NORMANDY 2016
nd 72 Anniversary of the Reunion Normandy Landings Annual veterans reunion
Tuesday 18th October 2016
An important commemoration As .you will be aware from earlier messages, the
June this year, as in so many previous years, saw veterans reunion will be held at North Weald Airfield a large number of Normandy veterans travelling to this year. Negotiations with IWM Duxford could not bring their prices down to an affordable level and the France to take part in a wide range of commemorative events. There were numerous event, if run there, would have cost three time the events across Normandy over the first week or so amount we had to pay last year. of June. The events captured in this newsletter are just a flavor of some of those that were held. We do hope that you will be able to join us again this year. The venue is only a couple of junctions away 72 years on from the operation that freed France, from Duxford on the M11, so if you managed to get a and ultimately Europe, from a sinister and great hotel deal last year, you could stay at the same oppressive regime, the events were as emotional place this year and not have to start looking for hotels
and meaningful as always. from scratch.
See you there! Saturday 4th June
Some of the major events started with the ceremony in front of the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery at Colleville Montgomery, which sits at Sword Beach.
The French Military Academy of Lorient decided this year to hold a ceremony at Colleville
Montgomery on the morning of 5th June, which meant that the main commemorative event had to be moved to the 4th June. It was very well attended and was a very special event as it was the 20th anniversary of the unveiling of Montgomery’s statue. The Honourable Henry Montgomery, grandson of Field Marshal Montgomery was present at the service and spoke continued on page 2 Spirit of Normandy Trust continued from page 1 of the pride that his Grandfather would have had at the way the veterans continued to return to
Normandy to remember the campaign and their comrades.
George Batts as Master of Ceremonies at the Service at Colleville Montgomery
Sunday 6th June Veteran Fred Harris with the Hon Henry Montgomery As in past years, the main commemorative events The Service at Colleville Montgomery was led by were held in the Cathedral and Military Cemetery Rev Mandy Reynolds. The Dutch Band of at Bayeux. Both Services were very well Liberation provided the music and led veterans attended. for a march past as they went to the sea front for a vin d’honneur, the salute being taken by the The day started with a 10.00 a.m. Service in Mayor of Colleville Montgomery. Notre Dame Cathedral in Bayeux. Seats towards the front of the nave were reserved for veterans. The Service commenced with marching in the Standards. The Dutch Band of Liberation again provided the music.
Following the Cathedral Service, veterans,
families and friends gathered at the British Military Cemetery for a commemorative service at midday.
The Service was very well attended and was a poignant and moving ceremony.
Veterans march past at Colleville Montgomery
The Service at Colleville Montgomery was arranged by the South Eastern Branch of the Normandy Veterans Alliance, with their Branch Chairman, George Batts MBE, L d’Hon acting as
MC. The Mayor of Colleville Montgomery spoke of the timeless debt owed to the veterans for their part in liberating France.
Standards and veterans on parade at Bayeux Cemetery
Spirit of Normandy Trust continued from page 2 During this Service at Bayeux Cemetery the were temporarily suspended due to the sea mist Exhortation was given by Hector Duff L d’Hon and returning, but were completed later. A firework the veterans’ prayer was read by Fred Harris L display was held later in the evening. d’ Hon, both veterans of the Normandy Landings
Other events
A further, more informal, Service was held at
the statue of Montgomery on 5th June for those who were unable to change travel
arrangements to attend the service on 4th June. The Mayor of Colleville Montgomery spoke at
the Service and the event was led by Richard Palusinski, Chairman of the Spirit of Normandy
Trust.
Hector Duff gives the Exhortation
Later that day veterans again gathered at Arromanches for a parade and Service on the sea front by the D Day Museum. Chairs were provided and a heavy sea mist cleared in time for the start of the commemorative Service. Umbrellas were provided for veterans to help keep the sun off them. Rev Mandy Reynolds led the Service and the Mayor, M Patrick Jardin, and his deputy, M Adrian Cox, spoke warmly of the bravery and fortitude of the young men who landed on the beaches of France so many years ago.
Richard Palusinski leads the Service at Colleville Montgomery A number of other commemorative events were held at locations including Pegasus Bridge,
Rots and the Jerusalem Cemetery in Chouain, all of which were attended by Trustees from the Spirit of Normandy Trust.
A large number of organisations worked
together to make the events this year a great success. These included the Royal British Rev Mandy Reynolds leads the Service at Legion, Return to Normandy, Project 71, D Day Arromanches revisited, the D Day academy, The Mairies of Colleville Montgomery and Arromanches and The event finished with flying displays, which many others. A huge vote of thanks must go to them all.
Spirit of Normandy Trust
MEANWHILE, BACK IN THE UK
On D Day, 6th June, a Service was held at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. On a gloriously sunny day veterans, friends and families joined together for a memorial ceremony. Approximately 150 people attended and the Service was led by Rev Dr David Bennett, Chaplain for the Federation of Birmingham Ex-Service Associations and Normandy Service Veteran Association.
Rev Dr David Bennett leads the Service
The Service included the traditional time of remembrance.
Spirit of Normandy Trust