Cabbies ferrying veterans back to Normandy

FINAL TRIP: INVITATION TO OLD SOLDIERS FROM ACROSS UK

KIND-HEARTED DRIVERS of London’s black cabs are making plans to transport hundreds of Second World War veterans on a final trip back to the beaches of Normandy.

The trip to Northern France will be the last of its scale organised by the Taxi Charity For Military Veterans – formerly known as The London Benevolent Association For War Disabled – as the number of veterans from the conflict who are able to make the trip is diminishing.

Traditionally, the charity has supported veterans across the capital and the south east, but it is keen to invite veterans from all over the UK to come together for the last trip.

Dick Goodwin, vice president of the taxi charity committee,

Very sadly the numbers ..... for an overseas trip are falling every year. Dick Goodwin, vice president of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans

said: “It would be brilliant if someone who hadn’t heard of the charity but is at home thinking they would love to join a trip like this got in touch.

“Maybe their children or grandchildren or a neighbour will hear about this and encourage them to join us.”

Mr Goodwin added: “Our youngest veterans are now touching 90, so very sadly the numbers that have the stamina and level of fitness for an overseas trip are falling every year.”

The trip, which is set to take place from June 4 to 8, will include a remembrance service at the Museum at the famous Pegasus Bridge, the opportunity to lay wreaths at the Ranville war cemetery and trips to Bayeux and the beach at Arromanches.

For more information and to donate to support the #backtothebeaches trip, visit www.taxicharity.org/donations

PICTURES: PA. POIGNANT TRIP: From top, veteran Edward Hillary waves from a black cab at Wellington Barracks, London, ahead of a journey to northern France with the Taxi Charity; old soldiers with Guardsmen at Wellington Barracks; and (left to right) Tommy Schaffer,...