NORMANDY VETERANS' SIGNING EVENT - 11th FEBRUARY
D-Day 6th June 1944 changed the course of the war in Europe. We’ll be joined at the UK Gallery in Wendover by WWII veterans who took part in the Allied invasion of occupied Europe.
Our special guests include:
Private ARNOLD HUTCHINSON - serving with the 7th (Light Infantry) Battalion, 5th Parachute Brigade, 6th Airborne Division he first saw action in December 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge when his unit helped counter the surprise German offensive. His final airborne mission followed in March 1945 over the River Rhine as part of Operation Varsity. The unit were sent to the Far East but the war ended before they arrived, however the trip was a personal success for Arnold when he met his future wife of 61 years, Sinie, in Java.
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.
Corporal GEOFF OWENS Ld’H - part of the 2nd Battalion (52nd) Ox & Bucks Light Infantry, 6th Airborne Division he served during the Battle of the Bulge in the defence of the Ardennes in December 1944. In March 1945 he then took part in the glider landings during Operation Varsity and the Rhine Crossing.
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.
Sapper GEORGE BATTS MBE Ld'H - George was just 18 years old when he landed at Gold Beach on the morning of D-Day. As part of the Royal Engineers he was tasked with clearing mines and booby traps along the beach whilst under enemy fire. He served all the way through to Germany in May 1945
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!
