Hi My father is 95 and was involved in the initial assault on Sword Beach as part of the 2nd Battalian East Yorkshire Regiments. As his health slowly declines I am thinking of making a ‘You Tube’ style upload of him talking of his experiences, for posterity. Do you think that there would be much interest in this or is this just a personal interest? We (my brother and I) have been back to Normandy with our father on three occasions, most recently for the 70th anniversary where he met Prince Charles. We are hoping to take him next year for the 75th anniversary. For the 70th there were 11 veterans from the Sheffield branch of the NVA, but only 4 who were involved on the day itself, and only 2 who were in the initial assault, my father and Charles Hill. Sadly Charles Hill died in September 2016, leaving my father as the only remaining person in the group who went up at H hour. Although he has failing hearing and eyesight he is mentally fine and is able to remember the day very well. In 2016 he was able to speak at the Remembrance Day service in Church when asked questions. He fought on into Holland at Venlo and Venray, and I think he was involved in Market Garden, or would have been but for the failure of the operation. One question I do have though, is there an official way for Veterans to be able to attend the 75th in 2018? Thanks John
At least I, and no doubt many more people on this forum, would be interested in your father's story. So I should say: do it while it is still possible. Best wishes to you and your father and good luck with the project! Kind regards, Ronald.
John just do it. many people will be interested and welcome to the forum re your anniversary query contact https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/community/d-day-75/ 6th June 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of The D Day Landings – one of the most remarkable Allied wartime operations. The Royal British Legion is working with partners, such as the UK Government, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Normandy Memorial Trust and the Spirit of Normandy Trust, to plan significant commemorations to mark D Day 75, both in Normandy and across the United Kingdom. We anticipate that plans will be similar in scale to those commemorating D Day 70 in 2014. The UK Government will also lead arrangements for the inauguration of the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. CALL TO ACTION In order for us to plan effectively to make everything run as smoothly as possible for our veterans on this momentous day, we would be grateful if you would provide us with an indication of your plans for 2019, even if they subsequently need to change. In return, we will share additional detail as it becomes available.D DAY 75 regards Clive
Of course people would be interested in your fathers experience. Personally I would prefer it in written form since that is easier to file and refer to but the important thing is to do it. Mike
Welcome John, and good luck with your project. Just one thought, have you (he) considered obtaining his records for prosperity? Get a copy of military service records Best wishes to your father.