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Queen all smiles as she opens housing project for veterans in London

Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Haig Housing Trust to officially open their new housing development in Morden: Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Haig Housing Trust to officially open their new housing development in Morden: Getty Images

The Queen today opened one of the biggest new housing projects for veterans on her first day back on public duty since returning from Balmoral.

During the visit Her Majesty, 93, met RAF centenarian and World War 2 flyer Ken Souter.

After his war service Ken, a resident of the community estate in Morden, south-west London, was hired to work on the film Dam Busters starring Richard Todd due to his exceptional as a flying skills.

British Actor Todd, who played the legendary Guy Gibson in the cult movie, said of the air-crews: “Those Royal Air Force chaos in the film took a lot of chances and did a wonderful, wonderful job.”

Queen Elizabeth II greets members of the public as she arrives to visit Haig Housing Trust (PA)
Queen Elizabeth II greets members of the public as she arrives to visit Haig Housing Trust (PA)

Described by a member of his own crew as “a brilliant pilot and a very laid-back individual” Ken was joined by three other veteran Lincoln pilots from the Malaya campaign for the flying sequences in the newly refurbished Lancasters.

Extremely low-level flying sequences in the Lake District demanded by the script led to some exciting moments: for example, the 60ft altitude flown by the ‘real’ raid was reduced down to 40ft as the higher altitude was not impressive enough on film.

On one occasion Ken’s Lancaster was low enough for the propellers to whip up spray from the surface of Lake Derwent.

“Bloody dangerous!" Ken was heard to comment.

The Queen was opening a new housing development in Morden for armed forces veterans and the ex-service community (Getty Images)
The Queen was opening a new housing development in Morden for armed forces veterans and the ex-service community (Getty Images)

During her visit, The Queen joked with the 100-year-old war veteran that she was “glad to see” his birthday card turned up.

Her Majesty said they she “always worried” that the cards would make it on time or make it on the wrong day.

He said afterwards, “Her Majesty is a truly amazing last.”

Haig Housing, one of the country’s oldest military charities, which runs the development, has been the UK’s main provider of homes for Veterans and their families for over 100 years.

The Queen arrives to visit Haig Housing Trust, Morden (PA)
The Queen arrives to visit Haig Housing Trust, Morden (PA)

The seven different blocks that make up the development are named after Her Majesty (the Trust’s Patron), five military and SOE Victoria and George Cross gallantry recipients and a local Ward Councillor who was the London Borough of Merton’s first Armed Forced Champion and stalwart supporter of the Trust and the local Reservist and Veteran community.

Haig Housing Chief Executive, Brigadier James Richardson, said: “We are delighted to welcome our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, to open this inspiring new development of homes for Veterans and their families. The development raises the bar and sets new standards fit for those who have served their country and, often, risked all.”

The new development of almost 70 homes will provide tailored accommodation for severely wounded and disabled veterans. During the visit, Her Majesty met families benefitting from the new facilities, as well as those involved in the design and construction of the new development.

On arrival, The Queen was greeted by local schoolchildren and Haig Housing staff, before meeting residents whose new homes have been specially designed to meet their needs.

Her Majesty met the Bowman family in their new home, and heard from them about their experience within the accommodation so far.

The Queen visited a new block named in her honour, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, where She was presented with a post.

Before departure, she met a group of veterans involved in last year’s Long Walk Home, which saw 100 veterans walk the 100 miles from Ypres to the Cenotaph to mark the centenary of the Armistice.

Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to officially commemorate the opening of the new development.

Haig Housing is the country’s largest military housing charity, with over 1,500 properties across the UK.

The charity has been providing affordable rental accommodation to armed forces veterans and their families for over one hundred years.

The Trust was established as a memorial to Field Marshal Earl Haig.

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