Normandy beaches commemorations

[GEORGE HIGHTON]

I know it's not 1st W.W but we have just been to all the Normandy beaches from sword to Utah and thoroughly enjoyed the experience the exhibitions were incredible and very moving especially Pegasus bridge to anyone who has not been I would recommend it . On our way home now will miss the 6th June commemorations ( shame)

[MaryA]

Glad you had a good time George, hope you enjoyed yourself even though it would have been a solemn occasion, and that you paid respects on behalf of all of us too.

[GEORGE HIGHTON]

Met a Normandy veteran, over 90, . yesterday, who is staying on this site in chateau Martragny outside Bayeux He landed on gold beach in an amphibian tank with the 1/7 dragoons. Always laughing whilst telling his stories, he said it would have been funny if it wasn't so serious, the tanks had canvas skirts around them and inflated from the engine, a bit like a hover craft, they were fine under test in the quieter lakes of Yorkshire but in the rough Channel tended to lose buoyancy and many of them sunk. A fine old gentleman he has been tending the memorial to the Dragoons in Cruelly for many years. He is giving a talk in the restaurant tonight, should be interesting. We look forward to hearing him.