Bramble 5 and the liberation of Walcheren Island

The name B5 comes from Fraser's shirt number (dedicated to his mum) and Matt's Grandad's tank, Bramble 5, the tank he commanded in World War Two as part of the liberation of Walcheren Island in the Netherlands on 31st October 1944.

On 1st November 2025 Matt attended the commemoration service on Walcheren Island with his dad, brother and son, to remember Frank and his comrades and to visit the tank which sits on the island as a tribute to the allied forces who landed that day.

We have tried to run our business true to the values instilled in us by Fraser's mum, and both of Matt's grandads: good honest graft, kindness, humility, good humour and respect. The day was therefore a special one.

After the war Frank returned home, married Sheila, and played for Folkestone Town. He loved football and his family. So we thought it would be fitting that we travel up the Dutch coast after the commemorations to watch Ajax of Amsterdam, bastions of the beautiful game in the Netherlands. Frank would have smiled. We certainly did.

Frank's story can be read here.

We were proud to make a donation to the Polderhuis Museum who hosted us on the day. The Museum's website is here.