D-Day:80
By Charlie Smith-Knight
June 6th 1944. As the clock ticked past midnight at the start of that ominous day, Operation Overlord began on a 50 mile stretch of the French coast. The largest seaborne invasion ever attempted, the operation saw 24,000 British, American and Canadian troops storm the beaches in a combined aerial, naval and amphibious assault. In what became known as the Normandy landings, or D-Day, June 6th marked the beginning of the end of World War II. The importance of it for the British and their allies in Western Europe can not be understated and the truth is there are very few people left who have a lived experience of that day. Thanks to the sacrifices made by those flying and wading their way across French waters, many fathers, uncles, sons and brothers were able to come home. Women and children suffering on home soil would soon begin to feel the pressure of being left behind ease. And whilst the fear and uncertainty of the years that led up to it would start to lift, the weight of the untenable loss of life would also settle across the nation. For the majority of us, this is history. For the majority of us, we can never know the responsibility that sat heavy on the shoulders of the men, crowded on boats and planes, steadfast against the cold, moving silently forward in those early morning hours. It is something we simply can not imagine 80 years on. Instead, we vow to remember them because they were our fathers, brothers, uncles and grandfathers. Our mothers, sisters, aunts and grandmothers. Our families and we are their legacy. They fought for us.
To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, there will be commemorations taking place across the country. A remembrance service held in Portsmouth on June 5th is due to be televised live by the BBC, allowing you to tune in from the comfort of your own home and witness the gathering of our remaining WWII veterans. A Tribute to the Fallen is also scheduled to be broadcast from the Bayeux War Cemetery in France and will include live music performances.
Closer to home, Royal Pageantmaster and Gorleston native, Bruno Peek is leading the way with a series of events including the ‘Lamp Light of Peace’. A traditional oil lamp was lit on Monday 13th May at Great Yarmouth Minster and will make its way across the English Channel on June 6th, following the same path as the Allied Forces, where it will be used to light beacons on the 5 beaches involved in the original operation. Official lamps can no longer be ordered but individuals are encouraged to join the unique initiative by lighting a lamp of their own. The lamps will signify the ‘light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war’. Mr Peek is also spearheading a proposal for fish and chips, which were not rationed during the war, to be eaten for supper on the day.
“I am sure that most of you reading this has a family tree with branches cut short by those Wars. Each family has its stories, handed down through the generations, the most precious of our family heirlooms.”
If you wish to celebrate in the community, Ipswich town centre will be host to a parade on June 8th in honour veterans. A block party has also been announced to take place on Market Street which will include a beer garden and live music. Crowds will be treated to classic cars, a World War II Sherman tank and music from the North Shore Pipe Band, amongst others.
Alternatively, you can organise your commemoration, whether that be an all-out party or a personal, quiet memorial. Be proud in red, white and blue. Hang the bunting high and blast some Vera Lynn. Indulge in a pot of tea and an M&S cream bun. Or if you want to make something authentic, check out the1940sExperiment.com, for some well researched recipes that will provide you with a taste of the time. Take a look at the Glory Buns, in particular. Nothing says good living like cake.
However you choose to honour them, our greatest responsibility is to keep the memory of their bravery and sacrifice alive. I am sure that most of you reading this has a family tree with branches cut short by those Wars. Each family has its stories, handed down through the generations, the most precious of our family heirlooms. My grandmother, Annie, was a year old when World War I erupted into her young life sweeping her father, Joseph, off to France where he perished aged just 21. A boy in a brigade with a bayonet. When World War II came, Annie was 22 years old and in love with Alexander. When he too was summoned away to fight for his country, Annie waited for Alex and this time she was lucky. He returned home, they built a beautiful life together and had three children, one of whom is my father. Alex lived until June 4th 1985. I was born two days later, on D-Day. Two days too late to meet the man who helped to make my birth date a day of national liberation. This June 6th, the day my life began, I will remember him. For without him, I wouldn’t have a life at all.
