THE ALLIED INVASION OF NORMANDY SIGNING EVENT – 17th JANUARY
D-Day 6th June 1944 saw the beginning of what is considered by many as the most decisive turning point in modern British history – the Allied invasion of occupied Europe. From these initial landings the Allies advanced through Western Europe with a vast coordinated effort by land, sea and air.
For this very special event at the UK Gallery we are delighted to announce that we’ll be joined by veterans who took part in the Normandy Campaign.
Able Seaman WILF BIRDSEYE – served in the Royal Navy from 1942 aboard HMS Tartar. He took part in North Atlantic convoys to Murmansk before sailing on Mediterranean convoys to Malta and supporting the Sicily and Italian landings in 1943. He also provided cover for minelaying operations and patrols across the Channel before and during D-Day. From Europe he then went to the Far East for the Sumatra landings, the re-taking of Singapore and the Japanese surrender at Penang.
Leading Telegraphist ARTHUR ARUNDEL – joined the Merchant Navy at just 17 before transferring to the Royal Navy where he served aboard HMS Cooke out of Plymouth and Belfast. He took part in Atlantic convoys from Nova Scotia and Russian convoys seeking out U-boats, pin-pointing their position and releasing depth charges. They also played an important role on D-Day patrolling the channel allowing the armada to cross safely.
Sergeant MIKE BROWN – originally part of the Royal Armoured Corps, he transferred to the Glider Pilot Regiment in October 1943. He towed a glider into Normandy on the evening of D-Day, carrying a detachment of the Ulster Rifles. He later took a glider into Arnhem and fought throughout the battle being wounded in the leg and captured. As a POW he was in Stalag Luft VIIIC before walking more than 300 miles across Germany early in 1945.
Staff Sergeant MIKE HALL – transferred from the Rifle Regiment to the Glider Pilot Regiment in March 1942. He took part in Operation Turkey-Buzzard, a 9 hour tow by Halifax from Cornwall to Rabat in Morocco taking gliders out for the invasion of Sicily. A reserve for D-Day, he then took a glider into Arnhem to fight around the Oosterbeek perimeter. He was later posted to India initially flying Waco gliders before becoming a second pilot on Dakotas.
Driver FRED HARRIS Ld’H – served as a Reconnaissance Engineer with 621 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers. He landed on Gold Beach via the Mulberry Harbour and continued clearing a path at the head of column through Normandy all the way to Berlin.
Our guests are happy to sign items for customers and entry is FREE but STRICTLY by ticket only and we are currently taking bookings so please contact us now to reserve your place.
