Page 206 - Bugle Autumn 2014

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Dick Atkinson and Charles Eagles
9DLI after the Dedication Service
DLI Plaque to remember Ptes Hayton and Barlow 6DLI murdered 08 June 1944
D-Day: 70 years on
In June a group of DLI Association members and their families travelled to Normandy to join thousands of others from the UK, the USA and the Commonwealth to remember and commemorate the lives of our countrymen who fell on D-Day, June 6th 1944, and in the weeks that followed. Their cause was just, their courage remarkable and the peace and stability that we have enjoyed in Europe ever
since owes so much
to their sacrifice in the
months that followed
D-Day.
DLI Wreath at Bayeux Cemetery 06 June 2014
of the main services of commemoration at the allied war cemetery set in a wooded parkland with its lines of graves in which rest many nationalities. The Queen and Prince Philip held centre stage and, after the service, they spent time talking with the veterans. When they moved on to another event Prince Charles and Camilla stayed on to mingle with the crowd.
HRH Prince Charles mingles with the veterans
be shown by our veterans exactly where, 70 years ago, they had leapt ashore and made their way up to the sea wall. They returned triumphant, speeding across the wide expanse of sands to cheers and waving from the gathering crowd.
The following day, June 7th, was one of dedication and commemoration. Our journey through Normandy took us to two important locations: Lingevres and Chateau d’Audrieu.
Our route to Lingevres traced the path taken by the 151 Brigade as it wrested
this village from the grip of an enemy well entrenched and well supplied with panzer tanks. It was a costly battle and the memorials in this small village testify to the price our soldiers paid. Ariving at Lingevres we joined many other groups who were also making the same pilgrimage to attend two dedication services.
The first was held at the Roll of Honour memorial at the front of the village church. Following this moving service a second dedication was held at the side of the
As we marked what
could well be a final
get together for many
former comrades in arms every hotel in Normandy was booked, some for two years ahead. We arrived at our hotel in the quiet Normandy town of Lisieux late in the evening of June 5th.
By dawn the following morning we were heading for Bayeux where we joined one
The Queen and Prince Philip held centre stage
From Bayeux we headed down to Gold Beach. During a break for a picnic lunch the unexpected arrival of a group of young Dutch enthusiasts in their renovated war-time
jeeps added joy to this sunlit day. After learning that our four veterans (Dickie Atkinson, Peter Downey, Charles Eagles and George Iceton) had actually landed there on D-Day they promptly invited them into their jeeps and whisked them away across this firm, sandy beach so they could
THE RIFLES