NORMANDY VETERANS' SIGNING EVENT - 12th May
In this special 75th Anniversary year of D-Day, we continue our series of events to commemorate the Battle for Normandy and liberation of Europe during WWII. We’re proud to be hosting this event at the UK Gallery where we’ll be joined by veterans who took part in this historic period to sign autographs for collectors.
Our special guests include:
Seaman VICTOR URCH Ld’H - Vic joined the Royal Navy in 1943 and on D-Day served as a Gunner aboard Landing Craft LCI (L)390, part of 253 Flotilla. Whilst he exchanged fire with enemy defences, the crew ferried Canadian Infantry to Juno Beach and they continued to carry troops and supplies across the channel for another two months.
Craftsman DOUG AUSTIN Ld’H - serving in the British Army, Doug fought as part of the 3rd Battalion Scots Guards, 6th Tank Brigade, throughout Normandy. He saw action during the fierce battle for Caen, through Villers-Bocage and the Falaise Gap all the way to Germany on VE-Day.
Signalman FRANK BAUGH Ld'H - serving with the Royal Navy, his landing craft LCI(L)380 was part of Flotilla 253 tasked with carrying members of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion to Normandy. Just after 7.20am on D-Day they were the first craft to land on the Queen Red Sector of Sword Beach and took a direct hit by German fire whilst approaching the beach.
Sergeant FRANK ASHLEIGH - volunteering for the Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday, he joined the Glider Pilot Regiment after receiving his wings. Serving with A Squadron during the Battle of Arnhem, he landed off course and was captured, spending 9 months as a PoW.
Seaman JIM RADFORD - Jim left school at the age of 15 and within 8 weeks had joined the Merchant Navy, serving on the ‘The Empire Larch’ off the Normandy coast during the Invasion. Jim has long been a folk singer and graced the Radio 2 D-Day commemorations at the Royal Albert Hall with his evocative song ‘The shores of Normandy’.
Sergeant MIKE BROWN Ld’H - transferring to the Glider Pilot Regiment in October 1943, he towed a glider into Normandy on D-Day carrying a detachment of the Ulster Rifles. He later took a glider into Arnhem and fought throughout the battle before being wounded and captured, spending time as a PoW in Stalag Luft VIIIC.
Entry to our Gallery events is FREE but for safety reasons it is important to RESERVE YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE. Unfortunately, on event days, we can't allow entry to anyone who hasn't reserved a place. Even if you're not 100% sure that you can make it, please book your place in advance and if your plans change, just let us know.
Bookings are now being taken so please contact us to reserve your place!
