The service at the Naval Memorial

It was coming across the service here last year that sowed the seed of the idea for this year's trip. This is the only dedicated Naval memorial as far as we're aware, and of course, as any sailor will tell you, the success of the assault depended on Operation Neptune, which was the maritime element of the invasion. Eddie's ship took part in Operation Neptune.
Thanks to the efforts of David Cotterell and the support of Jacques and the H.M.S Hermanville, this monument is a permanent memorial to the role the Navy played.

This is David Cotterell on the right -who's been coming every year. He's speaking to a former RAF guy who's been over every year for 41 years. "The first time was 69 years ago.." he told John.

Eddie and George, both laid wreaths - Eddie in memory of his shipmates on board HMS Mourne (5th Escort Group) which was torpedoed on 15th June. And George on behalf of the Neport Branch of the RNA.

Photographers were out in force...

It was a very moving service, incredibly warm and welcoming, and so many local people eager to speak to Eddie, George and the other veterans - many of them were children on June 6th 1944 and had vivid memories of the incredible invasion, and the ineviteble cruel battles.

 John did us proud as usual.

And this is Jacques - our wonderful host who seemed to spend the whole day making sure everyone was all right. Thank you! It was.