Latest civic tribute to armed forces campaigner ‘Colonel Eric’

Renowned armed forces campaigner Colonel Eric Davidson has been recognised for his outstanding work over five decades.

He was given a standing ovation by councillors at their latest meeting as he was presented with a commemorative desk shield.

It’s the latest honour for "Colonel Eric", as he is affectionately known by all, who was made an MBE in 2018 and a Freeman of Bury in 2015 when he returned from the 100th anniversary commemoration of the Lancashire Fusiliers’ landing at Gallipoli. He was also appointed a Deputy Lord Lieutenant in 2002.

It comes as he is standing down as the main organiser of Bury’s annual poppy appeal and Remembrance Sunday parades.

He said: “Apart from being made an Honorary Freeman of this wonderful borough of Bury – my adopted land – the presentation of a shield with the borough Coat of Arms has left me feeling quite humble. It has been a truly joyful part of my life for over four decades, in working alongside so many members of the public and local authority employees.

“I shall cherish the memories and so many happy occasions. I would wish to express my thanks to the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Tim Pickstone, for making the presentation and to all council members for their kind thoughts and support.”

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Tim Pickstone, said: “Bury has such a proud association with our military heritage, particularly our connection with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

“Colonel Eric has been at the heart of that association for five decades, leading our poppy appeal, organising our great Remembrance Sunday and Gallipoli Day events, and playing such a large role in the military life of the town.

“He leaves us a great legacy and it was my honour to be able to present him with a commemorative shield to recognise his work.

Colonel Eric is a former chairman of the Fusiliers Association in Lancashire and a director of the Fusilier Museum. He is also a member of the Regimental Council in Lancashire and the founder and president of the Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire).

He became involved with the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in 1948 at the age of 11 when, in his free time and with the aid of his butcher’s pedal cycle and large basket, he would deliver poppies to outlying farms.

Originally from the Scottish border town of Jedburgh, he joined the police force in Bolton on completing his national service in 1958, and settled in Bury in 1963.

He started planning Bury’s remembrance parade in 1967 while working as accident prevention officer for Bury Police. In the 1970s, Colonel Eric became a Fusilier and worked on the famous Krypton Factor Course at Holcombe Training Camp.