21/11/12…It’s time to stop talking about the war, says war hero’s daughter

THE daughter of a Thame war-time Resistance worker, decorated for his sabotage exploits behind enemy lines, has suggested that its time for him to stop talking about his experiences, at least for a while.

Anne Freeman, who helped her father, Arthur Staggs, celebrate his 100th birthday in Thame over the weekend, spoke to Thamenews.net this morning about her feelings following his interview with the BBC, and its broadcast last night.

“We all had a brilliant day on Saturday, but we are now shattered. Though dad put on a brave face at the beginning, he held up amazingly well and in the end, had a whale of time!

“Dad has an incredible history and his experiences during his time in France bring back some good but also, some bad memories for him, as it does for many old soldiers. So we have decided that we are going to give it rest and not talk about the war for a while.”

Around 70 invited friends and family celebrated Arthur’s centenary with him, including the Mayor of Thame, Nigel Champken Woods, who presented him with a fine bottle of Brandy as a birthday gift from the town council.

Pictured: Arthur Staggs with his daughter, Anne Freeman