Royal Marines displayed their modern amphibious warfare skills to veterans who were in action on D-Day 75 years ago in an emotional meeting at Poole Harbour in Dorset…
In 1944, thousands of landing craft spilled allied troops onto the beaches of Normandy to start hammering down the steel casing of Fortress Europe in the largest ever amphibious operation in history. Now the veterans who crashed ashore that day have rubbed shoulders with the modern-day amphibious specialists to mark D-Day’s 75th anniversary.
Coxswains of 1 Assault Group’s 539 Assault Squadron and troops from Charlie Company of Taunton-based 40 Commando showed off the kit they use in modern amphibious warfare, before sharing stories with the veterans.
“They’re our forefathers and we look up to them. They laid the foundations of what we are today and especially in the D-Day landings,” said Marine Chris Takacs, Charlie Company, 40 Commando. “D-Day has that legacy and we still use some of the tactics and we implement the lessons learnt.
“Obviously modern warfare has evolved, but we still pride ourselves on the amphibious capability and what they did on D-Day. It’s been great to chat to the veterans and they’ve been eager to compare what they had to what we have now.”
539 Assault Squadron brought three of their high-speed Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC) to Poole with them and dozens of veterans headed out on the water with the Green Berets to experience the powerful boats now used in seaborne assaults.
Len Perry, 95, who was on destroyer HMS Beagle during D-Day was gifted the chance to briefly pilot one of the ORCs in the waters around the harbour. “This is great,” he said. “I didn’t ever think I’d get the chance to do something like this again.”
Some 255 veterans are on a week-long commemoration tour to mark 75 years since D-Day and, before heading to Portsmouth and France for further events this week, the Royal British Legion ship, MV Boudicca, came into Poole.
Royal Marines veteran Robert William Yaxley, 95, was in the Sword beach assault on D-Day and was pleased to see plenty of green berets greeting him and his comrades at the harbour. “I feel so lucky to be here today,” he said. “I was very lucky, I landed on D-Day and went all the way through to Germany without a scratch. It’s very important to mark this occasion and it’s great to see so many green berets here to greet us.”
“It is a great privilege to be present today in Poole Harbour to meet an extraordinary group of people embarked on MV Boudicca,” said Brigadier Graeme ‘Jock’ Fraser. These D-Day veterans are at the very centre of a series of events, which will mark a pivotal phase of World War Two, when 75 years ago they took part in Operation Neptune, the largest amphibious operation in history.”
To mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, an intrepid team of six from ITN are kayaking across the English Channel in three 2-person kayaks to reach Normandy in under 24 hours, all to raise funds for Blesma…
Following a similar route that was taken by the D-Day invasion force this gruelling 100-mile kayak will highlight the spirit of co-operation and teamwork. In completing this challenge the team intend to raise funds and awareness for Blesma, a charity born out of the aftermath of WWI which supports limbless and injured veterans to live independent and fulfilling lives, for life.
Team member and former Royal Marine, Joe Humphrey, lost his left leg while serving in Afghanistan and personally has benefitted from this amazing charity. They also hope to promote adventure, teamwork and inclusion with men and women with different skills and abilities working together to achieve something incredible.
Joel Whittaker served 8 years in the Parachute Regiment before working with media teams in various war zones. He now leads the High Risk department at ITN. He devised this latest challenge to promote adventure and teamwork whilst raising funds for Blesma.
Mandy Clark is a journalist and former war correspondent who has always enjoyed a challenge but this will be her greatest to date. During her three years living and working on the frontline, she witnessed soldiers and civilians suffer catastrophic injuries in war. She believes in the importance of that lifelong support that Blesma provides for servicemen and women.
Joe Humphrey was a Royal Marines Commando for 9 years. In Afghanistan, a sniper shot him and he lost his left leg. He competed twice in Wounded Warrior Games, winning medals for swimming freestyle, breaststroke and relay. Joe is looking forward to working as a team again, pushing himself physically and mentally as well as raising money for a great cause.
Alyx Barker is a producer at ITN. She’s always had a thirst for adventure but has never tested herself quite like this! With forces friends serving and former, she’s looking forward to facing this challenge for a fantastic cause.
Bryony Henderson is a doctor in South-West London but in her spare time enjoys competing in triathlons and other endurance events. She also enjoys rock climbing and has spent many hours looking out to sea when on various crags but, having never set foot in a kayak previously, this will be a challenge that is testing both physically and mentally.
Rebecca Tweed is enjoying a career break from corporate life. The challenge will be a huge step up from her distant university rowing days. She relishes being part of a highly motivated team and stretching both her physical and mental capabilities.
Ian Waller, Operations Director at Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, said: “Blesma wishes Joe and the ITN team every success in accomplishing their goal in this fitting tribute to those that took part in the events in Normandy 75 years ago.”
Legion Scotland and The French Consulate General will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings with a poignant service and reception in Edinburgh tomorrow (6th June)…
Taking place at The French Consulate in the heart of the nation’s capital, the event will be attended by D-Day veterans, serving personnel, various dignitaries and Graeme Dey, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.
During the service, the Knight of the Légion d’Honneur Cross will be presented on behalf of the President of the French Republic by the Consul General of France to the veterans who served on D-Day and were part of the subsequent liberation of France. Since June 2014, more than 5,800 medals have been awarded.
Veteran Richard John William Honour, who was deployed to Normandy on 6th August 1944 before advancing through France and Belgium, will do a reading at the service which will be conducted by the Reverend Dr Karen K Campbell, the National Padre of Legion Scotland.
Music will be provided Legion Scotland signing sweetheart Amy Hawthorn along with performances by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and Combined Cadet Force pupils from Edinburgh Academy.
The UK is preparing to host unprecedented commemorations this week to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day with over 4000 personnel involved in events at home and in France, making this one of the biggest mobilisations of our Armed Forces in recent years…
On Wednesday 5th June, world leaders will join Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales and members of the armed forces to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the troops who fought to secure Europe’s freedom. Representatives from every country that fought alongside the UK in Operation Overlord will attend one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent years, alongside over 300 veterans.
This includes President Trump – on the final day of his State Visit – President Macron of France, Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada and Prime Minister Morrison of Australia, as well as Chancellor Merkel of Germany. This is the first time the UK has hosted this many world leaders outside a formal summit since the 2012 Olympics.
Wednesday will see an hour-long performance on Portsmouth’s Southsea Common – produced by the BBC – telling the story of D-Day and the meticulous planning by allied forces that paved the way for the invasion of Normandy. The event will feature testimony from veterans, theatrical performances and live music, culminating in a flypast of 24 aircraft – old and new – including the Red Arrows and the historic Spitfire.
During the performance the Prime Minister will read a letter written by Captain Norman Skinner of the Royal Army Service Corps to his wife Gladys on 3 June 1944, which was in his pocket when he landed on Sword Beach on 6 June. He was killed the following day, leaving his wife and two young daughters. The letter includes the following lines:
My thoughts at this moment, in this lovely Saturday afternoon, are with you all now. I can imagine you in the garden having tea with Janey and Anne getting ready to put them to bed. Although I would give anything to be back with you, I have not yet had any wish at all to back down from the job we have to do.
After the display the leaders will join veterans at a reception where they will have the opportunity to pay their respects to those who played a role in this critical moment in our shared history. Leaders will then sit down to a lunch together where they are expected to discuss the enduring importance of the western alliance, and the values that underpin it for our shared security and prosperity today.
Ahead of the D-Day commemorations, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “This week, people throughout Britain will pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives during D-Day and for the liberation of Europe in World War Two. This year’s commemoration will be particularly poignant and I am honoured to be able to mark the 75th anniversary of the landings alongside the veterans who were there.
“It is the sheer scale of D-Day that made it such an awe-inspiring feat. Troops from around the world fought together with a common goal and with a shared ideal. And so it is right that together we reflect on and celebrate the cooperation that helped to secure the freedom we cherish today.”
Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: “It is government’s hope that D-Day75 leaves a lasting legacy and provides an opportunity for people young and old to reflect on the achievements and sacrifice of our Second World War generation. Over the next few days it will be a privilege for us all to learn more of these extraordinary men and women.”
Early on Wednesday evening, the 300 veterans – all over 90 years old – will leave Portsmouth on the MV Boudicca, a specially-commissioned ship chartered by the Royal British Legion and escorted by HMS St Albans – a Type 23 Frigate. The veterans will sail once again to Normandy – retracing the journey they made across the channel 75 years ago.
As the MV Boudicca emerges into the Solent it will be met by a flotilla of Royal Navy vessels – with sailors lining the decks in salute to pay their respects, while a lone Spitfire flies overhead. The Prime Minister will be aboard the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, which will be docked in Portsmouth for the commemorations, to wave off the veterans. The Defence Secretary and the First Sea Lord will join her on the deck to watch the historic sail-past.
In Normandy, Wednesday afternoon will see the Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade descend from the skies from RAF C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-47 Dakotas on Wednesday afternoon, alongside French Army paratroopers, to recreate the historic airborne landings. D-Day veterans will also be jumping from Dakotas as part of the re-enactment.
The Normandy commemorations will begin on Thursday 6th June in Arromanches at 0726 local time with a lone piper from the British Army marking the exact moment the first British soldier landed on Gold beach.
Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week is back with an uplifting programme of events and entertainment to honour the nation’s military personnel of the past, present and future…
Armed Forces Week is Blackpool’s opportunity to say thank you to our heroes. Since 2006, the town has been celebrating the event annually, and it now forms an integral part of VisitBlackpool’s events calendar. From 24th – 30th June, Blackpool will come together to welcome serving military personnel, veterans and cadets, with a wide range of activities designed for them and their families, as well as the many thousands of people visiting the resort.
Here are some of the events:
Armed Forces Week Flag Raising Ceremony
24 June 2019 (10:00)
Blackpool Armed Forces Week officially begins with the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag above the Town Hall. Free to attend so please come and join us.
Music for Heroes
24 June 2019 (18:00)
Blackpool says thank you to the Armed Forces with this musical extravaganza in Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. The theatre will host a night of free music, comedy and live performance with a full programme of entertainment. To get your free tickets now, book online or in person at the Blackpool Grand Theatre, or at the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre on the Promenade. Please note a booking fee of £2 applies to all tickets.
Viva Vegas Variety Cabaret Showtime Afternoon
25 June 2019 (12:00)
Join us at Viva, Blackpool’s very own Vegas show venue for an afternoon of entertainment and variety followed by a quiz and bingo! Serving personnel and veterans get 25% off ticket prices – discounts apply so check for details. To claim the offer, quote AFW2019 when booking. To book, please call the Viva Box Office on 01253 297297 or call in!
Armed Forces Week Afternoon Tea Dance
26 June 2019 (10:00 – 17:00)
The Mighty Wurlitzer will play at an Armed Forces themed afternoon tea dance in the magnificent surroundings of Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom. Entry to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom is £9.95 and entry with Afternoon Tea is £17.00. Tickets are available from The Blackpool Tower Box Office and the event is open to all.
National Armed Forces Day
29 June 2019 (10:00 – 16:00)
Enjoy a full day of entertainment at Blackpool’s Stanley Park to celebrate Armed Forces Day. A number of vintage and modern day military vehicles will form a static display in the Italian Gardens, including the Lytham St Anne’s Spitfire Ground Display Team. A Royal Navy Wildcat Helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron will be in attendance, and you can cheer on local military cadet forces as they battle it out for the Armed Forces Week trophy in a series of challenges!
Come and see what other stands and displays are on offer including military associations, local military cadet units, decommissioned military items for all to view, with fun and games for all the family!
Armed Forces Day Military Concert
29 June 2019 (19:30)
Armed Forces Day is brought to a rousing finale with a full, live concert by the Band & Corps of Drums of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. Tickets are free, and are available from the Norbreck Castle Hotel and VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre.
Sunday Morning Service and Parade
30 June 2019 (From 10:30)
Attending the service will be veteran’s associations, cadets, serving military as well as their friends, families and associates. Everyone is welcome to the service of appreciation that takes place within the grounds of Blackpool grade II listed War Memorial on Blackpool Promenade next to North Pier.
In addition to these events, the hugely popular “Going to the Flicks” event returns to the Odeon Cinema throughout the week, as local schoolchildren take part in the project to see a specially commissioned education film to show what happened in Blackpool during WWI and WWII. Current serving tri-service military personnel and veterans will bein attendance to participate in a Q&A.
On 27 June, Coral Island will play host, offering veterans and their families this generous invitation to dine out and enjoy a free carvery. Tickets are free but advance booking is essential. Proof of service required (MOD 90 or Veterans Badge, subject to availability). A £5.00 per person deposit is required and fully refundable upon arrival. Bookings are open from 10/06/2019 on 01253 922182.
On 28 June, the Service of Dedication at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum will take place to commemorate our Armed Forces and veterans while the evening sees what many veterans consider the highlight of the week, the Grand Gala Dinner at the Norbreck Castle Hotel. Following the formalities there will be a raffle and then entertainment from a top-class cabaret line-up and band. Tickets are £19.75 per person and to book, call 01253 352341.
The week ends with the annual Blackpool Taxi Pull on 30 June at the Blackpool Cenotaph on Blackpool Promenade near North Pier. The event sees local cabbies show off their strength to raise money for Armed Forces charities. Following this a barbeque will be held at the Guards Club for serving personnel and veterans of the Fylde Coast post service and parade. Admission to the Guards Club is free, with 50% discount on food for all uniformed regular service personnel.
Councillor Simon Blackburn, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Armed Forces Week is back for 2019 for another week-long of activities and events to celebrate our Armed Forces past, present and future. We invite visitors and residents alike to join in the celebrations for this annual event which gets bigger and better each year.”
The full programme for Armed Forces Week, and more details about individual events, news and tickets, go to www.visitblackpool.com/armedforces
D-Day Revisited has become one of the latest organisations to receive funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Local Grants Programme, using their funding to create a national tribute and legacy to the veterans of Normandy and the D-Day landings…
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has awarded a grant of £20,000 to support this extraordinarily poignant garden – and its move to Normandy.
The D-Day 75 Garden is a national tribute and lasting legacy to our Normandy veterans on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. Introduced at the 2019 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Garden will then be gifted by the veterans to a community in Normandy on 6 June 2019.
This stunning, visual project celebrates the lives of Normandy veterans and the garden itself has been designed by multi RHS gold medal award-winning designer John Everiss.
The D-Day 75 garden has brought together veterans and their families, serving members of the Armed Forces and civilians to help raise awareness of the D-Day story and encourage both community and inter-generational integration.
The French authorities have announced travel arrangements, restrictions and requirements for visitors to Normandy on 6th June 2019…
People intending to attend D-Day 75 events should visit the English-language guide to read about the French authorities’ security arrangements.
Travel restrictions will be in force from 6am on 6th June. Vehicles wishing to enter the restricted travel zone at this time will need to display a D-Day 75 sticker. If your vehicle is already inside the restricted travel zone at 6am on 6th June, you will only need to carry a sticker if you wish to leave and re-enter the zone on that day.
The vehicle stickers will be available from the D-Day 75 information office in the civic offices adjacent to the town hall in Caen, on Esplanade Jean-Marie Louvel. Visitors are welcome during the opening hours:
Saturday 1st June 9 to 11.45am
Monday 3rd and Tuesday 4th June 9am to 4.30pm
Wednesday 5th June 9am to 11pm
Road travel will be heavily disrupted in certain sections of Normandy to prioritise official transport and some roads will be closed throughout the day. Full details are available on the prefecture’s website.
Visitors will need to provide photo identification and details of the events they intend to visit in order to collect a vehicle sticker.
Many events in Normandy, including The Royal British Legion’s cathedral and cemetery services will only be open to those with the required accreditation. Passes will be required for event parking in Bayeux and public parking in the city will be limited.
Information on accreditation for The Royal British Legion’s events in Bayeux is available on their D-Day 75 website.
The Ministry of Defence has announced its intention to increase the number of women on peacekeeping operations as a commemorative ceremony took place at the Cenotaph…
Minister for the Armed Forces Mark Lancaster commemorated the sacrifice and successes made by UN Peacekeepers around the world during a ceremony at the Cenotaph. As a demonstration of the commitment to UN Peacekeeping operations and the importance that they play in protecting communities, the Defence Secretary has announced a number of new measures to reaffirm the role of servicewomen on these important operations:
Ensure enough UK women are deployed to the UN peacekeeping operation in Cyprus to enable mixed gender patrols and commit to a minimum of 6% of personnel being women who are available for patrols
Conduct a MOD study to identify barriers to women joining peacekeeping operations and action the results of the study
Reaffirm the commitment that women make up at least 15% of UK personnel on UN peacekeeping missions by 2028
The Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: “The protection of innocent civilians is some of the most valuable work that our Armed Forces undertake, and it is often done in the most dangerous places in the world. Our armed forces already provide an invaluable contribution to peacekeeping operations both by protecting vulnerable women and empowering them to help bring about lasting peace.
“Having women in these roles is absolutely vital. On the day that we remember all those who have contributed to the successes of peacekeeping around the world, it is right that we redouble our efforts to engrain the role of women into our own operations.”
The resting places of Captain Cecil Thomas Tuff, The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment), and Captain Eric Wilson Edwards, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment), have been identified more than a hundred years after they lost their lives during World War I…
To mark their sacrifice two rededication services were held on the Western Front at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Oosttaverne Wood Cemetery, Belgium (for Capt Tuff) and at Gouzeaucourt New British Cemetery, France (for Capt Edwards).
Both services, which were organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services, were conducted by the Reverend Ian Kemp CF, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.
Members of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, the antecedent regiment to both The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) and The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment) were present at both services.
The final resting places of these two Captains came to light after researchers submitted evidence that suggested that they had been found. Further research by the MOD’s JCCCand the National Army Museum was undertaken to corroborate the evidence and the identification of the ‘Unknown Soldier’ graves were both confirmed by the JCCC.
Rosie Barron, JCCC said: “Both of these men gave their lives in the service of their country and left behind families who mourned their loss. It has been a privilege to organise these two rededication services, to complete their stories and to share these experiences with the families of Capt Tuff and Capt Edwards.”
As the sun shone down on the Ilford Park Polish Home in Devon, residents made their way from the church service remembering those who bravely fought and lost their lives during the Battle of Monte Cassino…
The memorial service marked the 75th anniversary of a battle that saw an estimated 48,000 Polish soldiers fighting as part of the Allied assault during the final stages between 17 January and 18 May 1944 on Italian soil during World War 2.
The service, organised by the MOD’s Veterans UK, part of Defence Business Services, and The Royal British Legion, was held on Tuesday 14 May 2019 and was conducted by Father Jarek Kucharczyk in the Ilford Park Church situated within the home.
Three Polish residents who fought in the battle, Mr Zenon Slomka (96), Mr Waclaw Domagala (95) and Mr Jan Grzesik (93), attended the service alongside other Polish residents and their families. Mr Slomka said: “It is important that we remember all those who lost their lives in the battle and throughout the war. It was an excellent service.”
6 standard bearers were part of the service proceedings whilst a bugler played the Last Post. Attending dignitaries included Deputy Lieutenant Robin Barlow, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pierce, Councillor Ken Purchase, Mayor of Newton Abbot and local and county chairmen of the Royal British Legion. Colonel Norbert Czerbniak, Deputy Defence, Military, Naval and Air Attaché from the Embassy of Poland, also attended.
With victory secured by the Allies on 18 May 1944, the Battle of Monte Cassino, one of the toughest and bloodiest battles of World War II, takes a special place in Polish history. In April 1944, the 2nd Polish Corps in Italy numbered around 48,000 soldiers and was part of the British 8th Army.
Winning key German defensive positions and breaking the Hitler Line opened the way to Rome, which was taken over by the U.S. 5th Army on 4 June. The 2nd Polish Corps paid a very high price for its victory: 923 dead, 2,931 injured and 345 missing in action. Considering the many battles fought around Cassino and including all the missing, wounded and captured, the battle lasting half a year claimed 200,000 casualties on both sides.
Ilford Park Polish Home provides residential and nursing care to former members of the Polish Forces under British command in World War 2, and who were displaced from Poland following the war, or their spouses. The Home meets a wartime UK government promise made by Winston Churchill. It is the responsibility of the MOD’s Veterans UK to continue the promise of the former Prime Minister.
