Local veteran Mr Cyril Moisey attended a special reception with Sadiq Khan MP at Number 10 Downing Street to honour veterans and members of HM Armed Forces. Mr Moisey met the Prime Minister Gordon Brown who paid tribute to his contribution to the war effort.

Mr Cyril Moisey (known to his friends as Joe) was a flight engineer in the Air Force during World War II. He flew over France, Sweden, Poland and Germany on operations. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal for providing valuable assistance to his Captain when an engine failed on an attack mission to Pfortzheim in 1945. Mr Moisey has since written an autobiography, which was published by a local organisation, the Furzedown Project.

Mr Moisey said “It was such an honour to come to Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and his wife Sarah. It was great to see all of the veterans there with their medals on their chest. There was a wonderful atmosphere of friendship amongst all the veterans and their families. It was a memorable day and I am very grateful to Sadiq for arranging it.”

Sadiq Khan MP said, “Mr Moisey has led a fascinating life, he received a Distinguished Flying Medal for his service in the RAF during the war and has even had a book published by the Furzedown Project about his experiences. I was both proud and humbled to be able to take Mr Moisey to meet the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The Prime Minister was very pleased to meet him and I am so pleased that Mr Moisey was able to attend.”