Page 9 - The Gazette Autumn 2024

The beacon provided a focal point to remember the heroism of those who landed on the Normandy beaches, both those who made it home and those who did not, but nonetheless helped secure victory for the allied cause in the Second World War.
Cpl Pownall said: “As a junior soldier a decade ago, I travelled to Normandy as part of a battlefield tour to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the D Day landings. On the tour the training team wanted to strengthen the understanding of the hardship that was endured that day.
“This led to us leopard crawling on Omaha beach from the water to the first line of defence. This was challenging, even without the kit and equipment a WW2 soldier would have been carrying. This memory has always stayed with me after a decade of serving
I was very proud to
be asked
to light a beacon for the 80th anniversary.
within the British Army and I was very proud to be asked to light a beacon for the 80th anniversary commemorations.”
The evening saw a great turnout from the local community. The Airborne Comrades Association displayed uniforms and an open parachute that a WW2 Soldier would have been provided with. They also showcased weapons systems used during the period.
Cakes decorated with images of the sandy beaches, armoured vehicles and the infamous bunkers that featured so heavily during the Normandy landing were judged and then auctioned, with the proceeds going to the Soldiers,’ Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) charity.
The Gazette QARANC Association 9
Honoured to light a beacon
for D-Day heroes
Corporal Katie Pownall, based at Harrogate Foundation College, was honoured to light a beacon at Wistow village near Selby on Thursday 6th of June, to mark the 80th anniversary of the iconic D-Day landings.