| Sparker | 05 Jun 2014 8:54 p.m. PST |
|
| Gustav | 05 Jun 2014 9:56 p.m. PST |
Indeed …
My Grandfather was thereabouts as well which makes it even more poignant. |
| Sparker | 06 Jun 2014 2:44 a.m. PST |
Well if he's still around, and I hope he is, please pass on our thanks for his Service… |
| Martin Rapier | 06 Jun 2014 2:50 a.m. PST |
My (step) Grandfather commanded a landing craft and my great uncle Joe drove an armoured bulldozer on D-Day. |
| Aubrey | 06 Jun 2014 2:52 a.m. PST |
I found out this week (from my Dad) that one of my Uncles (who is still alive) who spent the war in the Royal Navy serving on MGBs (which I knew about) used to go in close to Occupied France in the period leading up to D-Day to pick up Agents who had plans of the German Fortifications. We have an awful lot to be thankful for! |
| Big Martin Back | 06 Jun 2014 3:11 a.m. PST |
Nobody from the immediate family actually on the beaches on the day. My "para" great uncle was killed a few days after D-Day fighting off a German counter-attack. A friend of my father's was an engineering Petty Officer with a flotilla of RN LSTs landing American troops at the south end of Utah beach. The boat he was on got stuck fast and he spent most of D-Day attempting repairs below decks whislt waiting for the return of high tide. Well done to them all. |
| Paul from PMW | 06 Jun 2014 3:40 a.m. PST |
|
| nsolomon99 | 06 Jun 2014 4:50 a.m. PST |
About that time my Dad was fighting his way along the northern coast of New Guinea and preparing for the capture of Morotai Island in the Moluccas. What an amazing generation they were – they grew up through the Great Depression and then fought 6 years of a world war. Lest we forget. |
Marc33594  | 06 Jun 2014 6:32 a.m. PST |
I often wonder what was going through my dad's mind this day now 70 years ago. I am at home. It is warm, sunny, a beautiful day outside. My late dad, 70 years ago, was on Omaha beach having landed with one of the assault waves. The contrast is so extreme. I also take time to remember the words that then General Eisenhower did NOT have to release and feel for simplicity and impact rank up there with Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: "Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone." |
| WarWizard | 06 Jun 2014 6:55 a.m. PST |
We owe them a lot. They should not be forgotten. |
| kallman | 06 Jun 2014 8:58 a.m. PST |
Yes raise a glass and toast these brave souls. My father was a tail gunner flying missions out of England on a B-24 Liberator. |
| Shagnasty | 06 Jun 2014 10:19 a.m. PST |
Praise and honor to all those who served. My Dad flew the "Hump" as air crew in a C-47. |
| Timbo W | 06 Jun 2014 11:17 a.m. PST |
Dad was there on D-day at Juno with 15 ordnance beach detachment RAOC, mostly concerned with disposing of the ammo and explosives that the enemy had left behind I think. Dad died six years ago now. Also remembering Uncle Les who drove a lorry from Dunkirk to Egypt, Italy, Normandy and Germany, probably not the same one all along! Uncle Ray in Italy, Uncle Idris in Burma and Uncles John and Graham in training. |
