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Chapter 3

London July 12

The memorial service was organised by the trust members with the assistance of several peers and friends of the couple. Harry, being an Earl, and Julie, being a Countess entitled them to the privilege of a service at Westminster Abbey.

It was held on 12 July with 300 mourners attending including the Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, several members of the House of Lords and members of the couple’s golf club, Burnham & Berrow. They were joined by many other friends and work colleagues.

Harry and Julie were both incarcerated in Changi Prison in Singapore during World War II. Several of their fellow prisoners attended the service.

One of the ex-Prisoners of War, Charlie Baker asked if he could speak.

‘The Earl and Countess de Neville, Harry and Julie, were an amazing couple; both doctors, both specialising in plastic surgery. Not to alter the nose shape of an actor or actress, but to help give our war veterans a new life by reshaping their faces and bodies after having had horrendous injuries inflicted on them during two world wars. I should know, I was one of them.

‘They could have had the good life in Britain, living in magnificent homes and being part of the social scene in London. They chose another direction, living in Singapore on the other side of the globe caring for our troops and their families.

‘With the fall off Singapore they were imprisoned in Changi suffering under the cruel rule of the Japanese. They both survived this horrendous chapter in our history only to die with their family in a tragic boating accident.

‘We will never forget them.’

Harry and Julie would have been placed in the family mausoleum at Brompton Cemetery if their remains had been recovered however, no remains were ever found. A plaque instead was placed there in memory.

Memorial Service Westminster Abbey

Arlington July 12

Halfway across the world another memorial service was being held on the same day at Arlington National Cemetery for Tom, Peter, and Lucy who were all were part of the Doherty family, a family with a strong military background. More than two hundred mourners attended the service with a large contingent of military officers present.

Let Them Rest in Peace.

Arlington Cemetery