On the 6th June the NVA attended a memorial service at NMA Alrewas for the 73rd anniversary of D-Day. During the service Robert Mille, Consul Honoraire de France symbolically presented the Legion d’Honneur medal to 17 veterans. Photos courtesy of Peter Lloyd.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/151562703@N05/Su614K
The below photos were taken on Sword beach after the service at Coleville Montgomery on the 5th June. There was a very special flag in the photos sourced at an auction and was the first flag to be raised on Sword Beach.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/151562703@N05/vQA9Bf
This still thriving group of veterans and supporters headed by Don Sheppard Leg d’hon., former National NVA Vice Chairman. recently held a collection a the Eastgate shopping centre Basildon. This was generously sponsored by Eastgate and Toomey Motors. As a result they kindly donated £500 to the Spirit of Normandy Trust.
The group is now looking forward to their trip to the National Memorial Arboretum to take part in the service on 6th June in the vicinity of the Normandy Veterans Memorial. The service is being organised and funded due to the hard work and fundraising for the event by Peter Lloyd of the Normandy Veterans Alliance.
Ken Turner the Chairman and Social secretary contacted the SONT to say that they had a very well organised trip, that the coach was exceptionally comfortable and they all marvelled at the skill of the driver manoeuvring the giant 6 wheeler in and out of the tiny Normandy Villages.
Many of the veterans had special places that they wished to revisit and he made special thanks to their guide Major Bob Darby, who with his intimate knowledge of the battlefields and a flexible approach, managed to fulfil all the requests
New friends were made on the pilgrimage, especially Dr. Jonathan Leach who took great care of a couple of the ‘lads’ who developed medical problems along the way.
He added that here was a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie throughout and they hope they will all be able to meet again next year.
More pictures on – Facebook ‘Bristol Normandy Veterans’
The Spirit of Normandy Trust will be represented by a contingent of Normandy Veterans and their carers at the 2017 Cenotaph Parade. We are delighted that W/O
Baz Firth MBE, has again agreed to act as Parade Marshall and to ensure the well being of those attending. Last year it was unanimously agreed that he and his team did a splendid job, also that their care and dedication was “above & beyond” all expectations.
The application for numbers attending has already been sent to the Royal British Legion and at present there is a place remaining for a veteran plus a carer. The majority of veterans are advised to bring a wheelchair or perhaps a folding chair, even if it is only to use for the wait before mustering for the parade. A member of the team will be there to look after personal belongings.
All names and details are required to be submitted by the 1st July
The Trustees are proud that there are Normandy veterans who are still keen and feel able to volunteer to attend the parade. However, it is appreciated that November is 6 months away, and it would be quite understandable if anyone had to drop out nearer the time. If you (or a veteran close to you) wish to be included, please contact the Trust as soon as possible:-
Phone 01428 605672 or
email: info@spiritofnormandy.org.uk