Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan MHK presented two £50 silver crowns commissioned by the Isle of Man Government to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day at the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, London, yesterday (5 November 2018).
The presentation to the British Armed Forces and Royal British Legion was made in recognition of the close ties between the Island and the UK, and the losses incurred by both countries during the Great War and subsequent conflicts.
Chief of Defence Staff Sir Nick Carter and Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson MP attended on behalf of the British Armed Forces while the Royal British Legion was represented by National Chairman Terry Whittles and his wife Sue Whittles.
The Treasury Minister was accompanied by Colin Campbell, whose role as Investment & Banking Manager with the Treasury includes responsibility for Manx currency.
Mr Cannan MHK said:
‘It was an honour to represent the Manx government at this event, to make the presentations and reinforce the strength of the bond and shared history which exists between the Island and the UK.’
A similar event was held in the Island last week when £50 silver crowns were presented to Steve Rodan MLC, representing the Isle of Man County Branch of the Royal British Legion, and Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson, on behalf of Tynwald, to mark Armistice Day. The latter coin is now on public display in Legislative Buildings in Douglas.
The silver crowns were commissioned alongside a distinctive 50 pence coin featuring red poppies and an image of the First World War soldier from Douglas war memorial, which are being distributed to all schoolchildren and students in full-time education in the Island this week.
