A FORMER soldier from Newtownards has honoured the memory of a fellow serviceman, by donating his army belongings to an unusual museum.
Paul Johnston served with fellow townsman, Brett Savage, in 1 Royal Irish during the siege of Musa Qal’eh in Helmand province, Afghanistan, in 2006
Paul recalls how during that period of intense fighting, ‘bonds were forged that never leave you’.
He adds: “Upon returning home, Brett faced a long and private battle with PTSD — a battle he fought with courage, but one that ultimately claimed his life.
“In the years after his passing, I held on to several of his personal belongings, unsure where that path of remembrance would eventually lead. This month, standing in Vietnam at the Robert Taylor Worldwide Arms Museum — and laying a wreath beside the powerful tribute created by Robert Taylor using items Brett once owned — I felt a profound and overwhelming sense of emotion.
“After many years, I finally had the opportunity to honour a brother in arms in a way worthy of his service. Brett’s name, his service, and his sacrifice now stand preserved far from home — but never forgotten.”
Paul, who completed three tours of Afghanistan, as well as volunteering for the defence of Kyiv following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is chairman of the recently formed Ards Memorial Group, whose aim is to honour service personnel from the area.
He was made aware of the museum in Vietnam by Newtownards man Stephen Rowley, and he and Stephen visited the museum together. They were able to discuss with the owner, Englishman Robert Taylor, how to honour and preserve the memory of Brett, who passed away in September 2020.
