Derbyshire Police lower flags to half mast in touching tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore

The force which shares a base with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service in Ripley paid tribute to the 100-year-old World War Two veteran ‘Captain Tom’ who died from coronavirus yesterday, by lowering their flags to half mast.

He raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden during the first lockdown in the run up to his birthday and was knighted in last year’s honours for his work to support healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Captain Tom, who was born in Keighley in West Yorkshire, passed away from Covid-19 while in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday, February 2.

Following his death dozens of tributes have been left outside his house in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire and also his Yorkshire hometown.

Derbyshire Police paid tribute to the war hero, who raised millions for the NHS during the on-going coronavirus crisis, on behalf of the county.

In a post on twitter, the force said: “The flags have been at half mast today at our joint police and fire headquarters in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who sadly died yesterday.

"He gave hope and inspired so many by his fundraising for NHS charities.

"Our thoughts are with all his family and friends.”

It comes after a minute’s silence was observed in the House of Commons at noon today (February 3) in memory of Captain Tom and the more than 100,000 people across the UK who have died from the deadly virus.

Downing Street announced earlier today that the Prime Minister will hold a national clap at 6pm this evening to honour the life of the 100-year-old war veteran.

In an address to Parliament, Boris Johnson said Captain Sir Tom Moore dedicated his life to serving others, and encouraged people to join in a “national clap” in memory of him.

Mr Johnson told the Commons: “We all now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in.

“That is why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening.”

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