I was a guest of the Parachute Regiment for its Christmas dinner – very nice it was too.

Their president, Josef Wojciechowski, who is of Polish descent, had a distinguished career in the Second World War.

He was 17 when Poland was invaded in 1939 by Germany and Russia, and along with two million countrymen, he was deported to Siberia.

The Polish army was rebuilt in exile and allowed to join the Allies.

Mr Wojciechowski joined the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade and saw action at Operation Market Garden in 1944.

The association meets monthly on the first Tuesday in Thornbury Barracks. If you have served and have not joined, you are missing a great bunch.

Once again the Red Ensign of the Merchant Navy was not on parade at the Cenotaph. The Allied Merchant Navy lost 4,996 ships of which 2,284 were British, with the loss of 31,908 seafarers. Pro rata this means that the Merchant Navy losses outnumber those of any other service in the Second World War. If there are enough people interested a local association could be formed, but if anyone would like to join the National Merchant Navy Association, contact me.

There is a new website for the HMS Churchill Association at www.hmschurchill.co.uk. Next year’s major function is in York on September 26. The cost of the function is £40 with rooms to book at £108 for a double bed and breakfast. There is a big response and the rooms are on a first come, first served, basis. Deposits of £10 are required by January 20. Details from andybroadbelt@hotmail.com or by calling (01436) 679513.

DIARY DATES: Today: Bradford RNA, which meets on the third Tuesday, moves to the first Tuesday because of the festive season.

Prince of Wales Own meet in the Bradford Moor Conservative Club at 19.30 hours.

Tomorrow: Coldstream Guards Association meets in the Northcliff Golf Club at 19.30 hours.

Keighley Branch of the Royal British Legion meets at Holingsroyd House, Lord Street, Keighley, at 19.30 hours.

Thursday: Burma Star Association holds a social at Lilycroft WMC at 19.30 hours.