Tomorrow, the 6th June, we remember the Allied invasion of the Normandy beaches that took place on that date back in 1944. My dad was an eighteen year old paratrooper at the time joining them at 17 whilst working for ICI (Imperial Chemicals Industries) His three years in the paras counted as continuous service at ICI and he was presented with a 20 year service watch in 1960 - a watch which I wear to this day. He himself said he was no hero - he was simply doing his duty for King and country and lost many friends before, during and after D-Day. He bore no grudge against the enemy and in the early 1960’s he and my mum entertained two Germans at their home in Redcar. I can remember them both enjoying the beach at Redcar and the bracing Northerly winds and then saying “luft gut!”
Wear that watch with pride Mark! My dad was in the RAF in Italy,later in a special squadron in Yugoslavia , he and his mates sung “we are the Dee Day Dodgers on the beach in Italy” tongue in cheek to the tune of Lili Marlene, pretty sure it was no beach party!
Wonderful story Mark, thanks for sharing. My Dad was a RNZAF pilot in the Pacific which also had a tough 1944-45.
Incredible memories & history Mark! Thank you for sharing your story … a very special day for you & your family x
Very poignant - thanks for sharing Mark Embery
Mark Embery wow! An amazing story ❤️ thank you for sharing.
Sales Director at Synergy Flavors
1moAmazing story . My grandad served in the Lancashire black cat regiment, served in Burma I have the patches off his hat and shirt proudly framed.