D-Day 80 Memorial

Marine John Didd 47 RM CDO

We are so proud of him he wanted to attend the 50th Anniversary But passed away me and John are attending the 80th Anniversary Port -en-bessin

Private: John Welsh

This is my great uncle Private John Welsh who went across to Normandy on his 22nd birthday and served with the South Lancashire Regiment on Sword beach. He survived the initial landings on the beach and made it inland where he fought fir the next 3 weeks. Sadly whilst on a routine patrol on what was a quiet day considering he was shot at and died from his wounds on 29th June 1944,he is buried at Hermanville War Cemetery alongside many of his fellow soldiers he served with. Lest We Forget

Alec penstone

My Dad served In the Navy on the Russian Convoys He started of at the age of 15 being ARP Then joined the Navy . He was sent to Devonport for training Then he went on the submarines as it was more money. Then on to HMS Campania Met my Mum Christmas 1943 and married in 1945 With only 3 days to sort a wedding out before he was sent back to Sea to the far east At the age of 99 he is still selling poppy's for the British Legion

James Alan Davies

I’m honouring my lovely dad, who was a Torpedo Operator on HMS Rodney during D-Day. He lied on his application so he could join up, I’m so proud to be his daughter and salute all of these brave men.

Leslie Hauxwell Goundry

My dad served as a stoker in the Royal Navy, on D Day he was a LCA (landing craft assault) driver who did 6 trips with the Canadian army to land them onto Juno beach, my dad was a quiet reserved man who did not speak much about what he saw that day but would always tell me that, " every day since Juno was a life privilege that some of those young lads would never have," thank you to all our military who serve past present and future and to my dad my hero miss and love you xxx

Our Dad, Richard Archer HMS Eagle

God bless each and everyone of them,❤️🌺❤️

Arthur Rouse RN

Arthur Rouse RN , 1902 to 1988, a Royal Marine commando, was able to shoot down a German plane on D-day using his oerlikon gun. His story can be found in The Lineage of Robert Anthony Yewdall, a copy of which is in the British Library. He is buried in Axminster Cemetary.

William Cawe

Private William Cawe of 2nd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment landed on Gold beach and lost an arm in a blast on June 22nd. Im so proud he was my grandfather.

PO/X 126173 Mne Ernie Knibbs

Dad gone from this world but forever in my memory, You will always be my Hero with all of 536 LCA Flotilla Royal Marines. Thank you…

Thomas L Griffith

My father was born in 1923 and joined the army, as a boy soldier. Initially he served in Ireland. He left from Newhaven Harbour and landed on Sword Beach, to liberate Caen. He was missing in action and presumed dead. But he did return home and served in Palestine before being demobbed. He suffered from shell shock, but he was never treated. Sometimes he would scream in his sleep at night. It was terrifying. He wrote about some of his experiences in a small book.

JOSEPH E M SHRUBSALL

Serving aboard HMS Pelican patrolling the channel for submarines. Proud of Joe and his generation.

All my Dads comrades from the Northampton Yeomanry

Such brave men and I was so very lucky that my Dad Jimmy Kerr came home.RIP all Northampton Yeomanry Xx

My oldest brother Robert brown ♥️

He was so brave he servived the war and married and had 6 children loved and missed by his family love from sister beatrice xx❤️🙏

Thomas ( Tommy) Dixon

Our thoughts are with all the Vetrans at this anniversary. Mine is for my father who was on LST duty on D Day landing troops and vehicles onto Sword beach.Rip dad yours was a special generation

Tom Welsh

So proud of Tom's 26 years Naval service. Going from Chase Farm Children's home to his first Naval training ship at the age of 14. He served through the Second World War and the Korean War. D-day he was serving in the invasion fleet on what was actually his 31st birthday! He served for most of his years as a deep sea diver and finished training other men to diver. Thanks to him and all those whom served!

George Edward Rogers, His brother James Rogers, and Albert Murphy

We owe a lot to these veterans, and to those who came back and to those who didn’t My dad George and his brother James both served with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and Albert with the Royal Artillery

Bill Manning

Very proud of all your war time experiences. He was a Coxswain on a landing craft on Juno beach. Also served on several destroyers throughout the war including HMS Gloucester.

David Charles Owens 7th Battalion Green Howards

Dad landed on Gold Beach on D-Day - he was 20 years old. Wounded after making it a way inland. Brought back to the beach and given the last rites before being shipped home to a hospital in Birmingham. Met Mum and married in 1945. Lived the rest of his life affected by his injuries. Passed in 2005 and is missed everyday.

Jack 'Taffy' Bennett ( John Idris Bennett)

My Dad Jack'Taffy' Bennett No 3 Commando 1st Special Service Brigade who landed on Sword Beach D-Day June 6th 1944 with Lord Lovat and the 1st Special Service Brigade. We're all so very proud of you Dad and all your comrades.xxxx

RSM William (Bill ) McConnell M.B.E

Dad landed by glider at Ranville with the 1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles. Missed at this time of the 80th Anniversary and always.

John Lee Corporal South Wales borders

My grandfather would never speak a out his time during Ww2. But I know he served in France all the way through to Germany going by his medals. To all that made the ultimate sacrifice. We thank you

Eric Peter Molyneux Leg D'Hon

In the early hours of June 6th, 1944, almost 80 years ago, my grandfather Peter Molyneux was onboard HMS Prince Charles, which took the US 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions to Omaha. My grandfather always spoke of how young the men were, and always highlighted there bravery! My grandfather passed away on the 30th of May, 2023. I hope he is with fellow comrades and shipmates, resting in peace.

Sgt Norman Davidson 51st Highland Division 153 Bde 5/7th Gordon Highlanders

A lad from Tarland who joined the TA to play football! At the start of war he was in the Orkneys- next thing he knew he was under the stars of North Africa in the 2nd Battle of El Alamein. From there a hop across the Mediterranean to the beaches of Scilly for a bit more action and the odd vino... Back to UK to prepare for Normandy which saw him land in France on the afternoon of 6th June. Fought through to Germany with his mates, some of whom remain on foreign land. Thank you Dad. Miss you.

John Edward Anderson

My late Grandfather landed on Gold Beach 06th June 1944. Served through Normandy until badly wounded in Holland trying to rescue a friend. Forever missed

William Thomas Achilles Evans M

To my late father who served in the Welch regiment during world war2, gone but never forgotten

Thomas George Kibble

My late father was in the RAF and one of the few British to land with the US on Omaha beach. He was hit on the beach by a sniper and shrapnel to his back. He lay until taken the next day to a field hospital. Returned to the UK to recover. Sky Tv recorded his story for the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. He went on to Borneo where he intercepted Japanese messages, later guarding Japanese PoW until the end of the war.

Thomas Young

My Grandad Tom served in the Royal Navy on Motor torpedo boats but mostly on mine sweepers. On D Day he was on one of His Majesty’s mine sweepers clearing the lanes towards the landing beaches, something that could only be done immediately before the landings so as not to give away what was about to happen on the Normandy coast. So in the dark in at best choppy sea state three or four abreast cutting loose the tethered mines and I believe shooting them to dispose of them. Unsung heroes of DDay

James Albert Owens

Thank you for your service as a Desert Rat and later as a Support Driver on D Day.

D-Day Piper Bill Millin

My Father Piper Bill Millin personal piper to Lord Lovat. 1st Special Service Commando Brigade. He played the bagpipes on Sword Beach as the commandos disembarked under heavy enemy fire. He continued to play the pipes as the commandos made their way to Pegasus bridge to relieve Major John Howard and his airborne forces.

Bert Garrod

Private 14513483 A T Garrod. Bert joined the Pioneer Corp he was assigned to the Canadian, Winnipeg and Regina regiment as a driver. June 1944 his regiment set off from Southampton and then anchored off Isle of Wight. On June 6th they stormed Juno beach dad remained reluctant to recall the horrors. Dad became a dispatch rider and was awarded the British Empire Medal with citation for outstanding devotion to duty. Bert also received the Legion of Honour. As a family we remain so very proud.

George Edward Rogers

My dad was 24 when he was involved in the DDay landings. He was in the Royal Warwicks Regiment. He and his fellow commrades entered onto Gold Beach on the morning of 6/6/2944. His landing craftwas hit by a mortar bomb and they couldnt get the door open. A bren gun had to ram the craft several times to get them out, other wise they were sitting ducks, and my siblings snd I wouldnt e here today to tell the tale. After this my dad dad his battalion went on to fight in the battle of Caen.

Benjamin Henry(Harry) Dickens

You served on landing craft, only 18years old on D Day. You never told us your story, only that you were in the first wave.We’ll never forget you Dad. You’ll always be our hero.

My late Uncle.From Portsmouth, UK. W011, Victor Bettle 7th, Battalion The Parachute Pegasus bridge 6th June 1944

My late uncle. wo11 Victor Bettle. 7th battalion . B, company ,The Parachute regiment, ww2 ,Pegasus bridge . And the surrounding area of le port. Normandy. France, on 6th June 1944

Richard Pollard

We are so proud of our father

Private Jim Glennie 5/7th Battalion Gordon Highlanders

We are so proud of you and everything you endured to help free Europe from the Tyrany of Nazi Germany!

Douglas Haig Barlow

Always in our hearts our wonderful Dad & Grandad, Petty Officer, Douglas Haig Barlow served on the destroyer HMS Shikari, D85, first ship into Dunkirk & last ship out. Picked up 380 troops. Very proud of you, loved & thought of everyday xx

Gordon McGowan Lennox

Remembering our dad landing on Sword Beach 6/6/1944 19 years old. Miss you dad God bless you.

Tom Moody

Thank you for your bravery,dedication and service for your country.We love you Dad.

SGT Victor Charles Douglas King

Remembering my beloved Grandad , who took part in the D-day landings he was in the Essex Yoemanry Regiment . He was one of the lucky ones , who came home . Remembering my hero my grandad and all the those who gave there lives for our freedom . Never to be forgot

Leading Seaman Reginald Hiscox

Dad was Coxswain on LCT 1092 destined for Sword Beach on DDay. His load that day was 6 Hobart "funnies" tanks. 2 x Sherman Flail tanks, 4 x AVRE tanks these "belonged " to A squadron 22 Dragoons. Dad first met these guys when LCT 1092 was loaded at Stokes Bay. He never spoke of that day in any depth. His only recollection was getting the LCT onto the beach and unloading the tanks. He spoke of the respect he had for the crews as they LCT. Brave men He called them despite the crew of LCT as brave.

7011515 Sjt GR Schofield 2Bn RUR

God bless you Dad. Your name lives on through me, the boys and your great grandchildren. You’ll not be forgotten, you’re mentioned in many books and always talked about, by your family…x

Charles Victor Forsyth

Miss you so much dad. We are all so proud of the part you played on a landing craft in the D Day landings. Love you always. ♥️

My Dad Jack Tucker

Dedicated to my Dad Jack Tucker who served with the 79th Armoured Division and landed on D Day All the men that served the likes of which we will never see again R I P

George Frederick Bates

.my Brother George was in the Navy on board HMS Orwell which was protrolling the area on D day

Freddie (Nobby) Clarke 48 RMC

My Dad Nobby Clarke landed on Juno beach on DDay 6/6/1944, he was only 19 years old and lost his two best Friends that Day. Years later he went back to France for a reunion and met a couple Albert and Simone Clement and a close friendship was made for over 30 years with both families visiting each other’s homes. The photo shows my Dad being the last marine to leave the landing craft, so Proud of him and grateful to all the soldiers in WW2 who gave us our Freedom xx

Tom Adams (Tommy)

D day +12 Juno beach with the RAF laying airstrips through France to Germany God bless you dad x

My Dad Leslie Huckerby

Landed on Shell beach with Royal Warwickshire Regiment

JOHN NEVILLE

Yorkshire King's light infortory

Private Eric Wade

Thank you for your service Eric. Your our Hero fighting in the Bocage under awful conditions with the rest of the Battalion on Black Sunday. We will Never Forget, what you all done for us.

Billy Mears. 7th Battalion Royal Norfolks.

An unassuming gentleman and a hero nonetheless. X

William Gwyn Bowen

My grand father, called up just before D Day, aged 40. He joined the RAMC. He went across the channel a few days after the initial landings. The places he mentioned seemed to follow the Rhine. This photo was taken in Dusseldorf, possibly after hostilities ended. He survived but he dropped dead Christmas day 1957. Thank you for your brave service.

Thomas Taylor. Royal Marines. HMS Warspite.

A hero in times of war and a Gentleman in times of peace.

David Rimmer

Thankyou Dad for serving on Force Pluto supplying the D day forces with petroleum all the from the isle of white he was a Stoker and was Discharged in 1946 he served since the outbreak of the war Thanks again Dad you are my Hero

Sgt Ronald Atkinson BEM

Dad was rescued from Dunkirk after 3 days on the beach in 1940. He later took part in the D day landings on 6th June 1944 with his regiment The Royal Engineers following the Canadians. A brave man who was awarded the BEM and never spoke of his experiences.

Christopher Jack Walton. 9th Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

Our brave dad! Always our hero. X

George jock Moodie

Always remembered as a father, grandfather and family rock. 1925-2012. 9th bn The Parachute Regiment, Merville battery, 6th June 1944. Always our hero, in service of his country, Parachute regiment 43-66, M.O.D police until 1985.

My uncle, Kenneth Hughes, South Wales Borderers on D-Day. I think he was in the 2nd wave.

We are grateful to everyone's sacrifice on the 6th of June and afterwards. Ken was my mother's brother. But also fighting in WW2 was uncle Ron ( RAF Regiment) and uncle Maurice ( Merchant Navy) torpedoed twice.

Christopher Baker

My father served in the Gordon Highlanders , 1st Battalion , 51st Division, C company . Landed on Juno beach . I visited Juno beach last year for an emotional visit . He also served in North Africa and Sicily .

Steve O'Leary

Uncle Steve tough-minded and tender-hearted. A Man with a great sense of humour, compassionate. He was the 'salt of the Earth' A very close friend and comrade to Ivan during the D-Day Invasion. A fantastic uncle, so childlike and yet so kind and considerate. xx

Ivan Taylor

Uncle Ivan, A man with a most tremendous sense of Humour. A natural Story-teller. A Gentleman. So Very Proud of You Uncle Ivan. A War-hearted human-being. A courageous and honourable man with humanity and compassion.

Cpl Hugh Patterson

My grandfather, Ulster Division. R.A Heavy ack AC. got picked up from Dunkirk, back into Europe on D day then onto the far east. Brave and lovely man

David Henry Hayes

An incredible man, and brave soul, who fought for his country and for the freedom of millions, with the 8th Army in North Africa and Sicily, and the 51st Highland Division 1st Battalion The Black Watch in Normandy, Ardennes and Germany. Forever in my thoughts, my Hero

L Cpl "Tom" Elwyn Mason, HQ platoon, 89coy, RASC

A young farmer's lad from mid Wales, sent to war in 1939. 2 beaches that changed his life - Dunkirk May 1940, and Juno beach June 1944. L/Cpl Mason, 89coy, HQ platoon, RASC, under Captain Walker and Major Reeves. Not a day goes by I don't think of him. Fy annwyl Dadcu, fy arwr, fy ffrind. (My dearest Grandfather, my hero, my friend). xxx

Fred Milward

In memory of a much loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. 1920-2017. A member of the 9th Parachute Regiment that dropped in the early hours of D-Day to storm the Merville Battery. We are so proud of him, a modest and humble man. He returned to Normandy every 6th June the last 50 years of his life. To pay his respects to those who didn’t come home. May they all Rest in Peace.

Pte Joseph Cunningham

At the going down of the sun...

My dad landed on sword beach with the Kings Liverpool 8 irish with the Canadians first landing very early in the morning when he came back he wasn't very well they were all great guys My dad has past

My dad has past now and miss him so much god rest his soul

Grandad George .E.F Read

To all the men in the convoy my grandad sailed with you came home grandad some did not .God bless you all.you inspired my son to join R.Navy xx

Cpl John Thomas Tranter

Always remembered, forever in our hearts.

Edward Hayes

My Dad took a trip to Juno Beach, with some Canadians. On Landing Craft HM.LSE2

William John Millardd

Jack landed on Sword Beach 9.55 with the 2nd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He had aready served with the BEF and left Dunkirk on the 30/5/40. They fought to Pegasus Bridge leaving D company there. Fighting though Hermanville to attack Liebsey. This attack was repelled as the German Panzer Grendiers had arrived to defend the woods. It was another month before it was taken. Jack was lost 20/7/44 at Emieville. He charged a machine gun on his own with a Bren gun. He rests in Rainville.

5257737 L/Cpl Albert Edward Frampton 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment .

Albert was KIA on the 27th of June at Cheux during Operation EPSOM in the battle for CAEN. Much loved by his family and missed dearly.

The Royal Observer Corps

Remembering The Royal Observer Corps, and specifically 'Seaborne' - those members of the Royal Observer Corps who volunteered to to act as aircraft identifiers on board ships of the invasion fleet.

Reginald Leigh Ranson

We will remember them. My Dad landed on Sword Beach.

My wonderful Dad, Albert Allen

So much talk about D-Day brings us even closer to the realisation of just how brave and courageous you were Dad. Hero is a well used word but you will always be a hero and legend to us being in the beaches as a RN Commando at H-1. We only learned what you got up to very late in your life - prior to that you only told us your funny stories of your Navy days. You will always be loved and missed and never more than a thought away ❤️

Able Seaman Arthur Walker Diver in the Royal Navy

My dear brave Dad who was there D-Day 3 clearing up the wrecks at Omaha. He had to dive down attaching limpet mines to blow up the wrecks, on one dive he went into the sunken ship and saw a human arm on a table which really scared him. We got him back to Normandy with the North Wales Veterans many years later, they were such proud men. They were all so very brave, but just said it was there job, Dad got home on the Friday and was back to his old job on the Monday painting and decorating!

Trp George Barton 22nd Dragoon Grds 79th armoured div Flail Tank

Landed 07:30 on Sword Beach. Initial assault. Mines and barbed wire cleared and around 9 routes cleared of mines to get the troops off the beach by 09:00 ready for the 2nd wave. 12 tanks remains operational out of 26. In the afternoon engaged a a Panzer div in the afternoon in Hermanville and Lion Sur Mer. Went on to the battle of Caen and beyond

Alan Reid

Alan was assigned to the US Forces at Omaha Beach We owe so much to all who who served in WW2

John Ellson

Thank you for your service and the amazing poems you wrote about your experience at D Day onboard HMS VIMY at Omaha Beach

To my dad,uncle and aunt

Thank you all for stepping up for our freedom.

Frank James Bryant

My father was D-Day +1 We were very proud of him, he was in Malta, one of the Desert Rats, Italy and D-Day. He was injured in August1944 and then sent back when recovered. He was captured in January 1945.He lived to 96 years old. As we live in Aylesford near the British Legion Village we support them regularly. He spent the last month of his life in the village.

George Knight, my Dad

The greatest generation that ever graced this country.

Peter Wilfred Heath RM

Your time on HMS Nelson will NEVER be forgotten.

Ken Stone

Remembering my late father and all Colleagues from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC landing on Gold King Redwith the first wave. They set up the Beach Dressing Station treating wounded on the beach. I can’t imagine the sights he saw and experienced. Respect to him and all troops involved. Photo DDay afternoon-unloading medical supplies

Raymond George Williams

My Grandad served as a gunner on HMS Warspite on Dday this dedication is for him and all men who served on HMS Warspite on 6th June 1944.

Gerald Francis Engwell

Dad you served this Country and the free world proud, being in the second wave to land on Sword Beach ( Queen White ) - Passing in 1989 - Lest We Forget.

Albert Victor Farndon

Part of 6th airborne division around pegasus bridge on D Day.

Corporal Sidney Bates VC

We thank you uncle Sid for your great courage you and you fellow comrades were and are all heroes

Albert Edward Bates

Dad, every day you are remembered with endless love xx

Reg Charles Legion d'honneur

In loving memory of a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather Reg Charles 01-92-1923 to 03-98-2023. He is loved and missed every day. Your legacy lives on in your family. Dad served in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry from January 1942 to April 1946 seeing action in Normandy, Ardennes, The Netherlands and Germany. He was so proud of his service but sadly that so many did not return. Thank you for your service.

John Sedley

Youll never walk alone dad

Eric Drube

On the 6th June, I will be remembering our Dear Dad, Eric Drube who passed away last year. He served on HMS Cockatrice as a Stoker 1st Class, as part of the 18th Minesweeping Flotilla. They cleared mines from Channel 6 for Gold Beach on the 5th June 1944 ahead of the landings on the 6th June and stayed as close support for 2 months. God Bless You Dad.

George Lancaster

Dedicated in memory of my late father Acting Leading Seaman George Lancaster. He was 20 years old on D-Day and was on landing craft in the first wave on Juno Beach. His landing craft was sunk and after managing to get to the beach was shot twice in the arms. Eventually was evacuated from the beach and spent a long time recovering from his wounds having lost part of his elbows was invalided out but considered himself as lucky to have survived. Huge respect to all those that took part in D Day.

Ron Lambert

My Uncle, Ron Lambert, joined the RAF in 1939 prior to World War 2 breaking out, aged 18. Ron's wartime service was mainly served in RAF Coastal Command in Scotland, working on the Short Sunderland and Consolidated PBY Catalina aircraft.

Henry (Harry) Worthington

Born 1913 in Wigan, Harry was a Sergeant in the 11th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers. On D-Day, he was en route to France, when he was sadly killed in an accident in Colchester. The Bren Gun carrier he was travelling in blew up. He left a wife, son, parents & 6 siblings. A housing estate in Colchester named a road after him called Hendry Worthington Way due to a typo on his death record. Nevertheless, this is still a lovely tribute to him! Harry you are remembered with love & pride ALWAYS! XxxxX

Acting CPO Robert Dunlop Brown and Lt. Col. Robert Dunlop Brown Royal Engineers

Both father and son were present in Normandy on D-Day. Acting CPO Dunlop Brown, a highly distinguished engineer who had contributed significantly to the war effort, including Operation Pluto, volunteered as an "experienced sailor" to command an auxiliary delivering personnel around the assembled fleet. The other crew were a retired RearAdm engineer, as stoker and a civilian communist as seaman. Engineer son Robert was also there, coincidentally executing part of his father's secret D-day plans

Lt Cdr John Church RNVR

In respect of my father John Arthur Church who Beachmaster for Sword Beach Red Division

CPO Stuart “Jan” LOCK DSM BEM Fleet Air Arm

JAN Served from1937 right through WW11 until 1968 as a Telegraphist Air Gunner during hostilities. He designed the very first pickup strop for the Navies search and rescue helicopters He was a dedicated Royal Navy man and an active Member or the Royal Naval Association.

Charles Leonard Bruce

My Grandad was attacked off Scarborough whilst skipper of Trawler Rose of England, then joined Royal Navy in command of LCT on D day, not much detail known but those who served under him described him as a very able and incredibly brave seafarer. We will not forget his service. He was awarded Kings commendation for bravery for his actions on his trawler.

Alfred J. Pennington. Royal Navy & D.E.M.S Gunlayer.

He never told us about the horrors and experiences he went through during WW2. A quiet, unassuming person, who was 19 when War broke out, and he joined up. Later, his family was his life, but sadly, he didn't live to see his Grt Grandchidren, although, they know all about him. He took part in the D-Day landings at Sword and Juno beaches. We have researched what we could about his Service, and he was a very brave man. l only wish l'd asked more questions. So proud of you Dad/Grandad/Grt Grandad.

Binks and Dolly Peacock

Both my parents were involved in the war. Dad was a army soldier we never really knew what he went through as he never spoke of what he had to do but suffered from nightmares all his life , mum was a nurse in London. We never thanked them for fighting for our freedom. Thank you.