We’ll mark Remembrance at this Saturday’s game with Annan Athletic with free entry to veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces, a wreath laying and performance from Dumbarton and District Pipe Band.
Owner Mario Lapointe joined Bar72 Manager Gail Kemp to visit Erskine earlier this week where he met with veterans including 99-year-old Signalman Albert Lamond – who was presented with a limited edition Sons ice hockey jersey before celebrating his 100th birthday later this month.
Born in Glasgow in 1925, Albert Lamond joined the Royal Navy in 1942 at just 17. Trained at Chatham, he served as a signalman on HMS Rowley with the 3rd Escort Group, seeing action in the Atlantic, the Arctic Convoys, and during D-Day.
On 6 June 1944, HMS Rowley protected the battleship HMS Warspite off Normandy while it shelled German positions. From the open bridge, Albert watched the landings unfold through his telescope—a moment he never forgot.
Later he joined HMS Bonaventure in the Pacific, supporting mini-submarine operations and helping rescue Allied POWs after Japan’s surrender.
For his wartime service he received the 1939–45 Star, Atlantic Star, Arctic Star, Pacific Star, the Ushakov Medal, and France’s Légion d’honneur as a lasting tribute to his courage and devotion to duty.
Owner Mario said: “It was a privilege getting to spend time with veterans at Erskine this week. It was an amazing place to visit, and hearing their incredible stories of bravery, courage and togetherness in the darkest of times was inspirational.
“At Dumbarton Football Club we’re delighted to offer free entry to vets and serving members of the Armed Forces for our game this weekend as a way of thanking them for their service – and we’re looking forward to welcoming as many as possible to the game.”
Serving members of the Forces and Veterans can claim their free entry to Saturday’s game by heading to the ticket window and showing their Military ID or a Veteran Card. 150 free tickets will be on offer on a first come, first served basis.