Page 15 - Bugle Autumn 2024

80th Anniversary of D-Day:
COMMEMORATING OUR LEGACY IN NORMANDY
It has been 80 years since British troops first landed in occupied France on D-Day, a pivotal moment in World War II. Each year, people from around the world travel to Normandy to honour those who fought and sacrificed everything during the war. This year, 2 RIFLES had the fantastic opportunity to join this commemoration. Accompanied by the Band and Bugles, we marched across Pegasus Bridge—a key crossing point captured by our ancestor unit, The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.
Our journey began with a visit to the Pegasus Bridge Museum, where we had the privilege of meeting veterans from various Allied forces, including British, French, and Canadian. One gentleman especially captured our hearts: Philip Aucott, a 99-year-old veteran who served in the 2nd Battalion
The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. His stories, brimming with wit and humour, made our encounter unforgettable. Through our conversations, it became evident that while much has changed, the camaraderie and spirit of service remain the same.
Throughout the week, Pegasus Bridge
and its surroundings were humming with activity. Crowds gathered to watch parades and marvel at aircraft displays overhead whilst enthusiasts dressed as soldiers from World War II drove replica and refurbished vehicles. As we wondered around, children approached us for photos, and veterans generously
offered to buy us pints—a gesture that our Riflemen happily accepted. Sitting down with former members of the Royal Green Jackets, Parachute Regiment, and other distinguished units, we shared stories and laughs. The friendly rivalry had us smiling from ear to ear. No matter the age, Rank or Regiment we were brought together.
The culmination of our visit was the final parade across Pegasus Bridge. We were joined by the Salamanca Band and Army Air Corps, both descendant units of those who had taken the bridge 80 years prior. At midnight, the Band and Bugles began to play as we crossed the bridge, a tradition known as “Sounding
the Double”. As we doubled across the bridge, we were filled with immense pride. The band, traditions, style, and history all came together in this one moment as thousands watched. It was a moment we will never forget.
Our time in Normandy not only honoured a
The Land rovers great grandfather
2 RIFLES
As we doubled across the bridge, we were filled with immense pride.
We felt privileged to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice
of those who came before us.
major historical event, but also strengthened our sense of what it means to be in The Rifles. We felt privileged to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before us. Cpl Daniel McDaid
6 Platoon, B Company
Pegasus Bridge, codenamed ‘Ham’ during the assault, with its sister bridge being ‘Jam’
99 year old Philip Aucott, of 2nd Battalion The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry
War graves at night
RIFLES The Bugle 15