THEY might be two generations apart, but these two hero soldiers stand shoulder-to-shoulder in launching the Poppy Appeal in Oxfordshire.

This year, the Royal British Legion is raising money for servicemen and women wounded in Afghanistan and bereaved families.

To date 222 UK troops have been killed in Afghanistan since the conflict started in October 2001.

Harry Bridges, 88, who served as a Lance Corporal in 2nd Battalion The Royal Tank Regiment between 1941 and 1948, and Cpl Edward Clinton, 21, of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, part of the Royal Logistic Corps based at Vauxhall Barracks in Didcot met on Friday to exchange poppies.

As the Legion spends more money helping a new generation of war victims and their families, the pair called on Oxford Mail readers to help smash last year’s countywide Poppy Appeal total,which topped £535,000.

All the money raised provides financial, social and emotional support to servicemen and women and their dependents.

Mr Bridges, from Marston, has been raising money for the Royal British Legion for more than 60 years. He is the longest serving member of the Marston branch.

Holding back tears, he said: “The Poppy Appeal is very important to me. Everyone should buy a poppy.

“When I look at a poppy it reminds me of my brother Arthur, who served in the 4th battalion Royal Wiltshire Regiment and died aged 21.

“I also think of all the men who served in the Royal Tank Regiment with me – I don’t want the Second World War to be forgotten.”

Cpl Clinton said the current operation in Afghanistan made the act of remembrance all the more poignant as friends, colleagues and families were remembered.

His regiment lost Warrant Officer Gary O’Donnell, 40, who died tackling an explosive device in Afghanistan in September last year.

Colleague Captain Daniel Shepherd, 28, also died following an explosion in July as he tried to clear a route in the Nad-e-Ali District. Cpl Clinton said: “Our regiment has not been without its losses over the past 12 months.

“The simple act of wearing a poppy sobers people’s thoughts and reminds them of the seriousness and life-changing nature of our work.

“I would urge everybody to get involved in Remembrance Day and support the Poppy Appeal. Not only will it help and assist those from the last century, but also those that are sacrificing today. More importantly it reminds us to never forget.”

So far 222 personnel have died in Afghanistan.

With the motto For their sake, wear a poppy, the appeal runs until Wednesday, November 11 – Armistice Day.

RBL county manager Craig Treeby said: “The past 12 bloody months of conflict have increased the need for our help, both today and for years to come.

“Despite the current economic hardships, we trust the people of Oxfordshire will show their sympathy and support for those who have sacrificed on behalf of their country.”

Did you or a member of your family serve in the Great War or any of the 20th century conflicts? If so call our news desk on 01865 425500 or email news@oxfordmail.co.uk