On 6th June 1944, the D-Day landings – also known as Operation Overlord – commenced, marking the largest amphibious invasion in history. For years, Nazi Germany held Western Europe in its iron grip, and to break it, Allied Forces launched a high-risk operation across the English Channel onto the beaches of Normandy.
It was the turning point of World War II, but the surprise attack didn’t come without losses. Thousands of heroes risked life and limb to liberate the people of Europe, and many paid the ultimate sacrifice.
At Broughton House, we’re privileged to say we have cared for many veterans who were there. These are their stories, in their own words.
Storming the Beaches
For many, the invasion was about survival from the get-go. George Simms, a Royal Marine Commando, was badly injured on the first day of fighting and had to be evacuated back to England.
“I was frightened to bleeding death half the time. It was absolute hell on earth. There was firing everywhere, from all over, from different weapons… We couldn’t get off the beach until we could fight our way off it. It was an experience you could never wish to go through again.”
Each fighter had a different experience depending on where they landed, but the danger was always there. James Belcher, also a Royal Marine, recalls his first-day landing before witnessing the wide-spread carnage across the different LZs:
“When we [were] going to the beach, I looked up at the sky and it was full of aircraft… but when we landed, it was so quiet. We came away, and as soon as we came away, the battleships started to fire off.”
“We went to the American beach on the second, third day. Terrible, terrible. Some of these landing crafts of the Americans didn’t reach… there [were] bodies in the sea and that’s the worst thing I’ve ever seen.”
The Reality of War
While the beaches were being stormed, others landed by air further inland.
Peter Belcher, serving with the Para Regiment as an anti-tank gunner, landed via glider to capture and defend Pegasus Bridge from the Germans. Even with the enemy tanks neutralised, Peter and his Ox & Bucks comrades had to keep fighting to secure their position:
“It sounds harsh, but this is warfare. You don’t let people out of a tank and wish them luck. You shoot them.”
In some instances, there was very little fighting on D-Day from either side. David Teacher, serving with the RAF, noted:
“We went to shore on Juno Beach… very little resistance, we were very surprised… we all thought this is a doddle this. If this is invading, we could do it every day. But the nearer we got in, the harder it got. We were very fortunate because when we landed, it was about 6:28 in the morning and all the Germans were having their breakfast. We surrounded the unit they were in and captured them all. And they just carried on eating their breakfast. I think they were pleased to be captured.”
A Combined Effort of Humanity
The success of the D-Day Invasion relied on the combined efforts across the Allied Forces’ army, navy, and air force. David Teacher also remembered the spirit very well:
“It was a mixed effort with everybody combined, and we helped one another a great deal. We got on very well, that was the important thing… We were told we had to do anything and everything to help anybody and everybody, including prisoners of war.”
Honouring Our D-Day Heroes
The freedom we enjoy was fought for in “hell on earth.” Today, we remember those who never made it off the beaches, and we honour the incredible Broughton House veterans – past and present – who risked everything fighting the war.
Help us help our veterans, and consider making a donation to Broughton House Veteran Care Village. The funds we raise go towards supporting our residents live well and with dignity, for all they have done for us:
https://www.justgiving.com/charity/broughtonhousehome?msockid=281ee1d286e869df1ff5f68a87a9685c
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