The grandson of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery led a moving tribute to Britain’s D-Day fallen on Saturday as Normandy marked the 82nd anniversary of the landings that helped liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny.
Henry Montgomery, grandson of one of Britain’s greatest wartime commanders, walked 22 kilometres across Sword, Juno and Gold beaches in honour of the 22,540 servicemen and women whose names are inscribed on the British Normandy Memorial.
Accompanied by serving members of the Armed Forces and the stirring sound of the Jedburgh Pipe Band, Mr Montgomery retraced part of the coastline where British and Allied troops landed on 6 June 1944, paying tribute to a generation whose courage changed the course of history.
The walk formed part of commemorations held across Normandy to mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken. On that historic day, nearly 160,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel and stormed the beaches of occupied France, beginning the liberation of Western Europe.
Thousands gathered at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, overlooking Gold Beach, to remember the fallen. The memorial bears the names of 22,540 servicemen and women who died serving under British command during the Battle of Normandy.
Among those attending was Defence Secretary John Healey, who met British D-Day veterans and took part in remembrance ceremonies. He laid a wreath in memory of those who served and sacrificed during the campaign.
For many, however, the day belonged to the dwindling band of veterans whose bravery secured the freedoms enjoyed today. As spectators applauded and younger generations gathered to hear their stories, there was a powerful reminder that the liberties Britain often takes for granted were won at a terrible cost.
Field Marshal Montgomery, affectionately known as “Monty”, commanded the 21st Army Group during the Normandy campaign and played a central role in planning Operation Overlord. More than eight decades later, his grandson’s tribute served as a poignant link between the heroes who fought on those beaches and the generations who continue to honour their memory.
The anniversary also underscored the enduring bond between Britain and her Allies. British, Canadian, American and other Allied forces fought side by side on D-Day, many never returning home.
As the number of surviving veterans continues to fall, commemorations such as these take on ever greater significance. The men who landed on the beaches of Normandy did not know whether they would survive the day. They went anyway.
Eighty-two years later, Britain remembers them.
Lest we forget.
Main Image: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
