Guenther Duebel, who looks after The Meopham War Memorial Meopham

by Jamie Bullen

jbullen@thekmgroup.co.uk

Every year, for more than 20 years, an 88-year-old man has lovingly tended the war memorial in his village.

He cuts the grass, trims the hedges and plants flowers to make sure the spot in Meopham remains a fitting tribute to those who fought for their country.

His dedication is second-to-none, made even more remarkable by the fact that he is a former German prisoner of war.

Guenther Duebel has closer connections than most to the names remembered on the Wrotham Road memorial - as he served in a tank regiment for the German army.

He said: "People have asked me 'why do you look after the memorial, you're German?' But I see it from the soldier's point of view.

"We were all just young men."

Mr Duebel was captured in France in 1944 by American troops and taken to a prisoner camp near Virginia where he worked on a chicken farm.

Although many soldiers have recounted the harrowing and painful experiences they felt in prisoner camps, Mr Duebel had a more uplifting account of his time there.

He said: "I still remember seeing the Statue of Liberty when we came into New York.

"It was the best time in my life. In Europe there was hardly any food but in America each prisoner had their own kitchen - the food was marvellous."

"people have asked me 'why do you look after the memorial, you're german?' but i see it from the soldier's point of view. we were all just young men." – ex-pow guenther duebel

Two years later, he was sent back to Europe and was due to dock in Belgium but was diverted to Tilbury docks in Essex, and stopped at army barracks in Colchester.

He has never been back to his homeland despite having a surviving elder sister.

While working on farms in Kent, he met the father of the woman who would become his wife, Audrey Duebel, in Hartley and the two moved into their home in Wrotham Road, Meopham, where they still live.

The couple have been married more than 50 years and have three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mr Duebel has been recognised for his work in the village, working for EllenorLions Hospices and at Meopham Valley Vineyard as well as looking after the memorial.

Vineyard owner David Grey and his wife Pauline have been his friends for 16 years.

Mr Grey said: "He still helps out in the harvest and has always been efficient and very artistic. He comes round here for a cup of tea and coffee and has always helped when he can."

Eight years ago, Mr Duebel was awarded a silver plaque by the Meopham, Cobham and Luddesdowne branch of the Royal British Legion.

He added: "Meopham is my home now. It is the first home I have ever owned, it's fantastic. When I was young there were several of us and we all raised families here in the village."

A Remembrance Day service will take place on Meopham Green on Sunday at 3pm.