Brave veterans still insist on coming to Normandy... just as they did eight decades ago

Lord Ashcroft's moving tribute to survivors and fallen from the D-Day landings

- By Lord Ashcroft

THE fact that there are still Second World War veterans who are determined to travel to northern France this week to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day makes me feel proud and emotional in equal measures.

These are former service personnel, now aged each side of their 100th birthdays, who could so easily stay at home but, just as they did more than eight decades ago, they have displayed a humbling sense of resolve and determination in journeying to Normandy.

This is because, for the most part, they want to pay their respects and remember comrades who died or were seriously wounded on June 6, 1944, while taking part in the D-Day landings.

It’s incredible to think that on the British Normandy Memorial, which was unveiled on June 6, 2021 by the King, there are the names of the 22,442 servicemen and women under British command who fell on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy in the summer of 1944.

The memorial, which is situated on a hillside overlooking Gold Beach, finally brought together the names of these brave individuals from more than 30 countries who gave their lives.

Inevitably, because of their age, some of these veterans will be travelling to Normandy this week for the final time. Whether or not they are able to return in future, they will go home with treasured memories of their visit.

In truth, the mere mention of D-Day makes me feel a little proud and emotional for personal reasons. My late father, Eric Ashcroft, whom I loved and admired, was one of those who took part.