. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    Hello Lisa

    Thank you Lisa for visiting and for reading my blog
    Helenxx

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  33. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:31 AM

    Hello Marja

    Well thank you for your kind words.

    He was, indeed, a very special man who had so many interests and love for life.
    He was non-judgmental, a quality which is rare.

    Helenxx

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  34. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    Hello Floss

    Thank you for sharing the delightful new of your father and grandfather and grandmother. He must have brought great joy to the troops in booking such entertainment.

    I had the pleasure of meeting Dame Vera Lynn on several occasions, through my father in law. It is really a small world.

    Your gransmother's words in that book bring to light the cost of war.

    Thank you for writing
    Helen xx

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  35. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Floss

    Thank you again for visiting and clarifying your student's comments.

    My best
    Helen xx

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  36. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    Vicki Archer

    Good morning and thank you for commenting.

    Yes, wise and delightful does describe Fred Tilston

    My best
    Helen xx

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  37. UnknownNovember 12, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    Helen,

    How generous of you to share what you know and love about Col. Fred Tilston VC. Remembering is a special respect not everyone shares. We should always share the good to encourage more good in our world. Lead by example and Col. Fred did just that. Great post!

    Helen I have listed your blog among those for "The Versatile Blogger Award" to pass on to those who you feel have shown versatile postings.

    Happy weekend!

    Bette

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  38. Jeanne HenriquesNovember 12, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    What an amazing man Helen...and wonderful memories for you. Like father, like daughter, no question..:)

    Jeanne xx

    PS..thanks so much for your lovely comments Helen, always such a delight to hear from you. :)

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  39. The enchanted homeNovember 12, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    My heroes besides each and every one of the men and women fighting overseas right now (the biggest heros of all) are my dad and my husband. Both such upstanding, honorable, kind hearted, giving, generous and honest men. The kind they broke the mold on when they were made.
    I love this tribute and to me, Veterans day should always be a day to remember those lost and those living and fighting for our freedoms and liberties. They are to me, the bravest and most heroic of all.
    Beautifully done and what an inspirational man!

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  40. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Ideezine

    Hello Betty

    Thank you for supporting my blog. We share the same views on good news Betty. It is important to always tell the good news. It is uplifting and we all need our spirits lifted daily.

    Thank you sincerely for the wonderful honour of bestowing me with "The Versatile Blogger Award".
    I am truly honoured and thrilled and I thank you most sincerely.

    Helen Tilston xx

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  41. helen tilstonNovember 12, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Hello Jeanne at Collage of Life

    Oh thank you dear Jeanne for your kind words. Dad's left large shoes to fill. I married his son, Michael and that was one of my best decisions ever. He is so like his father in so many ways.

    I always love to see a new post from you.

    Helen xx

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  42. 24 CornersNovember 12, 2011 at 8:30 PM

    Oh Helen, what a wonderful tribute to your dear dad, and a very well deserved one at that. It's an honor just to read about him, his strong character, and his enthusiasm life...he was a gift to many, I'm sure, and left the world a much better place for being here.
    Thank you so much for sharing his life with us.
    xo J~

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  43. Hilary Melton-ButcherNovember 13, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    Hi Helen .. what a truly wonderful story accompanied by your photos - what a truly delightful memory and one that deserves to be told again and again .. just amazing to read.

    Thank you so much - I shall us the post as a conversation piece .. I've started with the residents at my mother's home. We will remember and your father-in-law's horse riding will lead me into some cave drawings of horses that have recently been found:

    http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/11/cave-painting-colors/

    Thanks - so interesting to read .. have a good week .. Hilary

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  44. MariaNovember 13, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    Vad fint med en dag då man kan minnas och hedra de som inte längre lever kvar... människor man saknar och en gång har älskar!!!

    ...och att inte fastna i självömkan, det är en viktig tanke!!!

    Tack för dina kommentarer inne hos mig, vad glad jag blir när du lämnar en liten hälsning!

    Jag hoppas att du har haft en skön och trevlig helg och att du får en bra start på den nya veckan!

    Kram♥ Maria

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  45. Mary Ann PickettNovember 13, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Thank you for this, Helen. What a great man!
    My father was my hero. He survived the "D" day landing in Normandy and was a religious man ever since. Every year on June 5, while we were growing up he would announce "It's D Day!"

    Interestingly, he died on June 5 almost 20 years ago. He'd like that I am remembering him as a hero.

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  46. driftwoodNovember 14, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    what a lovely tribute to a very special hero.

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  47. Dumbwit TellherNovember 14, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Helen these are life's stories that are so incredibly moving. You must be filled with such pride for what your father has accomplished and the way he has lived his life; the kind of man to be admired and respected. My grandfather Moore was a Col. in the U.S. Army and received the Bronze Star in WWII. He never spoke of it and didn't realise until last year that he was given such a high honour. I only wish my children could of know the remarkable man he was. I was very impressed by how the U.K. honours and celebrates it's veterans. Watching the BBC this weekend was a great pleasure. Thanks for sharing your father's story with us Helen. The photos of you and your dad with the Queen and Queen Mother are amazing. Quite a thrill & hard for an American like me to even fathom being in their presence! So great to get your comment last week. I love hearing from you. All my best to you Helen. x Deb

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  48. flowers on my tableNovember 14, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Helen, what a lovely tribute to your father-in-law. What a remarkable man he sounds. I am glad that recipeints of the VC get a little special treatment, as I do feel that our soldiers sometimes get forgotten about.I am glad we have Remembrance day and 2 minutes silence, it is important, if only to remind us of the futility of war. Sorry I am late to this post Helen.

    Thankyou so much for your lovely comments. I do love still-life. I often think I would love to sit down and paint a jug of flowers, but I never do! Hope all is well with you and yours? Love Linda x

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  49. Acanthus and AcornNovember 14, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    My Dad. He was in the US Air Force and served in the Korean War. He's buried at Arlington National Cemetary in Washington DC. This post is wonderful tribute to you Dad/father-in-law as well as venterans everywhere.

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  50. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Dear Enchanted Home

    How beautiful to hear you describe your father and husband in the ultimate words "gentlemen".

    I so agree that our men and women based overseas have sacrificied so much for us and must be thanked at every opportunity.

    Thank you for your kind words
    Helenxx

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  51. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Dear Enchanted Home

    How beautiful to hear you describe your father and husband in the ultimate words "gentlemen".

    I so agree that our men and women based overseas have sacrificied so much for us and must be thanked at every opportunity.

    Thank you for your kind words
    Helenxx

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  52. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Thank you so much for your kind words. Fred loved and appreciated art very much. He was a collector and had several pieces by Nick de GrandMaison - he became friends with Nick, who lived in Calgary. Nick would come to Toronto to exhibit and would call Fred (Nick had no concept of time and often the phone calls came in at 4 a.m. 2.00 am or 6:00 am- it was a family joke, they would say, oh it must be Nick and Fred would leave her bed and chat at length with Nick.

    Helen xx

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  53. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Hello Hilary Melton-Butcher

    How kind of you to spent time and invite dialogue with the residents at your mother's home. Mental stimulation is so important. I will be delighted for you to mention Fred to them and what a beautiful way to introduce your subject.


    My best and thank you for your time

    Helen xx

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  54. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Casual Casual Home
    Thank you for your kind words.Your father was a brave and honourable man and to be in Normandy on D day!
    He was definitely a HERO

    I love how he recalled each June 5th as "Its D Day" and how coincidental that he died on June 5th.
    Thank you for sharing this story.
    Helen xx

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  55. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    Driftwood

    Thank you for your kind words

    Wishing you a joyful week

    Helen xx

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  56. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Dumbwit Tellher

    Hello Deb

    How lovely to hear from you. I had missed you and was delighted to hear all worked out so well and you are now living happily in Scotland. Bravo.

    Fred was very special and joyful. He was always interesting and did not sweat the small stuff. He loved to celebrate and Christmas and birthdays were celebrated with gusto.

    The Bronze Star is a high honour and no doubt well deserved by Col Moore.

    Many in England really know the history of the war and one time when we were on our way to Buckingham Palace in a taxi- the driver asked which country Fred was from and when he said Canada, the taxi driver was able to name the four living Canadian VC's at that time.

    Wishing you a great week and lovely to be in touch with you again.

    Helen xx

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  57. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    Flowers on my Table

    Hello Linda

    Thank you for your kind words. You would have loved Fred. He had incredible style and his home was always beautifully appointed.My friend used say Ralph Lauren copied Fred Tilston. He loved paint colours and Min Wax was part of Sterling Drug, so he was forever experimenting with colour and finishes. He loved auctions and refinishing antiques. Antique patchwork quilts from Quebec were another of his passions.

    Hope you have a wonderful week Linda and hope you are finding lots of hydrangeas
    Helen xx

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  58. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Acantus and Acorn Hello

    Thank you for sharing the information about your father. What a tremendous honour to be buried at Arlington National Cemetary.

    We are truly blessed to have had such brave and committed ancestors.

    Wishing you a joyful week
    Helen xx

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  59. helen tilstonNovember 14, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    Dear Maria

    I sincerely apologize for not having "Translator" on my blog. I have not had success in adding one.

    I know from your blog that your words are kind.

    My best to you in Sweden and hopefully I will be able to install the translation soon

    Fondly
    Helen xx

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  60. flowers on my tableNovember 15, 2011 at 1:29 AM

    Dear Helen, I was so touched to read your comments this morning. How lovely that you came back twice.
    I wrote the post in the wee small hours, and couldn't sleep for worrying if I had done the right thing or not.However, when I read all the comments this morning, I am moved to tears, and know that I did the tight thing.

    Mum had a great sense of humour, and she knew the nicknames the statue was getting, and it made her laugh too! I am indeed so proud of her, but I think it has taken the passing of time for it all to hit home.

    Thankyou once again my dear friend, I value so highly what you have to say. With love, Linda x

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  61. RDA Pony TalesNovember 15, 2011 at 3:51 AM

    Dearest Helen
    I came to your post on Saturday but wanted to take my time writing a reply about your wonderful father-in-law. I meant to return later to comment, but my son came home sick and it went out of my mind. I am so sorry.
    I do remember you telling me about your visits to Buckingham Palace and of course your adventures on horseback with Col. Fred Tilston. His comments to the press about people feeling sorry for themselves are so true. I certainly find working at the RDA centre makes me remember how fortunate I am.
    This post is such a lovely tribute to a very brave and clearly much loved man.
    My hero was my grandfather who was also a Pharmacist and expert 'rose grower'. I feel sure he would have got on so well with your dear father-in-law.
    Thank you so much for your kind comments on my post. And of course it really is sweet Spotty who deserves the awards! It is very generous of you to offer the calendar to Jane and Lance if you win the giveaway. I would however, be more than happy to post it to North America if your name comes out of the hat.
    Much love and Spotty kisses.
    Abby xx

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  62. A Bit of the BlarneyNovember 15, 2011 at 4:26 AM

    What a wonderful tribute. My best wishes! Cathy

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  63. A Super DilettanteNovember 15, 2011 at 5:08 AM

    My dear Helen, What a heartfelt tribute to your courageous father-in-law. And all the wonderful pictures you share with us. Thank you so much. I wish I would have liked to meet him. I'm sure that he had a lot of interesting stories and his experience to tell...With love, ASD x

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  64. flowers on my tableNovember 15, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    Dearest Helen, you are so so kind to return to my blog and reassure me with your wonderfully uplifting words. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love Linda xx

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  65. LaPouyetteNovember 16, 2011 at 2:49 AM

    A very thoughtful remembering, Helen!
    A lovely post!

    Warmest greetings,
    karin

    P.S. Sorry for late commenting, just back from Germany, and thank you very much for your comments!

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  66. Rumour has itNovember 17, 2011 at 7:41 AM

    In Belgium we do commemorate this day as well and many people come to the town of Ieper/Ypres for the Last-Post ceremony that day, especially Americans and people from Britain. You made a very beautiful ´painting´ of words of your father!
    Many greetings, Marjolijn

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  67. Julie@beingRUBYNovember 17, 2011 at 4:02 PM

    Hi Dear Helen
    What a lovely tribute to your FIL! and all the men and women who served protecting their country... and what an honour attending the VC services in London..

    My grandfather served in WWi and my father in WWII.. and here in Australia we commemorate Remembrance Day also.. Hearing the last post always brings a tear to my eye..

    Have a lovely weekend. and thanks for your visits my way.. ciao xxx Julie

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  68. helen tilstonNovember 17, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    Flower on my Table

    Dear Linda

    Your post is very moving and I am pleased to read of of your brave mother

    Helen xx

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  69. helen tilstonNovember 17, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    My Spotty Pony

    Dear Abby

    So lovely to hear from you.
    Indeed your grandfather and Fred would have had so much in common. Not just career wise but in interests also.
    Hope you have a delightful weekend
    Helen xx

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  70. helen tilstonNovember 17, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    GrandMa K

    Dear Cathy

    Thank you for you kind comments - it is lovely to hear from you

    Wishing you a joyful weekend

    Helen xx

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  71. helen tilstonNovember 17, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    A SuperDilettante

    Dear ASD

    Yes you would have got along very well with Fred and would have had so much in common. He was based in England during the war and during his time off he frequented antigue shops and shipped back all kinds of items to Canada. We have his collection of pewter which I love and also some old silver pieces.We also have his correspondence to his sisters and mother with instructions on how to care for the specific items. He gave strict instructions that they not polish the pewter.
    My best for a lovely weekend
    Helen xx

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  72. helen tilstonNovember 17, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    La Pouyette

    Dear Karin

    Thank you for visiting and your kind words are truly appreciated.

    Hope you had a wonderful time in Germany - I love your last post.

    Helen xx

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  73. helen tilstonNovember 17, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    Something White

    Hello Marjolijn

    Thank you for visiting and your kind compliment on my painting.

    My father in law did visit Ypres on more than one occasion. One time someone sent me some lace, through him, from Belgium. Such incredible fine work.

    Hope you have a delightful weekend
    Helen xx

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  74. helen tilstonNovember 17, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    Hi Julie @ Being Ruby

    I remember meeting some VC's from Australia & N.Z when in London at the re-union. One memorable and extraordinary man was Charles Upham who wore the Victoria Cross and Bar. (Meaning he was awarded 2 Victoria Crosses in 2 separate actions)

    Yes, the Last Post is such a moving piece.
    My best
    Helenxx

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  75. VirginiaNovember 19, 2011 at 6:30 AM

    A lovely post Helen. May we remember all our heroes.
    V

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  76. Elizabeth Rose StantonNovember 19, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    Helen, this is an amazing post, and a wonderful, wonderful tribute to your dad. What a hero! I thought of them all when I was in NYC last week, and just happened to walk into Grand Central Terminal at exactly 11 o'clock on 11.11.11. At that moment, a band of kilt-clad NY police started to play the bagpipes in tribute to ALL veterans. It was pretty incredible--I don't think there was a dry eye anywhere in sight. Thank you for an inspiring post about an inspiring man. We owe an enormous debt to him--and them all.

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  77. LindyLouMacNovember 19, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    I am back catching up with my favourite blogs after completing the olive harvest. I am therefore a little late calling by to read this wonderful tribute but thanks so much for sharing Helen.

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  78. Emilie's daughterNovember 19, 2011 at 1:01 PM

    Thanks Helen for your wonderful comment! I must say it made my day! Hugs, Christa

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  79. flowers on my tableNovember 20, 2011 at 7:32 AM

    Hello Helen, I hope you are having a lovely relaxing Sunday? Thankyou so much for your kind remarks on my post.I don't think the wreath is complicated, but you need lots of bits and bobs to make it look full. I love it that you have the tradition of listening to Pavorotti whilst decorating the tree! Much love, Linda x

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  80. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    Virginia

    Hello

    Thank you for your visit and I echo your sentiment of saluting all heroes.

    Helen xx

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  81. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Hello Elizabeth Rose Stanton
    Thank you for visiting and your kind words to Fred. Elizabeth it must have been quite emotional being at Grand Central Station at 11.11.11.11.11 - I can hardly imagine such emotions,
    Yes we salute all our brave ancestors and the present your men and women who are today being brave and responsible.
    Helen xx

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  82. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Lindy Lou Mac in Italy, hello

    Welcome home and thak you for visiting my blog.

    Your good wishes are always appreciated.

    My best
    Helen xx

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  83. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    Emilia's Daughter

    Dear Christa

    Thank you for visiting again

    It is always a pleasure to read your blog

    Helencc

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  84. helen tilstonNovember 20, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Flowers on my Table

    Dear Linda

    I love your posts and they are always inspiring.

    Helen xx

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  85. fashion and frankNovember 26, 2011 at 1:24 AM

    What an amazing post Helen - your love and respect for your dad really shines through - he sounds like an amazing man - love the pics at Buck Pal - wow - how fabulous for you. I have the utmost respect for the veterans - their sacrifices were a true lesson to us all - brave men - have a wonderful weekend and frankie sends a special doggie hello xx

    http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/

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  86. UnknownJanuary 4, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Hello Helen,

    I was at the War Museum in Ottawa today with one of my son's and saw Fred's picture and the write-up about him in the WW2 section. My father William Victor Tilston was Fred's cousin and although I only met Fred a few times he was always smiling and interested in what others had to say. My father was in the navy in WW2 and survived the war but passed away 1986. I will always remember Fred coming all the way to Kemptville to my dad's funeral and thinking how good it was of him to make the trip.

    Carol Tilston Cannon

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  87. helen tilstonJanuary 4, 2012 at 6:39 PM

    Hello Carol Tilston Cannon

    Thank you for writing. The War Museum in Ottawa is a very special building and museum.

    My husband Mike does remember his dad going to your father's funeral in Kempptville. Your father was a brave man too.

    I do believe that courage, compassion and unselfishness is a Tilston trait. Your sons must be great young men also.

    Thank again Carol for writing.

    Helen Tilston

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