Three Second World War veterans from Lancashire – one of them from the Fylde coast – have returned from the 82nd D-Day commemorations in Normandy.
Centenarians Marjorie Hanson (103) from Poulton, Ken Benbow (100) from Garstang and Richard Brock (102) from Lancaster, flew to Caen and were chauffeured by The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
They were accompanied by Col. David Waters of Lancashire Armed Forces Association, their carers, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Jane Parker JP DL.
Marjorie Hanson, served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service during the Second World War and can remember attending the original VE Day and D-Day celebrations after the war.
Shropshire-born Ken Benbow, served in the Royal Navy during the conflict, while Richard Brock was a member of the East Lancashire Regiment and saw action at Arnhem, the battle immortalised in A Bridge Too Far – and the Battle of the Bulge.
The service at the British Normandy Memorial was followed by plenty of calls for photos with the inspirational veterans, and a quick transfer to Bayeux Cemetery for a moving service.
Richard delivered the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph before laying a wreath on behalf of all veterans.
The Lord-Lieutenant’s office stated: “Particular thanks to BAE for their generous support, and their staff, ground and air crews were superb”.
“A moving ceremony and a wonderful day with these fabulous and irrepressible heroes.”
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