D-Day 80 Memorial

George Robert (Bob) Hewitt

My father was a regular soldier of the Royal Artillery. He joined up in 1930 aged 18 and by 1931 was in India. In 1938 he returned to Britain to be part of the war effort. As he was a gunnery instructor he was teaching in the uk up to 1944. On 5 June 1944 he was at Tilbury Docks and landed in France on 8 June. He apparently spent 6 weeks in a field eating potatoes and mushrooms! He died in 1995. I am very proud of my father’s involvement in the Normandy Landings

Patrick Churchill

In memory of my father Patrick Churchill LdH, CdG (w.Silver Star), 1924-2018, RM Commando 1942-46, D-Day & Walcheren. Dad volunteered aged 17 and completed his Commando training at Achnacarry in 1943. On D-Day he landed on Juno Beach with 2nd RM Armoured Support Regiment. After a month in Normandy he was seconded to 4 (Army) Cdo as signaller to French Tp 10I/A and took part in the landing at Flushing, during which he won the Croix de Guerre. In 2004 he was awarded the LdH by President Chirac.

Alfred Tarry

For our dear Dad Alf Tarry. At the age of just 20 he was in Normandy dealing with front line action as a field ambulance driver. He also served in Greece and Norway. We're so immensely proud of him and all who served... and so thankful he made it back or I wouldn't be writing this now. x Never forget to remember x

John Barr

Fighting for our freedom at such a young age. Such a selfless act. To the liberators of Europe.

Richard Hook

For My dad Ritchie who landed on Gold Beach on DDay. His Company sargeant major Stanley Hollis was awarded a Victoria Cross for bravery on that day and lived to tell the tale. Both modest Middlesbrough men who served in the Green Howards. Dad and his four brothers all went to war. 2 years later crossing a bridge at Remagen my dad met two of his brothers going across the bridge the other way. He was 18years old when he signed up. He's the one far right on the photo

James Boylan

My brave dad on HMS Glenearn lost so many friends x passed away in 1999 my hero forever xx

My father...sailed on the MTBs on the raid at St nazair and in Harry Tates navy ...brave boys x

For all the brave,wild boys and girls that gave everything for a better world x

Robert Victor Mason

Lost so young, this should be a lesson that it can never happen again. We must learn.

Alfred J. Pennington. Royal Navy, and D.E.M.S gunner.

RN then DEMS gunner. Atlantic/Arctic/Med Convoys and Normandy. We never heard about the horrors he saw and experienced, but he did tell us that he'd been torpedoed 3 times [couldn't swim!]. One ocassion, he was adrift for a number of days before being picked up. His family were told he was missing, presumed drowned. Big shock when he walked through the door weeks later, and they were still in mourning. Another time he was picked up and taken to Guantanamo, until he got home via New York.

Leslie Fieldhouse

Thinking of you on this 80th anniversary of D-Day darling dad. A very big thank you to you and all those brave men who fought beside you to give us our freedom (some never to come home including your dear best friend, Freddie) You will never be forgotten, now rest in eternal peace brave sir!

Leading stoker Frank Bennington

In memory of Uncle Frank who went down with his ship HMS Pintail and 54 comrades June 16th 1941...never forgotten.

Dorothy Jean Donald, ATS

Drove trucks for the supply line and later ambulances.

George Edwin Williams Chief Petty Officer RN

Tribute to your nerves of steel in having helped with the recovery of US Servicemen following the German torpedo attack in Operation Tiger he went on to keep the engines running below deck on HMS Selkirk, a minehunter, as it cleared Channel 4 for the US landing at Omaha Beach and channel 34 thereafter RIP now you never have to recall those days of horror and triumph

Cyril carter

Dad passed away in 2002 served in royal navy for 1941 when he was 18 he was onboard HMS Warspite on DDay the other ships he served on were HMS Mona's Isle, Roberts and Belfast he did not tell me much about the job he did only about arctic convoy to Russia dad should have joined vanguard but left navy after he met mom I'm reading about arctic convoy and DDay and it was hard for all the heroes who served in ww11

Richard George Smith RASC

Richard George Smith RASC served between 1941 to 1945. After Normandy he was at Caen, Arras, Nijmegen, the relief of Arnhem, the liberation of Brussels, Siegfried, Line 45 and ended the war in Bergen Belsen. They gave their tomorrows so that we may have our today. Lest we forget.

Albert Unwin

Such a hero. All of the Unwin family are so proud of you. Thank you 🌻

Albert Unwin, No4 Commando

Dad, you never spoke of your deeds that day. After you passed we found out about your courageous exploits. You were always my hero, now I know you actually were. Until we meet again. To the skirl of pipes and in Green Berets, the men from Achnacrry led the way'.

Hazel Parsons nee Bowyer

Thank you for everything always in our thoughts and for the service you gave .. feeding the troops especially on DDay .. may have been their last meal .. thank you xx

Derrick Parsons

Thank you Dad for everything and for your service .. always in our thoughts xx

John 'Doc' Livingstone

A Troop, 30th Assault Unit, Royal Marines Commando

Bernard Andrews

Soo proud if you dad as a gunner on a minesweeper h.m.s.tewera thankyou and your shipmates for all you risked your lives for us love you xx

John William Fettis

Thank you Grandad and deepest respect for what you did to enable us to have freedom. Very proud of you. Xxx

Hammersley L W coxswain Royal Marine

My father was at the D-Day landings when we were children we asked him what he did in the war. He said just drove a boat in later life he told us how traumatic it was. After he died, we scatter his ashes off the coast of Normandy because he always said they didn’t get me on that day, they can have me now!

George Fuller

48 Commando Juno beach

HARRY MAURICE COWEN

Harry was Chief Petty Officer on board Landing Craft LCT 558. His ship was one of the first on Sword Beach at around 7am. He never spoke about his experiences for over 50 years until we persuaded him to collect his war pension and his medals. He suffered severe bouts of depression at what he had seen. He went back to Normandy several times before his death to pay tribute to his colleagues and friends he had lost.

Frederick William David Wheeler (“Whizz” Wheeler)

Chief mechanic on MTB 102, the most special of the ‘Little Ships’…..thank you for your courage and bravery. I wish I had known you

Terrence Anderson

Terry Anderson my dad never really spoke about the war except to say that he saw action in Italy & somewhere else .That Monty was he boss as he put it & he was in intelligence. Ive not been lucky finding his war records but I have his medals. I'm so grateful he made it back home especially as my dad's older brother Clifford wasn't so lucky he was station in India with the RAF. He never came home he died in 1942 aged just 22 . I Thankyou both for your bravery & sacrifice for our Freedom.

William Gordon Long Loui

Very humble lovely man, wonderful Grandpa. Served as a Royal Marine and involved in the D-Day Landings. His ship was hit and awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for going back and rescuing a fellow comrade. Dearly loved my hero.

Frank Richards

Grandad was in the Royal Marines and served at Gold Beach as a Ramp Dropper.

Robert Sloane Crawford

Dad was in the Royal Navy from 1939 to 1946 he was on minesweepers and anti-submarine converted trawlers Thank fully he survived the war But like many he never spoke of his time in service

Frederick Haynes

So proud to say you were my dad a brave young man who fought for our freedom in the Royal Marines to come back unlike so many all brave and I will never forget

Lt Harold Richard Smith

My Grandfather served with RNVR (previous Merchant Navy) as an Engineer on a Corvette in the North Atlantic Convoys in WWll. I have been unable to track down his war record so have no knowledge of the ships he was on. He never spoke of the war or what they went through. I only remember his saying about the sound of the torpedos when in the belly of the ship and waiting for the hit. He survived the war when others didn't. He didn't get the recognition he deserved.

Albert Victor Walker MM

Dad was in the Gloucestershire Regiment, he was seconded to the Canadians as he had seen action and was with them to help them get ashore, he wore a Polar Bear insignia on his arm and landed with them on Juno Beach, he stayed with the Canadians for quit a while as they made there way inland, he was awarded the Military Medal whilst on the Journey and was immensely proud to have received and to have done his bit, however he never spoke about it much apart from the fact that he was on D Day.

Alan King

Alan was a tank radio operator with the East Riding Yeomanry. He went ashore on Sword Beach just after 7am on 6th June 1944. His landing craft plowed through the broken remains of soldiers whose landing craft was blown apart by German fire. These memories and more haunted him for the rest of his life.

Joseph harley

Was in the ARMY FIGHTING IN BURMA WW2

Mne Harold Hillard 45 Cdo RM

You never spoke of the war. The memories were too painful and I can't imagine what you would have had to witness as one so young, but you served your country and lived the rest of your life in peace. You were my inspiration, and I hope I have lived up to your expectations. We will always be thankful for what you gave. Lest we forget.

Charles Alfred Burton

Thank you to you and all the brave men who served and sacrificed their lives so I, my children & your great grandchildren can live in a free society. You served on many shops during the War and in August 1944 on board the Octavia you swept the channel for mines for which you were awarded the legion d’honneur.

Marine Stanley Hedley

In Remebrance of my great uncle Marine Stanley Hedley , who died of wounds 2 days after the D-Day landings , 22 days before his 21st Birthday . He fought in Africa and Italy prior to D-Day.

Fredrick James Richard’s

You are our Hero Remembered Always 😘

Mrs Irene (Rene) Ainsworth

This dedication is for my mum. She helped to build some of the planes that helped to win WW2 at Brough in East Yorkshire. She became engaged to my dad during the war and they married on his return in 1946. She died at the age of 96. Never to be forgotten.

John Henry Ainsworth

Dad was one of the lucky ones, who managed to come home safely. After he retired he became involved with the Hull NBA and became their Chair, helping to organise the annual pilgrimage to France, Belgium and Holland. He helped to raise the profile of the war, only to educate and for people not to forget. He always believed how important our allies were and still are today. Never to be forgotten. Died at the age of 98.

Albert Henry Thomas Clawson

My Dad landed on Sword beach he was a Camando that's all I really know.He sadly died in 1973 aged 48 years so I didn't ever get to talk to him about any of it .

My father.harry dillon

Was in Royal navy ww2. Russian convoys.

Dougal MacIntyre

I never appreciated the sacrifice. I didn’t know the suffering. I was able to live my life as a result of what you did and I will forever be grateful and proud.

My father Walter Varley

You never spoke of your involvement, but thank you, we can never imagine what you went through.

John RONALD Nelson Winter

Ron joined the RNVR at HMS King Alfred (Hove) prior to the War. He served on HMS Vanessa, HMS Panther, HMS Rodney, HMS Panther again, then on D Day was Coxwain for a Landing Craft Tank. Even after all this, he had the most terrific sense of humour and fun, I don’t remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. He loved family board game nights and was an excellent party host. He married his sweatheart Pat in 1947. A terrific Dad, Granddad, Brother, Uncle & Foster Parent. 1920-1998 TJW x

RMPly21548 P.G.Day

22years for King & Country, through peace and onto The River Plate on HMS Exeter, then through to Omaha. My hero, my friend and moral compass, most of all my Dad. For you and all your fallen comrades and those who like you came home, unending respect, love and gratitude.

Ebenezer Anderson

Dear grandad you will never be forgotten for what you sacrificed in your life to enable me and all others a special place to live.

Robert Murray Taylor

Dear grandad you will never be forgotten for all that you sacrificed to give me and others a chance in life. Xxxx

Ernest John Crisp

Thank you. You were and always will be a hero to me. I love you. We'll meet again.

Albert Edwin Lancaster

My grandad was a marine in the war his friends called him eddy or edwin and he was involved in d day I never got the chance to talk to him about war it was something he kept to himself sadly he as past on now but I had the pleasure of growing up with the most amazing gentlemen I've ever knew he was my grandad, my hero and has a family we was and still are very proud of him I find it so brave of him he was a kid going in but came out a man and I will miss him every day of my life

Charles Frederick (Fred) Winship

Grandad took LBV 181, part of 20th LBV Flotilla sailing from Poole. He made two landings on US Utah beach. He told us that he carried fuel and ammunition. He returned. We were so lucky to have had him as our grandfather.

George Foley

To my Dad, who joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 19. He joined his first ship and within hours, enemy fire damaged the ship and killed the first young sailor he had met on board. He travelled the world, lost two brothers in the army and was involved in many battles. Such heroes and yet it took years to hear his stories and I’m sure there were more he kept to himself. God bless all those who served.

Kenneth Henry Bell

Our dad survived and lived to be 97. We miss him and like others, his modesty when we acknowledged his bravery. His grandchildren loved the stories he told. He served on HMS Royal Oak, The Spanish Civil War,1936, aged 16. HMS Bramble, mine sweeping and the Artic convoys, HMS Nasturtium, Battle of the Atlantic and duties in the Adriatic, HMS Avon Vale, the latter being a support ship on D Day at Gold Beach, during WW2. God bless them all.

Jack Archer

My dad seaman jack Archer was a mine sweeper and on that day helped clear the mines to let the American troops on Omara beach ! Allways said it was his duty to his country !! He signed up with his brother when he was 17 they both made it back !! To all are service men and women you will allways be remembered for are tomorrow b

Victor H McGreevy

47 Royal Marine Commando. Landed Gold Beach D Day.

Norah Scamp

My mother was in Portsmouth on D Day

Squadron Leader L.J.D Wheble DFC

Remembering Squadron Leader Wheble who with his crew was one of the Pathfinder Lancasters over the Normandy Coast on the night of the 5th/6th June helping to prepare the way for the landing force.

The LOWRY / WATT brothers

RESPECT to you all, May you rest in Peace xxx

Leslie Edwards

Our hero, drove his Churchill tank onto Gold beach x

Wren Nancy Parkin

Always in my thoughts

Stoker Bernard Plant

Dedicated to my father in law who lost his life in 1941 on the Submarine HMS Usk. When it hit a mine and all hands lost.

Mne Ron Parkin RM

Always in my thoughts

Robert McTaggart

Our Dad was born in Belfast in 1919, and joined the Navy aged just 15, his widowed Mirger having to sign to allow him to join, he trained at HMS Ganges. His first ship was HMS Nelson, and he served on the Indominable and the Manchester, but his love was HMS Belfast. He was on the Artic Convoys on the Belfast when they were called to Scapa Flow, where they trained for the Normandy invasion. He was Petty Officer at this time. He was proud to have fired the first shots on DDay from the Belfast.

Lawrence and Beryl Corry

My beautiful Grandparents met during the war whilst serving for the Raf in Egypt. They went on to have three daughters, and five grandchildren. (And seven great grandchildren so far!) We lost Granddad a few years ago at the age of 96, but Nana is still going at 103 years old. I'm so unbelievable proud and honoured to call them my Grandparents

All past and present members of our armed services with special appreciation for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom safety and peace.

As a former electrician serving in HMS Anzio, a tank landing ship, I have some idea of how it must have felt to hit the beach in a landing craft and under tremendous fire make an assault on the enemy. Those men had undergone vigorous training for the task but still required dedication and bravery to carry out the mission. Their willingness to leave their loved ones and stand into danger was matched by the willingness of their loved ones to let them go. We must never forget such dedication to dut

Lawrence Anderson RN

My (half) brother. He was serving in a submarine that approached the D Day coast to reconnoitre prior to the landings. Also remembering a cousin who lost his life in the Med when the Cruiser he served on was sunk.

Horace ( Harry / Shiner ) Wright

Dad served on Monitor class HMS Roberts from May 1943 and his ship took part in D Day , bombarding German positions supporting British troops on Sword Beach. Luckily two torpedos went underneath the ships stern on the morning of the 6th June due to it shallow draft. We are so grateful and proud of the bravery shown by those who returned to us and more especially , those who did not .

Iain Stewart Macpherson

Our Grandpa was a territorial army officer, mobilised for the war and taking part in the D-Day landings. Like many he never spoke to us about his experiences. We pieced this together from some records we found and what our mum told us. He was in the Royal Army Service Corps, attached to the Northumberland Fusiliers before being seconded into the 3rd (Royal Northumberland Fusiliers) Reconnaissance Corps, landing on Gold Beach before serving throughout Western Europe.

To all who served

Thank you for what you did for us. We will not forget what you did and what you gave up, so that we can have the liberty we have now. Thank you BZ

Herman Floyd Shelley U S Army

Sadly the LST you were on was torpedoed in the English Channel you're name lives on ,on the memorial wall which I have visited RIP all you heroes xx❤️🇺🇲

Those that have served, serving or will serve

To those that have given the ultimate sacrifice, to those that have been affected by loss, to those that serve to keep our shores safe. To those that want to serve, I thank you, the country thanks you. I grew up with respect for those that lost lives, loved ones and homes during the war. I remember every year and thank them. know how much goes into serving. You and those before deserve more than you get. Thank you to you all. Sleep well Heroes, stand to your duty is done. Lest we forget

Arthur (Bill) James Cox

We love you Dad and we miss you after all these years.

Edward Charles Duffield

My Dad landed on Sword Beach on D2. He use to talk to me, I think it helped, he told me, the sea was red. He got through the war, but eventually he paid the price, he could not sleep and his health declined. He use to say to me, „I can never understand how one human being can inflict such atrocities on another“ Mum told me after he died, his unit helped liberate Bergen Belson. He said to me many times, it will happen again. I’m so proud of my Dad, he is a hero, I wish I could of told him that!

893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion.

Thanks for the memories. I, together with my sister Averil & Mother Daisy Frances Butcher, were evacuated from Southend Essex & ended up staying in a mobile home in a field owned by the Norman Farm family in Bradpole, nr Bridport Dorset. American soldiers of the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion were also accommodated in that field to prepare for the Normandy assaults, brave men all. I was with them as a child, am now 87.

Hubert C B Spencer

My dad was stoker in the navy. On D-Day the went over to Normandy on a petrol barge full of high octane fuel LB051.He returned safely to tell his story many years later.He died in 2011 and we miss him every day.

Sidney Such

Sidney Such – 4th Special Service Brigade - Signal Troop Never Forgotten - 80 years ago today, my uncle, Sidney Such then aged 19 landed on D-Day as a Royal Marine of 48 Commando, part of the HQ of 4th Special Service Brigade. His job as part of the Signal troop was to pass messages from HQ to the forward positions by whatever means possible be it on foot, by push bike or motorcycle when they became available. The motorbikes were lost in another landing Craft during the assault. He landed at 9a

L/cpl James Harold Bruce

Dedicated to my Grandad who Served with 113th Royal Armoured Corps (2/5 West Yorkshire Regt) and later with an RAC Tank training unit and BAOR. Was readied for the NWE campaign on 3 June but unknown if he landed on D-Day or the days following. Definitely Gold Beach though. Subsequently pushed through France into Germany. Saw first hand the horrors of Belsen and assisted the clean up operation. Sadly he passed away when I was young, so many questions I’d like to have asked. Thanks Grandad x

Andre Bernard

This is to Honour my grandfather Andre Bernard, Keiffer commando, the only French military personnel to land on French soil on D-Day. We only found he was still alive in 1980 living in Poitiers, France and we then spent some holidays together. Grandad died on 17th December 2002 and will always be a hero in my eyes.

My dear Dad, Ted Ingram- Royal Navy D-Day Veteran

Dad was only 20 when he guided a Landing Craft ( LCT 863) onto Sword Beach in the early hours of D- Day. In the following days and weeks, he made many crossings back and forth to Normandy - and even missed his Wedding day ! Mum had no idea where he was , but some time later his craft was sunk and he got home on survivors leave for a few days- and they got married at last! They went on to enjoy 71 years of love together, until their deaths in 2015, only weeks apart .. ♥️♥️

George Gubb

Thank you to all who gave there everything for us , my dad at Poole quay was a stoker in the Royal Navy , went over to one of the American beaches june 6th ♥️

James Michael McManigan

Never forgotten

Charles Henry Middleton

Royal Marines Commando Charles Henry Middleton Our Hero landed on D-Day +1 you were so young we are so proud of you Dad

Gerald Eaton

Proud memories of a wonderful dad and grandad who only ever once spoke of the horrors of the Normandy beaches viewed from HMS Grecian, a minesweeper off the coast.

Eric Sanderson

Died on gold beach aged 21 , 1944 as part of the D - Day landing. Part of the East Yorkshire Regiment and brother to Joseph Sanderson , also veteran of the Second World War.

William L S Boyle

This is a photo of our Dad, William Linton Sloan Boyle, aged 23, serving on HMS Glasgow. Part of the BEF at D-Day, shelling the fortifications on Omaha Beach. We’re proud of you always, especially now in your 102nd year and still going strong. Thank you for the freedom that you and your comrades gave us.

Sgt Alfred Edgar Stanford (Tony)

Dad joined RAF in 1938 knowing that a war was imminent. Travelling in Europe in the 30's he'd seen the rising of the Hitler youth first hand. In 1942 he joined Unit 3210 RAF Servicing Commando. He left for Normandy to land on Juno beach D-day +1. Their job was to maintain, repair, refuel and arm operational Allied aircraft during the assault phase of a major landing close to the advancing front line and to vigorously defend themselves and the aircraft in their charge against enemy attack.

Charles wallace

Lost is life at the tender ang of 20. On the 11/6/44 RIP YOUNG MAN.XXXXX

Charles Stocks

Still think about you uncle Charlie brother John and myself have visited your grave at Bayeux thank you and all those brave soldiers sailors and airmen

Edward Aloysius Dougan

Remembering our Great Uncle Edward from Glasgow who was very proud of serving in the Highland Light Infantry. A wonderful man who was loved by all his family. One of the lucky ones who came home and lived to celebrate his 80th birthday.

Ron Ridgley

So proud of my Dad Ron Ridgley who landed on Juno beach on D Day with the 5th Royal Berkshire Regt. He took a motorbike off the landing craft to be passed to an officer on the beach. After fighting through France, Belgium and Germany with the 7th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry he was demobbed in 1946. He was one of the lucky ones and lived to celebrate his 100th birthday.

Cyril Charles Bryant.

You survived two tours of duty as a Tail-End Charlie, and returned home whole in body, but not in mind. You died early (52) leaving a void that can never be filled.

Stanley Aldcroft 4 Commando

We never got to know each other as sadly you passed away in 1954, I was 4 months old. Back in those days very little was spoken about the war, but my Gran your Mum used to always speak of you. I know that you took part in raids and in action around Flushing, at some point you were sheltered by a Dutch family for some time, before you made it back home. I have many photographs one of which is, I believe in Germany with "6 Commando" written on the back Thank you Dad, and to all who served.

To my dad if it wasn’t for you surviving i wouldn’t be here thank you xx

Love you miss you thank you xxx

Able Seaman Leonard Smith

My late dad.Survived the war. Served on H.M.S Enterprise D52.A light cruiser.Enterprise was shelling Caen on D.day.

Evan(Harry)Austin

My Dad was there on D day in the Royal Engineers we were so thankful he came back to us and we had a few more years with him.

George Norman Baxter

Grateful thanks to my Uncle Norman. When was was declared in1939 my gran said 'Thank God our Norman's still at school', he would have been aged 13. In due course he received his 'call up' papers and joined the navy. Norman was assigned to HMS Loyalty, which would have served as part of 'Operation Neptune' off Gold Beach. However, HMS Loyalty was torpedoed on 22nd August & sank within 7 mins, Norman drowned. God Bless, I have the privilege to live in a free country because of your sacrifice.

Ron Ridler

Served on minesweeper HMS Shippigan 1942-46. Aged 20 on D-Day, his ship was one of those sweeping the approaches to Utah Beach. Thankfully came home safe and sound to live a long and happy life. God Bless You Dad.

John Cherrison

My Grandad. Landed at Arromanches on D-Day with the Royal Engineers and immediately set to work helping to build the Mulberry Harbour.

James Moore

My dad was very proud to be a Royal Marine during world war2. He often talked about the places he went to and the dangerous situations he was involved in. I am very proud of my dad and all the serving officers in All the forces