NORMANDY VETERANS' SIGNING EVENT - 17th February
D-Day 6th June 1944 changed the course of the war in Europe. For this exciting event we’ll be joined at the UK Gallery by veterans who took part in this historic period to sign autographs for collectors.
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Our special guests include:
Wireless Operator ALAN KING Ld’H - he served with the East Riding Yeomanry as part of 27 Armoured Brigade on Sherman Tanks on D-Day. He landed in the early hours on Sword Beach. Alan's tank was hit during the fierce fighting but was soon repaired and he went on to serve during Operation Charnwood and throughout Market Garden 1944.
Craftsman RAY BETTLES-HILL - he served as part of the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers assigned to various British regiments tasked with keeping their vehicles operational as they advanced through France following D-Day. He worked on a range of vehicles from tanks, jeeps and heavy articulated vehicles all the way through France to the Rhine in Germany.
Corporal JOHN SLEEP Ld'H - serving with the 3rd Parachute Battalion he jumped into France on D-Day +4 with orders to meet up with a French contingent for further briefing. When the French unit didn’t arrive he met up with a contingent of the Royal Norfolk Regiment and fought alongside them through France, Belgium and Holland, all the way to the German border. In October 1944 he was wounded at the Battle of Overloon in Holland and was evacuated back to the UK where he spent 12 months in hospital.
Sapper DON SHEPPARD Ld'H - landed on Juno Beach with the 51st Highland Division behind the Canadian Force. He soon advanced towards Pegasus Bridge and saw action throughout Normandy, later taking part in Operation Market Garden.
Seaman BILL HAMMOND Ld’H - he served on LCT (L)131. His craft was one of the first to reach Sword Beach in the early hours of D-Day. As they approached shore the craft was hit by enemy fire and he and the crew had to try and get over 200 troops off one side of the landing craft under heavy fire.
Able Seaman ARTHUR MOORE Ld'H- as a member of the Royal Navy he served aboard HMS Dacres as they lead a convoy of assault ships into position off Sword beach early on D-Day. As a combined headquarters ship they then patrolled Sword and Juno beaches and Arthur later went on to serve in the Far East aboard HMS Loch Katrine.
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!
