Tracking down war veterans ahead of D-Day anniversary

A Slough resident is looking to track down surviving Second World War veterans from the area ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June this year,

writes Sam Leech.

Slough resident Jean Synclaire is offering to plant a cross inscribed with a veteran’s name and to have their name read out at services held in Normandy to mark the occasion.

On June 6, 1944, when the fate of Europe was in the balance, more than 150,000 Allied soldiers mounted a daring assault on the beaches of Nazi occupied western France.

The mission proved a success despite heavy casualties and provided the springboard for a liberation of the rest of the continent.

Jean said: “This is really the last big occasion where the majority of veterans will be able to attend or take part – to mark their service in the war.

“A lot of heads of states will go this year as they don’t go every year.

“If there was anyone who wanted a cross placed or their name read out during the ceremony, this might mean a lot to them.

“It would be really nice if someone did want them, or someone who has passed away during the war to be commemorated – we could do that for them.”

Jean is also British and Allied Forces Families Ambassadrice for 1944 Memories Pont L'Eveque – a French organisation involved in the D-Day commemorations. Her father served as an airborne soldier and was one of the men who parachuted into France during the night before D-day, to help destroy Nazi weapons behind the frontlines and set conditions for the following day.

“A lot of people like me didn’t find out about their parent or grandparent’s service until they passed away - when they’ve found their war medals or old uniform,” said Jean.

“My father was one of the first paratroopers into Normandy, luckily he survived but there’s a lot of people who didn’t.

“I know there are a lot of World War Two veterans who are still alive around the area – whether that’s in care homes or living with family.”

1944 Memories Pont L'Eveque will attend services including at Omaha

Beach, Arromanches and at Ranville 6th Airborne Cemetery.

Crosses can be arranged free of charge and for more information contact Jean via email at: ddaynormandy80 @yahoo.com