In the small War Cemetery at Putot en Auge is the grave of 13th Battalion soldier Alfred PYATT, he is in a plot separate from the rest of the men killed while trying to capture hill 13 on the 19th August 1944. After the war Alfred's mother visited the cemetery and was distressed to see her son's grave on it's own. She asked Colonel LUARD if her son had done something wrong. Colonel LUARD assured her he had not, before laying a single red rose on the grave of each man buried in the cemetery. In 2002 we were contacted by Rosemary, the fiancée of Alfred PYATT, she had married after the war and following the death of her husband she returned to pay respects to her first love, we have placed a cross on the grave ever since. This year we were speaking to the grandson of Stanley HEAPY when his father came up and, pointing to Alfred's grave said "that was my fathers best friend, he was with him when he was wounded and would not believe he had died until he saw the grave". It transpired that the HEAPY family were there to scatter the ashes of Stanley who passed away on 16th May. It was decided that some of Stan's ashes would be laid on Alfred's grave … He no longer rests alone ! ! !

 

We attended the ceremony in Ranville War Cemetery on the afternoon of 6th June, arranged by The Royal British Legion. It was a small gathering with The Parachute Band and standards of the French Ancien Combattants.

We were surprised to see that in addition to the French standards one man carried the American flag.

We were shocked when, as the Last Post was sounded the American flag remained upright while the French standards were "dipped in a sign of respect". As the ceremony finished I approached the French standard bearer with the American flag and in my best (not very good) French told him I thought there was no place for the American flag here and I personally felt it was as insulting as me attending the French cemetery with an Algerian flag. I continued that not to "dip" was to show disrespect to the British soldiers who gave their lives here and as the Americans have made films falsely claiming they won the Battle of Britain and captured the Enigma machine I felt strongly that it should be remembered that the Ranville area was a British win. A very shocked Frenchman claimed he had carried the American flag for ten years and never received a complaint before. He went on to say the American flag was never dipped and he was there by invitation of The Royal British Legion.

 

This ceremony continued outside the Salle de Fete with music played by the Yorkshire Police Band. After the first tune the conductor said they would continue with "an American theme" I felt it was time to leave, happy in the knowledge that at least twenty police personnel had been taken off "persecuting motorists" duties for a short time ! ! !

 

 

It was nice to see so many old friends managed to get over. With so many missing and next year being the 65th anniversary it would be nice if the British organisers made some efforts to financially assist the veterans who wish to attend.

 

It is rumoured that HRH will be there, let's hope that there is not a repeat of the 60th anniversary chaos of passes where some veterans or their families found it impossible to move around, some being kept on coaches and not being able to attend ceremonies.

 

Being the 65th anniversary someone in authority may like to calculate that the minimum age of the veteran is over 82 years of age. Can we have adequate seating please.

 

 

We have for some time been honoured to meet up with the WELLS brothers, Frank, John and Sidney whose brother James rests in Ranville War Cemetery. They have attended to pay their respects in June and November each year for the last 52 years. If only all families felt the same.

 

 

There have been some changes, Pascal & Valou of Le Longchamp Bar in Ranville were married in May, many congratulations to them both.

 

Chris & Marie Thérèse of  Les 3 Planeurs Bar at Pegasus Bridge have sold the business after 15 years and are going to take a well earned retirement.

 

 

Although suffering from cancer Jim JEFFERY of the 13th Battalion had his last wish and made it over, regrettably he passed away in his hotel on the evening of 6th June. We extend our sympathy to his widow and family.