| Sacrifice remembered |
 Death respects no-one. The son of President Roosevelt, lies buried in the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer with 9,385 of his comrades. ‘Operation Overlord’ 6 June, 1944. Shortly after dawn, the Allied sea borne invasion began. Guns from the warships pounded the beaches, while landing craft moved forward towards the coastline, carrying the first of the 127,000 soldiers who would cross the beaches that day. Meanwhile, overhead, the largest air force ever assembled, nearly 5000 planes, provided cover. Within days, some 2,000,000 men, countless vehicles and other pieces of equipment would land to take up the struggle  to liberate occupied Europe. I still remember the precise voice of the BBC radio newsreader as they announced that the invasion of France had begun. The radio was an essential means of keeping up with developments then, and children were expected to be quiet, and appreciate the importance of what was happening. The news that the invasion had begun was no surprise. For some weeks large convoys of American soldiers, tanks and other equipment had been passing through our village, heading for the coast. Little did we – or they – know then, the price of peace. An opportunity to visit one of the most significant battlefields in history earlier this year was too good to miss. 65 years on, Normandy has settled once more to doing what it does best – producing fine dairy cows, butter, cider and cheese. Bordered by the English Channel, its coast is a mixture of rugged chalk cliffs and endless sandy beaches. Here and there are ancient cities, vibrant towns, quiet villages, – but, never far away, the grim reminder of human conflict. Far from being forgotten, the events of June, 1944 are commemorated throughout Normandy. Regimental tributes and memorials mark every landing and sacrifice. Museums display photographs, memorabilia, models and original film footage of the event. The supreme price Most moving are the immaculately kept cemeteries, British, American, Canadian, Polish and German, each with their own chosen style. It is particularly impressive when, as in Bayeux, British and German dead share the same plot. The numbers of dead are mind-blowing: 100,000 in all, 40,000 Allied and 60,000 German soldiers lost their lives between 6 June and 21 August. Every grave is marked and logged, so that relatives can trace their loved ones. We noticed that graves are visited and flowers still left by family and old comrades 65 years after the event. British gravestones make provision for a personal message from bereaved relatives. These are frequently stirring. Corporal Bates, of The Royal Norfolk Regiment was 23 years old when he was killed on 8 August, 1944. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for valour. His parents wrote, ‘We remember him as a true Camberwell boy and a loving son’. The parents of a 26 year old pilot wrote: ‘In thought – faith, in word – wisdom, in deed – courage, in life – service’. What sacrifice! What price our freedom! We remember, and we give thanks on this Remembrance Day. Michael Toogood |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
