Queen Camilla honours Wakefield veteran for Outstanding Service
A Wakefield veteran has received an honour from Queen Camilla for his work with military families and mental health support.
The Queen, who is Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, has honoured Wakefield military veteran Colin Cranswick with a Colonel-in-Chief The Rifles Commendation.
In a statement, The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry said: “Mr Cranswick, a Wrenthorpe resident, has been honoured for his outstanding service as association secretary, his steadfast support for veterans and their families, his vital work in mental health crisis intervention, and his unwavering commitment to music education within the Army Cadet Force.
“Colin’s relentless dedication to the welfare of the armed forces community is evident as is his commitment to the development of young people through his voluntary role as an adult instructor and serving as Band Serjeant Major of the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force (RLC) Band.”
Mr Cranswick, married to Karen for 45 years with two adult children Rachael and Marc, and grandchildren Megan and Mason.
He is the son of the late James William Cranswick, former Mayor of Wakefield, and Elisabeth Ann Cranswick, aged 90, who as a child was interned for five years in a German concentration camp.
Mr Cranswick has dedicated countless hours to caring for veterans in times of illness or hardship, providing comfort and connecting individuals with support from charities and civil authorities.
He is also an accomplished woodwind musician who joined The Light Infantry as a military musician.
The statement added: “His compassion is most keenly expressed in dealing with bereaved families. It is a difficult task which he undertakes with great sensitivity and understanding.
"He has intervened directly to prevent a rifleman from taking his own life, mentored several vulnerable individuals during moments of acute distress.
"Notably, he was among the first to complete an intensive two-day suicide prevention course, setting an inspiring standard for his peers.”
The award was presented in the City of London’s historic Guildhall, during The Rifles Biannual Awards Dinner, and in the presence of six Royal Colonels of The Rifles.
The Rifles, the largest infantry regiment in the British Army, holds the Freedoms of Wakefield, Batley, Dewsbury, and Leeds.