D Day 75 years on and to the Men and Women, service personnel and civilians THANK YOU. True Heroes one and all.
They were planning to take place on the 5th but weather didn't comply with the Generals and War Committees plans.
On this day in 1944 my grandfather and crew in this picture completed two missions, the first at 1.55am (Sangatte) and second 9.10pm (Fontenoy).
Hear hear !! The freedom's we so easily squander nowadays, were won by men and women in ( "blood and bone" ) who knew so much more about service and patriotism than most of us today ever will. My heart goes out to all the surviving servicemen and women of the 2nd World War in general and the Normandy Landings in particular.
this was my Grandad. He was in the Irish Rangers. And fought both wars. And likewise they paid in blood so we could be free to ride our Triumphs. Regards Joe
My dad joined up just as soon as war was declared, he was just 15, my grandmother grassed him up and after 4 months he got booted out, re-joining just as soon as he was able. Ended up as a Bren gunner in the Commandos, drafted into the Special Services Brigade for D Day, they hated the name as it was abbreviated to the SS Brigade, didn't care much for the SS name.
My dad was in the Seaforths, but even if he hadn't been old enough to be involved I would still have the greatest respect for all the men and women who fought for our future and freedom. To me the best way we can show our respect is to make sure nobody ever has to do it again.
A couple of pictures of the parachutists at Ranville this afternoon. They drifted so slowly to the ground that they must have been an easy target. Brave men.
EastbourneMark. Wish I could have been there. Bet those engines were fantastic. And the sights must have been fantastic. Regards Joe.
I watched the two old para's taking one last parachute drop on telly last night. Strangely had something caught in both of my eyes at the same time. God bless em one and all.
What does one say to a friend who posted a reply to a "Never forget ..." message (posted by another friend), words to the effect that it was all "pro Brexit propaganda"? I paraphrase slightly as I don't do 'social media' - my wife showed me the message. Taking away any hint whatsoever of whichever side of the Brexit issue divide one sits, I find it really hard to believe that anybody could suggest that any of the 75th. commemorative information - particularly something that enjoins people to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by so many and the singular cause for which they made it - contains a message other than to remember the past with respect, pride and honour. I'm unsure whether I should be sad or mad .... or both.
Johnjo. I have been sitting here this morning watching the tele. You know I have a box of tissue's here almost gone. Though I was tougher than that. I feel for the brave men and women and wish I could change history so the world could put right all the wrongs that man has aflicked on each other. If God listens to our prayers I hope he can tell all the fallen I am greatfull and thanks from me for the Freedom you gave me. Regards Joe
Adie P. It's a personal thing. Don't listen to the spin merchants gaining favour on this sad day. We all know how we feel and God knows we care. Regards Joe.
Yep, agree, don't dwell on it Adie, it's not your problem. We all say daft things and have different views. In my view, that's what these guys fought for. Pay our respects, then go and ride our Triumphs!
I will watch it all tonight Joe. I'll be sure to have the tissues handy as well. Take care mate, John
