Katie Melua gives moving tribute to war hero ancestor at Royal Festival of Remembrance
MILLIONS of viewers saw Katie Melua perform for the Queen last night at the Royal Festival of Remembrance. And shortly before she went on stage the singer spoke about her own link to one of history’s most bloody conflicts.
The 29-year-old, who has spent much of the past year entertaining British troops, revealed that her great-grandfather fought with the Soviet Army in the Battle of Berlin.
As an army doctor, Akaki Huchua experienced some of the worst fighting of the Second World War as he accompanied Russian troops to the heart of the Nazi regime.
“He witnessed the moment the Soviet flag was finally raised above the Reichstag,” said Katie. “He was sent away in 1941 and did not return until the war was over in 1945. He was one of the lucky ones who survived and was later decorated by Stalin.”
Military historian James Holland told of the carnage suffered by Soviet troops. “Troops were cannon fodder,” he said. “Russia fought and won by sending waves of soldiers, some unarmed and linking arms, as they advanced to certain death.
“One can only imagine the horror of being a doctor in that situation.”
The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance on BBC1, which included performances by James Blunt, Alfie Boe, the Band of the Royal Marines and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, attracted more than five million viewers.
Katie, who was born in Georgia, said her choice of song, I Will Be There, was a tribute to all mothers, including the Queen, who support and care about their families in times of strife: “I am so proud to support our troops and perform at the Royal Albert Hall on Remembrance Day weekend.”
Other special events yesterday included David Cameron meeting a team of Royal Marines in Downing Street, a memorial service at Westminster Abbey and a visit to Flanders for children from 60 schools across the UK.
Meanwhile Culture Secretary Maria Miller announced English Heritage would preserve 2,500 war memorials across Britain in the next five years
She said: “We hope that, by renovating them, they will cause people, particularly younger generations, to take notice and appreciate what they represent; the enormous sacrifice made by so many.”