A bus driver who was noted for paying his respects on Armistice Day in a unique way has been successfully tracked down by local councillor and former soldier, Ian Dore.
Ian was just about to read the Exhortation at the War Memorial in Binstead when something caught his eye. 30 seconds ahead of the recital, he noted a Southern Vectis bus that had just pulled in. The driver hopped off, moved to the rear of the vehicle and was looking at the Memorial.
As the bugler started the Last Post, the driver – now known to be local man Chris Hadgraft – bowed his head, and proceeded to take part in the act of remembrance. Meanwhile, passengers on board observed the 2-minute silence.
In what has been described as a ‘stroke of genius’ by Ian, the driver had changed the bus number from 9 to 11 11. At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, we will remember them…
Speaking about the touching moment, Ian Dore has said:
“There he stood, head bowed, observing the silence. It caught me right off guard in what is an emotional moment anyway. Before I knew it, Andy the bugular kicked in with the Reveille and I read the Kohima Epitaph. Only myself and Cllr Simon Cooke really noticed the gesture, as everyone was facing the Memorial.
“It may sound daft to some, but as a veteran and one who has the privilege to read at such a significant occasion, on their own patch; it resonated with me as an incredible moment”.
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Ian took to social media to say thanks to the mystery driver and to spread a bit of good cheer, helping to restore faith in humanity.
The identity of the mystery driver was soon discovered to be Chris Hadgraft, who met with Ian Dore at the same bus stop on Binstead Hill earlier this week to share a handshake. The local councillor discovered that Chris’ grandfather had served in the First World War, and that both of Chris’ children paraded with St John Ambulance in Newport on Remembrance Sunday.
