D-Day and the Battle for Normandy (1944)

On 6 June 1944, Allied forces embarked on the largest amphibious invasion in history. In this project we recorded the personal stories of those who planned the mission, stormed the beaches, parachuted into enemy territory, and battled through the difficult terrain of Normandy.

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An interview with

Richard Fitzwilliam

Richard Witzwilliam served with the Green Howards.  On D-Day he was part of the first...

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An interview with

Vic Blake

Vic Blake served with the B Squadron in the 43rd Wessex Reconnaissance Regiment. Despite being injured,...

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An interview with

Vic Mackenzie

Viv Mackenzie was a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps [RASC] Hi job was...

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An interview with

Vic Walker

Vic Walker joined the Royal Navy at the tender age of 17.  He served as...

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An interview with

Les Sutton

Les Sutton served as a Dispatch rider with the RAF Regiment 2713 (Rifle) Squadron.

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An interview with

Wally Fuller

On D-Day, Wally Fuller was a Gunner with the 4th Royal Tank Regiment. On the 8th...

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An interview with

John Sturgis

John Sturgis was a Troop Commander in the Royal Marines, 41 Commando. In his interview...

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An interview with

Harry Marrington

Harry Marrington was a Seaman and Gunner with the Royal Navy Patrol Service. 

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An interview with

David Baines

Brigadier David Baines MBE served as the final President of the Normandy Veterans Association. In...

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An interview with

Allan Orpin

Allan orpine provides a good account of his time with the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance...

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An interview with

Les Stonell

Les Stonell served as a Telegraphist Coder with the Royal Navy NP 1732. His work...

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An interview with

Len Mann

Len Mann served with D Company 12th Battalion Devonshire Regiment. 

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About D-Day and the Battle for Normandy (1944)

On 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, beginning the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe. D-Day and the subsequent Normandy Campaign were defining moments of the Second World War, fought at immense cost. As time passes, it becomes ever more important to preserve the voices of those who were there.

Legasee’s Normandy Veterans Project

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, Legasee partnered with the Normandy Veterans Association, the D-Day Museum in Portsmouth, and schools in Portsmouth and Chatham to capture first-hand accounts of the campaign. With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project recorded 100 interviews with veterans, adding to an archive of 70 earlier testimonies. These personal stories provide a deeply moving insight into the realities of war.

As well as being free to view in the Legasee Archive, the interviews form part of a permanent exhibition at the D-Day Museum, ensuring that future generations can hear directly from those who served.

In addition, veterans’ voices from the archive feature in a series of Legasee’s The Veterans’ Voice podcast, bringing their experiences to life through compelling storytelling and expert narration.

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Educational Resources - Longdendale
An interview with

Vic Blake

Tpr B Sqn 43 Recce which was not with A & C Sqn when they were sunk off Juno Beach on the Derry Cunihy. Describes arrival in France & first action. Legs shaking. He was driver of leading armoured car with Sgt Thugood and Lt Shuttler. Had many lucky escapes & considers himself to be lucky to have survived. And 4 Nov 1944 by Nebelwerfer strike. “You never forget it.”
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Vic Walker

Vic Walker joined the Royal Navy at the tender age of 17. He served as an Boatswain’s Mate onboard the Admiralty V-class destroyer, HMS Versatile. Onboard, he worked as Boatswain's mate. The Boatswain supervises the other members of the ship's deck department, and typically is not a watchstander, except on vessels with small crews. Additional duties vary depending upon ship, crew, and circumstance. In addition to numerous Atlantic Convoys, Vic saw action on D-Day.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

Wally Fuller

Trooper 144 Regt, RAC part of 33 Armd Bde supporting 49 Div. Landed 14 Jun Aromanche. Had Crusader AA Tanks. Gold Beach landed 400 yards from shore. Noise, luck, Enjoyed it despite the dangers. Buried 5 of his crew. Horror of war. Vivid memories, excitement, fear, Rhine Crossings in Buffaloes with 4 RTR. “I enjoyed it- never felt fear!”
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
An interview with

John Sturgis

Tp Comd, B Tp, 41 Commando, landed H+1 D Day, really impressive sight, one really felt confident that nothing could go wrong. Pulled out our green berets, stuck out our chests and said come on Jerry we are after you. Assaulted Douvres le Deliverande. Tp Comd A Tp shot through cheek put him in a wheelbarrow. Later Wacheren Island, has bridge named after him.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Brig. C Elderton
An interview with

David Baines

Command Post Officer 25/26 Medium Battery, 7th Medium Regiment RA. HAd 5.5” guns landed 8 Jun Ver sur mer as part of 7 Armd Div. Describes run in shoot of 90 (City of London) Fd Regt. Got ashore, moved towards Bayeaux & Tilly. Describes Bty organisation & routine. Exciting / Action around Crepon. Counter battery fire, radios good by day poor by night. Became a bit casual. Brr Mellor first casualty buried Tilly. Mont Pincon supporting 43 (Wessex) Div. Fired 100 rounds per gun per day. Shells weighed 100lbs. Barrels wore out after three weeks. Soldiers not interested in the battle picture - they would have fought the French! Morale good. Served post war.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Brig. C Elderton
An interview with

Allan Orpin

An interview with

Len Mann

D Coy 12th Bn Devonshire Regt - glider trained. Went in by boat, insufficient gliders. Six days in the channel. At Ranville, Breville with 7 Para Bn - “our finest hour”, casualties, 162 killed in 5 mins. Across the Rhine as part of 3” mortar platoon & despatch rider.
Service:
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker