A heartfelt reflection from the Securitatem Group team, honouring the legacy of those who served and sacrificed. This Remembrance Day, we share personal stories from our colleagues whose families lived through the trials of war, carrying forward the memory of courage, duty, and resilience.
We remember Elmer Johnson, Dany’s maternal grandfather, — known affectionately as Johnny — was a Canadian Royal Air Force pilot stationed in Oxfordshire during WWII. He met this wife at a local dance, and they married in December 1943. Just a year later, Johnny was tragically shot down over Holland during a mission to bomb the Sterkrade Holten Oil refinery in support of Operation Market Garden.
Johnny, middle at the back.
In a final act of heroism, Johnny flew his damaged Halifax bomber away from a village to avoid civilian casualties, ensuring his crew escaped safely before he lost his life. His wife, pregnant at the time, gave birth to her daughter in September 1944 and honoured Johnny’s wish by travelling to Canada with the baby to meet his family — 1 of 14 siblings. This photo of Johnny briefing his crew before a mission remains a cherished reminder of his bravery.
We Remember John Henry McGee, who served in the Royal Marines from 1926-1948. He trained new recruits for wartime duty and served in the pacific as a senior non commissioned officer.
This photo of him in uniform stands as a proud symbol of his service as the senior instructor for H.O. 215 Squad.
His legacy lives on through Joe and the values of duty and honour that guide the Securitatem Group today.
We remember Richard Floyd, Kate’s great-grandfather, served as a Guardsman in the Scots Guards and was cited in the Normandy campaign on August 3, 1944. His daring manoeuvre under fire — driving at high speed with one track overhanging a ditch while dodging shells — earned him recognition in military records. Despite losing a driving mirror to enemy fire, he completed his mission with determination. He received the military medal on 1st March 1945, the 2nd highest gallantry award for Army personnel.
Richard Floyd
Richard marrying Elizabeth Grimshaw
Elizabeth Grimshaw’s, Richard Floyd wife, five brothers also served overseas with distinction:
- James received the 1940–43 medal.
- David injured andhospitalised during his service as described in the newspaper clipping below.
- Harry, who tragically died at 20 while serving on HMS Penelope off Malta
- Robert, awarded the Africa Star
- Thomas, served in France.
Their collective service is a testament to a family deeply woven into the fabric of wartime history.
News article documenting the 5 Grimshaw brothers, and brother-in-laws, Richard cooper and Richard Floyd.
As we pause to remember, we honour not only these personal stories but the countless others who gave their lives in service. From the beaches of Normandy to the skies over Holland, from the ships off Malta to the trenches across Europe — we remember every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine who stood for freedom.
Today, and always, we remember the fallen. Their courage echoes through generations, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
