Page 15 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019

D-Day veteran Cyril Askew, the oldest veteran
to Normandy. While on the ferry we held a wreath-laying ceremony which included the veterans throwing the wreaths out into the sea. One of the veterans got up to sing to everyone and a silence was held to remember those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice.
On 4 June we visited the American Cemetery at Coleville-sur-Mer, taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony alongside a group of American veterans. This was a very emotional experience for the handful of veterans who fought on Omaha beach. Two veterans who were a part of our group were reunited three years ago, discovering that they had been on the same boat onto Omaha beach on 6 June 1944. After the ceremony, we headed to a Normandy institute for lunch. The building was General Rommel’s headquarters during the war. We were entertained by speeches including one by Susan Eisenhower, General Eisenhower’s granddaughter. Corporal Needham and I took the opportunity to get a photograph with not only Susan, but also with Henry Montgomery, Field Marshal Montgomery’s grandson.
Next day on 5 June we headed to Pegasus Bridge Museum where a ceremony for the veterans was held. Local school children escorted our veterans into the ceremony and gave them letters of thanks. This was greatly appreciated by our veterans. Albert Nutbein, a Merchant Navy veteran was presented with the Legion d’Honneur during this ceremony. Sergeant Blakemore and Sergeant Dale had the honour to hold a parade for an ash-scattering for D-Day Royal Navy Veteran Ted Palmer. His wife was in attendance and Sergeant Blakemore scattered the ashes into the water from the MASB 27 and a minute’s silence was held for remembrance. We then had lunch in the grounds of Café Gondree where several veterans were interviewed by the press.
Private Adcock and Corporal Needham with Susan Eisenhower and Henry Montgomery
Our final ceremony of the day was held at Piper Millin’s statue, Colleville- Montgomery. It was an amazing experience to hear so many bagpipes playing together, and it made the hair on my arms stand up. We finished the day with a three-course meal at Ecume des Mers where we had the pleasure of the great company of Vera Hay, a QA veteran. It was amazing and very humbling listening to her talk about the war and all her experiences.
The anniversary day, 6 June, was an amazing experience and the most emotional day of the trip for us. We began the day with a cathedral service in Bayeux, where we were joined by His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Prime Minister Theresa May. Some of us were even lucky enough to make the BBC news. We then went to another ceremony of remembrance at Bayeux Cemetery and assisted the veterans to lay wreaths and crosses before saluting in memory of those they fought with.
We travelled to Arromanches where the veterans were welcomed by a performance from the D-Day Darlings. It was another very emotional experience to listen to and watch the veterans sing along to the songs.
Victoria Phipps unveiled the garden that had been built and displayed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. It is a remarkable memorial to those who lost their lives and everyone who participated in building it should be
Private Adcock, Corporal Needham and Sergeant Bennett with veteran George Chandler
incredibly proud. After the unveiling, Sergeant Blakemore held another ceremony to scatter the ashes of D-Day veteran Oliver Coulthard. The ashes were laid in the soil alongside the sea thrift flowers of the garden. We all then gathered at the Salles des Fetes in Arromanches for a three-course meal and some entertainment from the D-Day Darlings.
Friday and Saturday included our final wreath laying and ceremonies, which included a parade and Civic Ceremony in 59th Staffs Memorial Hall, where we were joined by school children who had drawn pictures for the veterans, handed them flowers and sang our National Anthem. After lunch another one of our veterans, George Payne, was presented with the Legion d’Honneur. A very proud moment for him and his son who accompanied him.
We can honestly say that this was one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had and will always be a highlight of our careers. The veterans have sacrificed so much for us. The stories they tell are unbelievable and they remember the details as if it was yesterday. They were all so humble, modest and insisted they were just doing their jobs, the same as anyone else would have done. Hopefully one day we will meet again but until then – We Will Remember Them.
Private Adcock, Corporal Needham, Sergeant Bennett
The Gazette QARANC Association 13
WO Willcox RAF, Sergeant Blakemore, Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher, Sergeant Bennett. D-Day veteran QA Vera Hay, Private Adcock, Sergeant Dale, Corporal Adcock, Colonel Lowes