How a social worker helped a 93-year-old veteran earn his long-awaited service badge

Richard Dodd, a spirited 93-year-old army veteran from Sale, is gearing up for an especially meaningful Remembrance Sunday this year.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Trafford Council social worker apprentice Laura Titterington, he’ll be standing proudly with his official veteran’s badge for the first time—marking decades of quiet service with a newly visible token of honour.

Veteran Richard Dodd

For weeks, Laura has been working closely with Richard, arranging a daily carer and other support to help him live independently.

Now with the help of the Council’s Armed Forces team, she is trying to track down a service medal for Richard that by rights he should have received on discharge in the 1950s.

He says: “I liked the army, it was something different. I didn’t expect to get anything when I was discharged. We shook hands and I went off home. But I’ve since found out I was entitled to an award in recognition of my service.”

Trafford Council’s Armed Service Team

On working with Laura, he says: “She has a lovely personality, she is always smiling. She organises things for me and makes my day better. I will never forget her.”

“I enjoyed my time in the army—it was a world away from what I expected. When I was discharged, they shook my hand, and I went home, not expecting a thing.

“Only recently did I learn I should have received recognition for my service,” Richard shared, reflecting on his time in uniform.

Originally hailing from Hulme, Richard began his journey as a commis chef at Manchester’s Midland Hotel before completing his National Service.

As a private, he cooked for hundreds, blending his culinary training with an innate sense of duty.

His well-honed skills—like teaching fellow soldiers the fine art of filleting fish—made him a favourite in the army kitchens, where he fed troops stationed in Aldershot, Salisbury Plain, and Nottingham.

High Voltage Switch Gear Ltd in Trafford Park

Following his full-time service, Richard went on to work for 35 years at High Voltage Switch Gear Ltd in Trafford Park, all while continuing his service part-time in the Territorial Army for five more years.

His path was shared by his beloved late wife, Joyce, who passed away in 1998.

On Remembrance Sunday, Richard will be joined by his nieces, Samantha and Alison, who have long advocated for his recognition.

Together, they’ll attend the service at St. Peter’s Square in Manchester, where Richard will wear his new badge with pride, surrounded by the memories of a lifetime in service.

Reflecting on her experience with Richard, Laura said: “Every day, he lifts my spirits. His resilience and stories are truly inspiring. I’ll always cherish this journey we’ve had together.”

Gold-standard Armed Forces Covenant

Trafford Council, which holds the prestigious gold-standard Armed Forces Covenant, extends its commitment to veterans like Richard by providing support and community honour.

Councillor Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy and Independent Lives, proudly states, “It’s a privilege to support residents like Richard.

“The Council is here to improve lives—especially for those who served.”

This Remembrance Sunday, Richard Dodd will stand as a reminder of dedication, both his own and that of those who ensure his service is not forgotten.