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Vol VII, No 7 Summer 2010

In This Issue

D-Day Memories

Annual General Meeting Reports

Norwich Branch on the march, c. 1987

1

Editorial

The opinions expressed in the Normandy Star are those of the authors and

do not necessarily reflect the policy and views of the Norwich & District

Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association

All copy, articles etc. for inclusion should be sent to the Editor

Editor – Paul McAllister

12 Millside, Stalham, Norwich, Norfolk, N.R12 9PA

Tel (01692) 583336

Email: NormandyStar@aol.com

Website: www.normandystaronline.org.uk

Welcome to the first Normandy Star of 2010, a bumper edition with

plenty to read! It was good to see such a big turnout at the AGM in

May, proof, if it were needed, that Norwich Branch goes from strength

to strength. By the time you read this, the anniversary pilgrimage to

Normandy, in this 66th year since D-Day and the battle of Normandy,

will be gone and I am sure we can look forward to reading all about it

in the next Normandy Star later in the year. Sarah and I remain very

grateful for all the positive comments we receive from branch members

for our involvement in branch affairs, let me say on behalf of us both

that we are proud to be able to continue to support you in your

activities and look forward to many more years to come.

Our best wishes to you all.

Paul and Sarah McAllister

2

On March 28th 2010 our Life President, James S “Jimmy” Hipwell, late

Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, passed away. He had been ill for some

time. By the time of going to press, his funeral service, which was a

private family affair, will have been held, along with a service of

thanksgiving and celebration on 3rd June 2010. The Branch was

represented at this service by a Guard of Honour of 6 Veterans and the

Branch Standard.

The following article appeared in the Eastern Daily Press and is

republished here in tribute to a loyal and well respected Life President.

Outspoken coroner James Hipwell - who has died aged 85 - was held in

the highest regard in his native Norwich and Norfolk for his compassion

and sense of fair play. He was never afraid to court controversy, and

seemed to rather enjoy the public furore, as he called for tougher action

on drug abuse, bad drivers and advocated legalisation of brothels.

Born in Norwich on April 16, 1924, his father had moved to the city to

become head brewer and later a director at Steward & Patteson.

Educated at Haileybury, Hertford, he joined the Royal Navy as ordinary

seaman and was commissioned. He commanded a tank-landing craft,

which landed on Utah beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, after a 19-hour

voyage across a choppy English channel. Lt Hipwell, RNVR, later served in

the East Indies and Malaya.

Jimmy Hipwell

3

He qualified as a solicitor in 1947, joining a long-established city firm in

Tombland, Russell Steward & Co where the senior partner had been

clerk to Taverham Justices since 1895. He became the country's

youngest clerk to the magistrates at the age of 29, advising the

Taverham Bench. He served two other courts including Depwade Bench

at Long Stratton, where he made national newspaper headlines after

using Dinky toys to demonstrate the actions of defendants in careless

driving cases.

During his 18-year career on Norwich City Council - he was Sheriff in

1966 - he criticised the "soulless" design of certain council houses.

Elected at a by-election in 1951, he was the first Conservative to

represent Mousehold but lost his seat a year later. He was returned in

1961 for St Stephen's ward until 1978 when he represented Costessey

on the county council for a three-year term.

However, his most celebrated exploit, the so-called "dressing gown"

inquest also made headlines around the world in June 1991. In slippers

and pyjamas, he opened a two-minute inquest at 8.30am in the study

of his Town Close home one Saturday. Later, he explained that it had

been a silk dressing gown and that he had looked like Noel Coward. He

was the last Norwich Coroner, having been appointed in 1983 until he

retired in 1994. The Norfolk Coroner, William Armstrong, who served

articles under Mr Hipwell and later succeeded him, said: "He was a

wonderful character who was a dominant figure in the legal, civic and

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community life of the city and county. He was a caring and

compassionate coroner, who was never afraid to speak his mind when he

felt it necessary," he added.

His record of public service included chairman of the Broads Society, a

member of the Broads Authority, and governor of schools in Norwich.

However, his love of sailing, albeit mostly of a recreational nature, was

legendary.

Married five times, he leaves a widow, Wendy, and four children, Carolyn,

Rupert, Piers and Alexandra, and 10 grandchildren.

5

The Annual General Meeting of the Norwich Branch of the Normandy

Veterans Association was held on 12th May 2010 at the British Legion,

Aylsham Road, Norwich at 11.30 a.m. Forty six people attended the

meeting and apologies were received. Chairman, Phil Johnson, opened

the meeting by lighting the Flame of Remembrance in memory of past

friends and colleagues and in particular our Life President, James Hipwell,

who has recently passed away. The Exhortation was followed by a

minutes silence. Secretary Jack Woods continued with the business of the

meeting. The minutes of 2009 AGM were agreed a true record with no

matters arising. The chairman gave a brief report on the year and

thanked everyone for their continued support at the monthly meetings.

He thanked the small band of volunteers who turned out regularly to

collect on behalf of the branch and asked for further volunteers to come

forward. It is this money that enables the branch to subsidise our various

outings and events. In his report the secretary gave a breakdown of the

membership numbers, he stated at 31st December 2009 we had 279

members made up of Veterans, Associate Members, Honorary Members

and Life Members. Jack continued to give an account of our activities

during the past year and concluded by thanking the committee for all

their work this year. He then handed the meeting over to Len Bennett to

conduct the election of the branch officers. There were no new

nominations and the existing committee agreed to stay in post for a

further year and were duly elected enbloc. Jack Woods continued in his

role of Treasurer and reported on the years accounts. He explained the

figures and the accounts were accepted by the members.

Annual General Meeting Report

6

The meeting continued with the election of the branch committee who

remain the same with the addition to the Committee of Veteran Len Fox.

One addition was accepted, the post of Archivist, this is to be filled by

Karen Browes-Walker. Sarah McAllister continues in the position of Assistant

Secretary, and our Standard Bearer is Paul McAllister, who will act as

Parade Marshal when appropriate. The Escorts continue, F.L. Scott and

S.D. Valori.

The appointment of a new Life Member was explained. The committee

would like to acknowledge all the hard work on behalf of the branch by

Kitty Burge, however, our Constitution allows only full members to be

elected. This honour was therefore awarded to Kitty’s husband Reg. in

recognition of their work for the branch. The creating of a new Life

President was deferred as we now have a Benefactor in Jean-Pierre

Benamou.

The secretary thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting at

12noon.

Karen Browes-Walker

Archivist

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Branch Officers and Committee 2010/2011

Normandy Veterans Association Norwich & District (No.3) Branch

Current Officers and Committee Members

Chairman: Veteran P E Johnson.

Vice Chairman: Veteran L W Mann.

Secretary/Treasurer: Veteran J S Woods.

Committee Members: (1) Veteran F L Scott.

(2) Veteran S D Valori. (3) Veteran J E Curson.

(4) Veteran L Fox.

(5) Mrs K Burge. (6) Mr G Holmes.

Other Officers and Appointments

Welfare Officer: Veteran L W Mann.

Public Relations Officer: Veteran J S Woods.

Assistant Secretary: Mrs S McAllister.

Social/Events Co-ordinator: Mrs K Burge.

Standard Bearer: Mr P McAllister.

Reserve Standard Bearers: Mr G V Claxton.

&

Mr M J Baker.

Editor, The Normandy Star: Mr P McAllister.

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Chairman’s Chat

At the Annual General Meeting on 12th May 2010, Chairman Phil

Johnson gave the following report to members;

Another year has passed and we have lost a few veterans – but still we

carry on. Jack has organised a lot of special outing in the past year and

at present is continuing his good work by focusing on Normandy and

Whitehall.

We have a good attendance at our monthly social meetings, which,

myself, I think is wonderful. I would like to say thanks to Kitty Burge

and Sarah McAllister for doing a lot to help and support Jack and the

branch, and thanks also to Paul McAllister for his support. Well done to

the committee for their help to keep things running.

Phil Johnson Chairman Norwich & District Branch

9

Poetry

Normandy

Come and stand in memory, of men who fought and died.

They gave their lives in Normandy, Remember them with pride.

Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Airborne and Marines

Who in civvy life were Tailors, And men who worked machines.

British and Canadians, and men from USA.

Forces from the Commonwealth, they all were there that day.

To Juno, Sword and Utah, beaches of renown.

Also Gold and Omaha, that's where the ramps went down.

The battle raged in Normandy, many lives were lost

The war must end in victory, and this must be the cost.

When my life is over, and I reach "The Other Side"

I'll meet my friends from Normandy, and shake their hands with pride.

Cyril Crain

10

Norwich branch march through the City of Norwich on Armistice Day 1987.

(Photo, and front cover photo, courtesy of Kitty Burge)

11

would

All members are reminded that, if you have not yet received your 2010

Membership Card, it is because you have NOT yet paid your

subscriptions. Please do so As Soon As Possible in order to continue

the benefits of membership. Rates for 2010 are £5 per person (£10

per couple). All subscription monies to be sent to the Assistant

Secretary, Sarah McAllister, at 12 Millside, Stalham, Norwich, Norfolk,

NR12 9PA. Cheques made payable to “NVA Norwich and District.”

Membership cards will be sent out with your next copy of Normandy

Star News or Normandy Star once monies have been received.

Subscriptions

NVA Trip to York

The proposed trip by the Norwich Branch NVA to the Open Day at York

Garrison will not now go ahead. We apologise for any disappointment

caused. There will still be an “Armed Forces Day” on Saturday 3rd July

2010 in York, involving a march-past through the City, finishing with

displays and a sunset ceremony in the evening. Any Veteran who

wishes to attend is free to do so under their own steam. However,

since there is no specific involvement by the Normandy Veterans

Association, it was felt that the costs to the branch of organising

transport, accommodation and other activities could not be justified.

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Secretary’s AGM Report

I have pleasure in submitting my report for the 65th Anniversary year

2009

On the 31st December, the membership stood at 279. Of those, 117

were Full members of which total 10 are Life members (9 plus the

President). 115 are Associate members of which total 41 are wives of

Full members and 37 are Hon. Associate members (widows). 8

members died and 20 members were overdue of paying their

subscriptions.

Attendance at monthly meetings averaged 36, an increase of 2 on last

year. This does not include figures for the Xmas lunch, which was

heavily subsidised.

The programme for the year included 6 committee meetings and 11

monthly meetings, one of which was the Annual General Meeting.

The social programme commenced in March when for the 19th year in

succession the branch hosted a Spring Break at Gunton Hall This again

featured a concert from “The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas)”.This

was the last of the Spring Breaks as less and less members attended

and the subsidy was considered to be no longer justified. On the 27th

April a Branch petty attended the “We'll meet again” concert on Cromer

Pier. A branch party travelled to Normandy from the 3rd to 8th June and

on the 21st June a branch party attended the NVA Annual

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Commemoration Service in Whitehall where a wreath was laid on the

Cenotaph. On the 29th June the Branch was represented at the Flag

raising ceremony at the City Hall for the commencement of Armed

Forces Week.. On the 18th July a branch party travelled to York to

attend an open day at Imphal Barracks on the Saturday and the NVA

Annual Parade and Service in York Minster on the Sunday, staying

overnight in a Premier Inn and visiting the York Railway Museum on

the way home. On the 15th August a branch party visited the National

Arboretum staying overnight at a Premier Inn at Tamworth Central. On

the 13th September the Imperial War Museum at Duxford was visited

for an NVA Rally. On the 10th October the Cavell Memorial Service in

Life's Green in the Cathedral Close was supported by members. O

Sunday 25th October a Branch party travelled to London to attend a 65th

Anniversary Remembrance Service in Westminster Abbey. On the 31st

October Paul and Sarah represented the Branch at the NVA Annual

Conference in the Union Jack Club.. On the 8th November wreaths were

laid at the City Hall and at Airfield Farm Topcroft in Remembrance. On

the 11th November Branch members supported the Remembrance

Service at Reepham High School On the 9th December 72 members

attended the Xmas lunch at the Maids Head Hotel Norwich.

The Normandy Star continues to be issued free to members, the editor

continuing to produce a high quality edition. Public liability was again

arranged through the National Council.

The collections programme was again most successful, the backbone of

the fund-raising. 15 collecting days grossed £7893.26 thus enabling our

14

social programme to be heavily subsidised. The members owe a debt to

the dedicated band who continue to support the fund-raising effort.

The secretary again serviced the Books of Remembrance. These books

are an important record of passed members and have to be treated

accordingly. Entries may be viewed by contact with the secretary.

The administration department has had a very busy year. Support from

our assistant secretary Sarah is extremely important in keeping things

running smoothly. I do not to have to remind you of her input, most of

you get it first hand.

Once again I pay tribute to our lady members, what we do without

them? Kitty Burge, Beryl Johnson, Jean Chapman, Karen Browse-

Walker and all the other ladies who give their support.

Six visits were made under the schools initiative during the year, mostly

by John Curson, Siro Valori, myself and Len Mann. A lot of work was

done on the Young Historian Project, which is seen as the way forward.

The 65th Anniversary Year appeal finally totalled £5869.20. From this

amount comprehensive travel insurance was paid for all members

returning to Normandy in June, the remainder was transferred to the

General Fund. £7260 was awarded by the Overlord Appeal to all

Normandy Veteran travellers and a grant of £17050.00 was paid to

members under Heroes Return 2, altogether a successful return at least

from a financial position.

Finally, vote in the Branch Officers and Committee persons you want to

15

Irena Sendler – Unsung hero

A 98 year-old lady named Irena died recently. During WWII, Irena got

permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a plumbing/sewer

specialist. She had an ulterior motive... Being German, she knew what

the Nazis’ plans were for the Jews. Irena smuggled infants out in the

bottom of the tool box she carried and carried a burlap sack for larger

kids in the back of her truck. She also had a dog in the back that she

trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto.

The soldiers, of course, wanted nothing to do with the dog and the

barking covered the kids’/infants’ noises... During her time of doing

this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2,500 children. Inevitably

she was caught, and the Nazis broke both her legs and arms and beat

her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she

smuggled out in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard. After

the war, she tried to locate any parents who may have survived it and

manage the Branch for you and give them your wholehearted support

throughout their year of office.

We march on in comradeship, make the most of the rest of your lives,

what have you got to lose. Good luck to you all and God Bless.

Jack S Woods

Hon Secretary

16

Memories

Memories can be rather sad for some of us. A lot of very elderly people

may remember, in the thirties, standing in the classroom and looking at

the world map hanging on the wall. Upon this was a large amount of

red patches which denoted membership of the British empire. We

would puff out our puny chests and exclaim “that all belongs to us.” For

my part, I had walked over a mile to school, sometimes not too well,

fortified with food as my parents struggled to make ends meet on pitiful

wages without owing a penny; no credit cards in those days. Then of

course the same walk home and back for a midday meal, there was no

school meals. Things got better at the end of the thirties but along

came the war, with silly fools like myself believing the charts printed in

the press showing that, together with France, we had twice as many

armaments as Germany and the war would probably be over by

Christmas. We rushed to join up so that we could get into uniform it

was too late. Little did we know how many years would pass before we

reunited the family. Most had been

gassed, however. Those kids she

helped were placed into foster family

homes or adopted. In 2009 Irena was

up for the Nobel Peace Prize ... She

was not selected. Al Gore won, for a

slide show on Global Warming.

17

dispensed with the blasted uniform and that during those years we

would go to war with the Japs on behalf of the Americans – not the

other way around as they would have us believe. Eventually it was over

and countries throughout the world decided that they no longer wished

to be red patches upon the map. We continued to administer Palestine

on belhalf of the League of Nations, but were booted out by the

incoming Israelis who were backed by the “Golden Pipeline” from

across the Atlantic. A few years later we did, with the French, try to

assert ourselves by taking over the Suez canal, but that did not suit our

Atlantic friends so we withdrew rapidly. About the same time the

Sterling fell before the almighty dollar. I wonder how we were allowed

to re-take the Falklands, perhaps it was thought that we couldn’t do it.

We did however avoid being involved in the disastrous Vietnam

campaign, perhaps we were too busy sorting Malaya at the time. Since

then of course we have been dragged along our friends’ coat-tails into

Iraq and Afghanistan. During all these happenings has anyone heard

the voice of the so-called British Commonwealth? Does it still exist? As I

said at the start, memories can be rather sad.

John Eastbury

A prayer

God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the

good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

Author unknown

18

Don’t swear in front of the Padre

It was 1944 and had been a hot, dry, dusty day as we pulled into the

small narrow French field sheltered by tall hedges and trees. As I

slipped out of the half-track seat I felt my sticky clothes begin to loosen

from my body. My companions walked round to me, we lit cigarettes

and breathed the cool air.

Down to my right I could see a few soldiers from The Queen’s

Regiment. Our Infantry was settling down for the evening. Close by the

opposite hedge stood an ambulance and around us and to our left a few

of our tanks were parked. Next to us stood a firefly, a Sherman tank

with its 17-Pounder Gun. Almost as good as the famous German 88

millimetre.

A sod of grass was kicked out, petrol poured into the earth, a heavily

sooted tin containing a little water was placed over the fire and food

tins were chucked in. Then the sheet was pulled up from the half-track

and, in a row in our bed rolls, like 6 sardines in a can, we slept.

Suddenly, with a terrific roar, three Focke-Wulf 190s attacked from just

above the tree tops. Their 1100lbs bombs were already loose and one

was coming straight for me. I literally flew under the Sherman tank, I

went in so fast I almost shot out the front. Another body came in

almost on top of me but we had wasted our energy. At almost 400

miles per hour, the bomb had already passe

d us. How it missed the tank I shall never know, for as I hit the ground

19

there was the bomb just a few feet above the ground, still almost

horizontal and, thank heaven, still going away. When it ploughed into

the ground the explosion roared upwards and caught the plane which

was still above the bomb. There was a huge cloud of flame and

vapour as it roared across the sky. I felt the heat and the blast and

then it disappeared. I watched the debris float lazily down and I

breathed a large gasp of relief. My comrade began to wriggle out and

as we stood together, with my head held down, brushing the dust

and dirt off my front I said, “Good God, that was close! That was

damn close!” Then I looked up to my new found companion and

realised I was speaking to the Divisional Padre…….

I was sorry for my words but he understood. He spoke a few words,

held my hand, smiled, then shuffled off.

Fred Wright

20

Discoveries

Discoveries I Have Made As I Grew Older

I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.

My wild oats have turned into Prunes and All Bran.

I finally got my head together; now my body is falling apart.

All reports are in; life is now officially unfair.

If all is not lost, where is it?

It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.

Some days you're the dog; some days you're the lamppost.

I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few.

Kids in the back seat cause accidents.

Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

It's hard to make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.

The only time the world beats a path to your door is when you're in

the bathroom.

If God wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my

knees.

When I'm finally holding all the cards, why does everyone decide to

play chess?

It's not difficult to meet expenses, they're everywhere.

The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.

These days I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereafter....

I go to get something and then wonder what I am hereafter.

Funny I don't remember being ... absent minded.

Author unknown

21

Lucky to have legs

On 29 August 1942 a ridge of high pressure over the country meant a

clear sky with few clouds. Sunshine all the way? Not on your life. It

meant that our Squadron NO.88 were given a target to attack. We were

equipped with Boston Mark 3 aircraft, in which each crew member had

their own individual cockpit without access to each other. We were one

of the squadrons that made up No.2 Group Bomber Command, a group

consisting of light bomber squadrons. We were based at RAF

AttIebridge in Norfolk.

I was a wireless operator/air gunner, holding the rank of sergeant at

the time. My crew consisted of a pilot, Vincent Hughes, and an

observer, Edward Armitage, known as Ted. They had recently been

awarded a commission and were brand new Pilot Officers. Although I

had been put up for a commission at the same time as them, for some

reason it was not announced until the following month to take effect

from 3 September 1942.

As I recall - in a sketchy sort of way after all these years - we were

briefed as usual to fly at low level. Our target was to be a power station

at Comines, not too deep into enemy territory. It should have been a

straightforward low-level operation, and we expected to be back for our

bacon and egg in a couple of hours. Six aircraft were detailed to attack

in pairs at two-minute intervals. We were to fly as number two to Flt Lt

'Farmer' Adams, who was to lead the box of six to the target.

22

All went well on the channel crossing. Guns were tested and the pilots

concentrated on maintaining their height just above the surface of the

sea while looking into a fairly low sun reflected in the water ahead of

them, which made it difficult to make out the horizon. I do not recall

any flak on crossing the enemy coast, but we gunners had to be alert

to the possibility of fighters using the few clouds above us as cover for

an attack.

Then, about two minutes from the target, all hell was let loose as we

flew into a solid barrage of light and very accurate flak. I heard Ted on

the intercom, shouting “Farmers had it” and, as we flashed over a

wood, I saw the flames and smoke from the crash of our leading

aircraft. Just at that moment there was a tremendous bang and our

aircraft swung violently to the starboard and upwards. We had been hit

by a shell, somewhere in the front of the aircraft as there was no sign

of any damage around my station.

Vin called Ted on the intercom - there was no reply. After several

attempts to get him to reply, Vin said that we had been hit in the nose

and that Ted might have had it. Our starboard engine was smoking but

not on fire, and Vin was desperately trying to feather the propeller,

which was causing a lot of drag, but he was having no luck. He then

said we had to abandon the mission and asked whether we should

make an emergency landing, or attempt to get back to base.

I'm afraid I chickened out of the decision and told Vin that as he was

23

the pilot - it was his responsibility. If Ted was seriously wounded - and

we were forced to ditch on the return journey - he was unlikely to

survive. On the other hand, Ted might have been dead already, and the

certainty of languishing in a prisoner of war camp did not appeal. Vin

was a married man with a child to think of. I did not envy him his

decision and, perhaps for the first time, I was glad I was not a pilot.

Vin turned the aircraft for the return journey and found that the milling

of the propeller on the starboard side meant that flying the aircraft on a

straight and level course was very difficult. It was then that my first

problem arose. Oil was seeping from the starboard engine and the

slipstream was turning it into a fine spray, which was coming into my

open cockpit and getting into my eyes. I tried putting on my goggles to

keep out the oil but this only resulted in the goggles being covered with

the stuff, which prevented me from seeing. As it was imperative that I

kept an eye out for enemy aircraft, which could very easily have picked

us off, I had no option but to accept the discomfort and try to keep my

eyes clear by constant rubbing.

Vin then asked me to help keep the aircraft straight and level by putting

some weight on the rudder bar. (Bostons were equipped with basic

controls in the air gunner's cockpit - a rudder bar, a control column and,

for some reason which I still do not understand, a wobble pump.) Vin

told me we were losing oil pressure and asked me to pump the wobble

pump. The technical aspect of this has never been explained to me.

24

So, we crossed the enemy coast on the way back with, fortunately, no

great opposition from the anti-aircraft gunners, then we started the

channel crossing. This was the most uncomfortable journey I have

ever experienced - oil in my eyes, an aching left leg through pressing

on the rudder bar (which meant bending my left leg backwards as

much as I could), periodic pumping to maintain oil pressure, and the

ever-present worry of whether or not we would plunge into the sea.

Vin asked me to switch on the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) - this

meant leaving my position and crawling back to the installation to do

so. The crossing seemed never-ending, but eventually Vin said he

could see the coast and that we were approaching Ipswich.

There were several naval vessels in the harbour so I fired the colours

of the day from the Verey pistol to identify us as friendly. This had no

effect and the navy opened up on us from too great a distance to be

effective, thank goodness. Vin then said that we would put down at

lpswich Airfield, used as a training airfield for Spitfire pilots. As he

could not risk circling before landing, he decided we would go straight

in, and he asked me to fire a RED as we crossed the perimeter to

warn other aircraft of our presence and direction. This I did and I

braced myself for what I thought would be a belly landing. However,

as we touched down I realised that our wheels were down but one

tyre was punctured, which resulted in a violent swerve to starboard.

Just as we swerved, I saw a Spitfire landing on what would have been

a parallel course had we not been swerving to the right.

25

The crash was inevitable, and furthermore it was going to involve the

back of our aircraft where I was sitting. I could do nothing except put

my feet up on to the scarf ring, cover my head as best I could with

my arms in a sort of foetus position, and wait for it. I clearly

remember the awful sound of crunching, tearing metal as the aircraft

was violently pushed around. Then utter silence. Smoke and dust

blocked out daylight. Suddenly I realised to my astonishment that I

was alright - I hadn't been hurt. My next thought was 'FIRE! Get out

quick.'

I went to put my feet down but couldn't - the wing of the Spitfire had

sliced into the starboard side of our Boston and I was sitting on it.

Somehow I clambered out of the top of my cockpit and jumped to the

ground. I thought again of the possibility of fire and ran to see if I

could help the Spitfire pilot. Behind the tail I bumped into someone so

I said 'Help me get the pilot out.' He said 'I am the pilot! Help me get

the gunner out.' At that point I thought of Ted, although I must

confess that I had not given him a great deal of thought during the

flight back - I suppose self-preservation had something to do INith

that. I said 'Come and help me with the Observer.' The pilot said 'He's

alright. The front of the kite hasn't been touched' or words to that

effect. I ran round to the nose of the aircraft and looked up at Ted.

He was sitting there in his seat, but without any perspex in the nose,

which had been shot away and….he had no face.

For the first time in my life I fainted. I came round lying on the grass

with an officer kneeling beside me. Then, to my amazement, I heard

26

a voice call “Get me out of here!” It was Ted - he was alive but

extremely badly wounded. Poor fellow had received multiple wounds

to the face, arms and thighs. Only his parachute, which he had clipped

to his harness, had saved him. The constant bleeding from the

shrapnel wounds to his face had congealed into a mass of dried blood

due to the fact that he had faced an open cockpit during the return

journey. This had given me the impression that his face had been

completely blown away.

I think at that point I had a slight breakdown in composure and I was

led away by the officer to a hangar office where they had an officers'

bar. They were kind enough to forecast my promotion to

commissioned rank and gave me a brandy, which I desperately

needed.

Several hours later, after I had to some extent recovered from the

events of the morning, I looked around our aircraft and was amazed

to see that the wing of the Spitfire was embedded in the side of the

Boston and I would have lost both legs if I had not put my feet up on

the scarf ring.

If ever a pilot deserved recognition by the award of the Distinguished

Flying Cross for bringing his aircraft and crew back, all alive, it was

Vincent Hughes. It was not to be no official recognition was

forthcoming. But Ted Armitage and I are eternally grateful to Vin for

his brilliant airmanship on that occasion.

That was, of course, the last operation we shared as a crew, as Ted

27

D-Day Memories

If you ask Malcolm Narborough to dance, he will only be able to

join you in a quickstep, foxtrot or waltz. It was during his dancing

class at RAF Northstead in early 1944 that someone walked into

his lesson and said, "You're posted mate." This was the end of

Malcolm's versatility on the dance floor and the beginning of his

journey to the Normandy beaches.

Only a few months previously, in April 1943, after he turned 18,

Malcolm, fondly known as “Mac,” was signed up to the RAF and

sent to RAF Cardington, where he learned how to march, salute,

never recovered sufficiently from his wounds to continue service in the

RAF and was discharged. Despite the loss of an eye, several fingers

and numerous other permanent injuries, Ted won a place at university

where he obtained his degree and spent the rest of his life as a

teacher. Sadly, having survived terrible injuries, Ted died of cancer at

an early age. Vincent, who must be about 89 years old now, is, so far

as I am aware, still alive and going strong. Here's to you Vin, I've had

a wonderful life - all thanks to you.

Norman Payne, DFC

28

carry a rifle, throw grenades, and conduct unarmed combat. "It

was really great fun. They certainly knocked us into shape," he

remembers. At the same time Lieutenant General Frederick

Morgan had just completed his draft proposal for the Allied

invasion of France which would see 156,000 allied troops land on

the Normandy beaches and begin to advance into the Nazi

occupied territory. In response to a 1942 BBC plea, Morgan's

team sifted through millions of old postcards and photos of the

coast of Europe from Norway to the Pyrenees, which enabled

them to choose a site that would exploit the allies air supremacy.

Beaches that were in operational reach of fighter aircraft from

southern England, and with ground beyond that could be used as

landing strips were needed, and so Normandy was chosen. During

the eventual invasion, Mac helped ensure that the allies

maintained this vital control of the air. After being 'knocked into

shape' Mac underwent his technical training to become a radar

operator. Slightly ahead of German technology, radar was able to

spot enemy aircraft 120 miles away at 15,000 feet. During the

first week of the Normandy invasion 52 enemy aircraft were shot

down in the day and 13 at night. Training in this highly specialised

skill took Mac to RAF bases all over the UK. After his dancing

lesson was interrupted, he was sent to the south coast where

men and equipment were massing. Morgan's plans had been

taken over by General Dwight D. Eisenhower as Commander in

Chief and General Sir Bernard Law Montgomery, as Commander

of Operation Overlord's US and British ground troops. From

29

January 1944 plans were developing apace and in the utmost

secrecy.

"I was assigned to 8007 AMES," says Malcolm. "They didn't know

where this was but it turned out to be a field near RAF Hawkinge

which was just behind Folkestone. I reported, we didn't know

where the unit would be but we were to be billeted in a Nissen hut

and had to report two or three times a day for about a week. The

RAF base was full of men, the NAAFI would be full at break time,

lunchtime. The piano was always on the go, people would be

singing their heads off. You wouldn't think that men were going to

be killed, that was far from everybody's mind. It would always be

another chap. It was tremendous fun being there. Eventually I

found out what my duties were. I was sent as a replacement on a

mobile radar unit. I think they chose me because I knew the ropes

to the outdoor life. I'd been in the army cadets and the scouts so I

was able to rough it. They didn't want an old man who couldn't in

case we had to retreat.'

As the invasion got closer, the need for secrecy closed in. Men had

to send their diaries and letters home in case they were captured.

"There was reduced beer and we weren't allowed to travel far,"

Mac remembers. An inexplicable security lapse came in May when

Utah appeared in answer to a crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph,

then Omaha, Overlord, Mulberry and finally Neptune (codename

for the naval part of the operation) on June 1. But for the men

who were massing on the south coast, nothing was discussed.

30

They were too busy learning how to erect and assemble the mobile

radar units, live off 24-hour rations, waterproof their kit. And wait.

"There was no speculation as to where we were going. We only

knew we were going somewhere. There was no sense of

foreboding, only excitement. Nothing was going to happen to you.

We didn't talk about it. Not yet. Of course when we actually landed

on the Normandy beaches when we arrived to the best fireworks

display of our lives we weren't quite so brave. Then we thought

about it. But not before."

Meanwhile Eisenhower and Montgomery were waiting for the ideal

weather conditions that would allow the crossing of the biggest

seaborne invasion in modern history. Eisenhower's original date of

June 5 came and went with gales and when a lull arrived on the

sixth he said his famous command, "Okay, let's go." Fortunately

Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, the Defender of northern France,

had returned from his post to Germany to celebrate his wife's 50th

birthday. On that first day of the invasion, 18,000 US and British

paratroopers landed in the dead of night. A total of2,395 aircraft

and 867 gliders were used, 6,939 vessels were involved and by

June 11, 326547 troops, 54,186 vehicles and 104,428 tonnes of

supplies had been landed. Mac's unit crossed from Gosport on the

June 9th. "We sailed at lunchtime for the 80 mile journey 'in flat-

bottomed craft. The flat-bottomed nature of the boats meant that

they didn't cut through the water, they just bobbed about. After a

good meal of bully beef, new potatoes and cups of tea I was asked

31

Above: Mac Narborough under training in 1941.

Below: Then and Now

32

to go down to the galley to give a hand. What with the smell of

diesel oil, bang went my last decent dinner.

"As we approached Gold beach we saw that we were part of a

fantastic armada of ships. All of the ships had enormous guns

helping to keep the enemy aircraft at a respectful distance. If any

enemy aircraft flew overhead, every ship fired. We reached the

beachhead at dusk. Whilst we didn't know how Allies were doing,

all we knew when we saw the ships, was we were not alone. After

the fireworks began we began to feel less brave. We began to

wonder if this was the best place to be. It wasn't quite so funny.

What it must have been like for the chaps who were fired on when

they disembarked I don’t know, I don't think I could have..."

After being dropped into three feet of water, Mac’s unit slept in a

field the first night and then spent until October in northern France

acting as reserves to another radar unit creating cover for the

British Second Army. Though the Allies were advancing, progress

was slow and dangerous.

"We'd see the big heavy guns going one way and then two days

later you'd see them going back the other way. We kept thinking,

"Oh my god are we supposed to be retreating but they obviously

wanted to shell Caen and then shell somewhere else later. But it

was a bit disconcerting. No-one ever told us what was going on.

We'd dig a hole in the ground, put a sleeping roll in it and sleep

under our tent for cover from the stuff that was still falling out of

33

the sky."

Caen fell on July 19 and Paris on August 25. The German army

regrouped and launched their last major offensive and pushed deep

into Belgium during the winter of 1944 and early 1945. The Allies

pushed back, crossed the Rhine in March and advanced through

Germany, Mac followed from Antwerp with radar cover and his unit

moved through Germany to enjoy the announcement of VE Day on

May 8.

Mac was 19 when he took part in the Normandy invasion. It was the

first action he had seen and the first time he'd been to France. That

Shooting Gazette readers enjoy such wonderful port in 2009 is in no

small part thanks to men like Mac.

"If you went in one piece and came out in one piece they were

wonderful times to live through. I feel privileged to have experienced

what we did and I'm proud to have served and did what they asked us

to do. I'm proud of the service I served in and the camaraderie of the

people I served with. But when we got home, we just wanted life to

go on. The fact that we were involved in something of such historical

importance was only obvious after the event, at the anniversaries. I

would go back every year if I could, to remember those that didn't

return.'

Published in the Shooting Gazette, June 2009

34

New Member, Veteran R Phillips, pictured in front of a knocked-out German

tank in Normandy, 1944. He served with 4th/7th Dragoon Guards during the

campaign

35

The Day I had to go

As I sit and rest today, I think of years ago. It only seems like

yesterday, the day I had to go. Arriving at the Station, I handed in my

pass. You're going to serve the Nation, just one amongst the mass.

It wasn't quite at midday or it might have been at noon, Or may be it

was midway, just in the afternoon. It must have been a Sergeant or

perhaps an NCO, 'Cause he said "I think it's urgent" and told me where

to go. Then he yelled "report to Stores, you'll find it over there". But

after trying many doors, I sat down in despair. Then once again I heard

that voice "Now laddie what's your game." And with further words that

were quite choice "Are you sick or are you lame? Please get inside and

draw your kit". I think that's what he said. "We've brought you here to

do your bit" and strode into the shed. A battledress, knife, fork and

spoon, two pairs of boots size eight. It sounded like a crazy tune, then

someone shouted "WAIT!" He shoved a paper in my fist, the name on

top was mine. Then said "Now check the list and at the bottom sign".

Laden down with all my gear, I went to find my hut. Someone

whispered "Do not fear, you'll soon be in the rut, I'll see you in the

Dining Hall, I'm sure you'll like the grub". Two little spuds and one

meatball, oh! where's the nearest pub? But here's a treat, we've got

some duff and gyppo too, that's great, I don't know how they eat the

stuff, it's cold for Heaven's sake. Then off to bed to dream of home, the

longest day I know, I still recall that day with dread, "THE DAY I HAD

TO GO.”

Cyril Crain

36

Normandy – The first two days

Here, Veteran Frank Wright, formerly of 47 RM Commando, tells his story of his first two days in Normandy, leading up to the capture of Port-en-Bessin.

I've never seen a sight like it, before or since. The Solent was jam-

packed with ships. Our mother ship, the Princess Josephine Charlotte

was moored off Keyhaven and looking north-east towards Portsmouth

was ship after ship of every imaginable type-in a magnificent show of

strength. Surely the invasion couldn't fail - could it? What a target for

enemy bombers, but no sign of the Luftwaffe. We spent two nights on

the PJC because of the twenty-four hours postponement. On the

second night we set sail away from the safe haven of the Solent. We

were due to arrive at Gold Beach at H hour + 2 which was about

09.30 hours but I had no watch and never had any idea of the time.

You might say that it was the last thing on my mind.

We hove to about 10 miles off shore, at about five in the morning. All

troops assembled at their stations on the boat deck. We had blacked

our faces with grease paint and as it was pitch dark anyway we

shuffled sheepishly around trying to get in the correct order, barely able

to see one another. No one said much, the tension was getting to

everybody. Finally we got it right and began jumping down into the

LCA. We were very heavily loaded, ex-Infantrymen will know : two

bandoliers of .303, one pouch stuffed with spare bren magazines, three

hand grenades in the other, rifle of course, entrenching tool and in

addition I was the reluctant bearer of the Troop’s Bangalore Torpedo.

37

That, in case you've never met one, was a two metre long metal tube

stuffed with High Explosive and used for blowing gaps in barbed wire - or

anything really. I just hoped that I would never have to use it under fire.

It became the bane of my life for the next few days.

The LCA was lowered, engines revved and we steered away from the PJC

under our own power. First thing I did was to unhook the toggles of my

assault jacket. In the water with this weight one would go straight to the

bottom.

First troops ashore on Gold Beach on D-day were 231 Infantry Brigade

and the tanks of 50th Northumbrian Division, who had the unenviable job

of attacking and overwhelming the defences and strongpoints of le Hamel

and Arromanches. Our job - 420 of us in 47 RM Commando - was as

follows:

1. Disembark at Gold Beach at H hour + 2 hopefully in one niece

having avoided all obstacles and mines on the approach.

2. Assemble on the beach and, X troop leading, work our way

through the fighting if possible without becoming involved - Ha! -

to open country inland.

3. Turn westward and march for ten miles through enemy occupied

territory to a small eminence, hill 72, conveniently situated about

one mile south of Port-en-Bessin.

4. Concentrate there then wheel north and attack and capture this

small but well-defended port with its three strongpoints overlooking

the harbour.

38

Port-en- Bessin was of importance in the invasion plans as it was to

become the southern end of Pipe Line Under The Ocean or PLUTO, the

fuel pipe line from the Isle of Wight to Normandy. It's early capture, with

a minimum of damage, was crucial.

Back in the LCA we were thinking about our chances - from tricky to

downright bloody impossible - in this wildly optimistic plan. The

heartening sights of the Solent soon faded and I, imaginative little soul

that I was, pictured a scene inland where we would meet, head on, a

Squadron of enemy Tiger tanks backed up by a Company of experienced

infantry. In other words, I became terrified.

The racket of the battle on shore increased steadily. Someone suggested

that on our country march we might meet a Yank jeep with a couple of

GIs and their french girl friends on board and we tossed that idea around

feeling more cheerful for a few minutes. Heavy guns from our own naval

craft were plastering targets ashore but, not silenced by any means, the

enemy was responding- boomCRASH ••• boomCRASH - alarmingly close

some of it and all the time machine gun fire whacked constantly

overhead. Everyone was desperately stiff and uncomfortable; our wooden

seats took on the consistency of reinforced concrete. Seized by an attack

of cramp someone kicked out and gave the Bangalore Torpedo a hefty

wallop - a unanimous shout told him to be "More fucking careful! On the

port side a whole shipload of rockets were fired off with an ear splitting

screech.

39

Then suddenly BO..O.O.O.M came a terrible roaring explosion only thirty

or forty yards to starboard, I felt the vibration through my boots - in an

instant a great column of smoke shot high into the air until it became a

great spreading tree, two irregular black shapes flew upwards into the

smoke turning slowly over and over, paused, then plummeted down….Oh

Christ Almighty, what was that? The stern of the LCA rose on the swell

and I could see the beach ahead quite clearly. Black looking tanks

crawled slowly along from left to right like stag beetles. One tank was

stationary and burned with a transparent red flame. Figures were running

to and fro. No village as we had been led to expect at the briefings, only

open fields behind: the beach and a line of trees in the distance. .

The engine note changed as the coxswain throttled back. I thought “I’m

not ready for this - I AM NOT ….” the keel grated on sand, bow doors

bang ed down, Captain Walton and TSM Ball were off up the beach like

sprinters from their starting blocks. We staggered stiffly to our feet,

feeling the extra weight and, picking up our gear, we followed.

Just for the record, it was the driest Landing I’ve ever experienced - one

boot in two inches of water, the next on dry land. I hoped that was a

good omen. I could feel the heat of the flames as we ran past the

burning tank. The body of one of the crew lay alongside one of its tracks

- the front of his head was a bloody pulp.

We came to a halt at the top of the sloping beach where there was a low

cliff, about five feet in height. On top of it was a field of lank grass. A

well-worn path ran along the cliff edge and behind that a barbed wire

fence with the signs that soon became familiar: ACHTUNG MINEN and

40

the skull and crossbones. It took only a second to see this then it was a

case of heads well down. The enemy fire continued, we scooped out

hollows in the sandy cliff and pressed ourselves into them. Something

told me we were to have a long wait. Le Hamel was to our right, hidden

by a smoky haze. There was a strong smell of cordite mixed with,

astonishingly, gauloise cigarette smoke.

Three or four hours later 47 Commando was finally on the move after

worming its way through the battle that was raging between the

Hampshires and Dorsets of 50 Div and the German defenders who

seemed to be resisting strongly and contesting every house. We had

passed sad little scenes of dead and wounded on our journey so far. X

troop was to be lead troop all day. We advanced in single files, one either

side of the road and about three paces between men. I was in the right

hand file: My sub-section always seemed to be up front. Whether that

was because someone thought we had the sharpest eyes and ears or

were considered expendable I never found out. Probably neither. Every

ten minutes or so we rotated the order of march. High hedgerows gave

good cover. They were also good cover for an ambush but we didn't

expect one of those just yet. We stretched our legs, sounds of small-arms

fire from le Hamel receded. In no time we were marching down a long

village street lined with villas and some bungalows - all tightly shuttered

and silent. Not any sign of life. No pets. No children coming out to play.

Yet I had the feeling that we were being closely watched.

To be Continued…………….

41

42

It is obvious that the number of veterans returning to Normandy over the

years from now will diminish annually

It is also obvious that the attraction to Normandy for the tourist industry

will increase accordingly. The tourist industry and the Normandy

authorities understand this. As the number of veterans decrease the

popular of the area as a holiday venue will increase.

What happens to the veterans who continue to return ? It is

understood that up to the 70th anniversary (2014), there will be support

from the M.O.D for the 5th and the 6th June. There is also some

communication and cooperation between the Royal British Legion over

there and the Normandy Veterans Association. The M.O.D has stated that

the next big celebration of the liberation of Normandy will be held on the

occasion of the 70th anniversary year. There will still be veterans able to

play a part, rest assured. Therefore for them, the build-up should

commence now. The M.O.D will handle the pomp and ceremony, who

will take care of the veterans?.

To be able to converse with a Normandy Veteran whilst on a visit to

Normandy must be a big plus for any tourist over there at that time. They

are Living History. They are the only people who can tell what it was like

on the ground during the period 6th June to the 21st August 1944.

At the same time their personal feelings have to be taken into

Normandy and The Normandy Veteran

43

consideration. Mostly they return to Normandy because of their experiences

at that time, experiences that they will never forget in their lifetimes. As

well as keeping faith with their fallen comrades, they tend to suffer what is

commonly known as “guilt of survival”. If they are prepared to speak of

their experiences it can be good therapy for them as well as good

information for tourists and especially schools groups,. The tourist industry

on both sides of the Channel do, or soon will, recognize their commercial

value. Therefore a balance needs to be struck and maintained between all

factions.

As Branches close down, owing mostly to the lack of executive

administration it tends to leave their remaining veteran members in limbo.

There are also veterans who for one reason or another have never become

members of any association at all. What is there for them if or when

they return to Normandy over the years to the 70th anniversary.

There is a budding interest among families of veterans wanting to know as

to what their forebears did during the Battle of Normandy. Information on

the subject, already covered by numerous publications and the tourist

industry itself, cannot possibly replace the memories of the survivors.

Where to find the veterans over there? How to find them? The time

is coming when Branches of the Normandy Veterans Association may not

be able to financially support a coach unless the vacancies are filled with

non veterans. This may mean that more individual veterans or small parties

of veterans will use the tourist industry.

Returning veterans need a focal point in Normandy where they can rally

44

and find refreshment, somewhere personal to them where they can meet

up with comrades and get up to date information on what is happening

during their stay.

Isn’t it time the that all factions ( Normandy Veterans Association, Spirit

of Normandy Trust, Royal British Legion Normandy, Normandy Memoir,

the Tourist industry etc and the Normandy authorities themselves got

together and sorted something out?

Jack S Woods

Hon Secretary

Full colour enamelled lapel badges,

produced by the Branch to celebrate

the 66th Anniversary of Normandy,

are now available. Costs are £2 each

to Branch Members, £3 each

otherwise. They can be obtained

from the Secretary, Jack Woods, or

Asst Secretary, Sarah McAllister.

Cheques made payable to “NVA

Norwich and District”

For Sale

45

Obituaries

It is with deep regret that we record the passing of the following Veterans

and branch members.

Veteran William L “Bill” Fisher

Late Grenadier Guards

Our sincere condolences are sent to the families of all those who have

passed to the green fields and beyond.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them.

After Glow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one

I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done

I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the way

Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days

I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun

Of happy memories that I leave when life is done

(Author Unknown)

Poetry

46

Roll of Members Updates

New Members

We extend a warm welcome to the following new members to the Branch;

Mr T H Bennett (A814) 8 Bracken Avenue, Overstrand, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 0NZ

Associate Member (Son of Veteran W H Bennett)

Deletions from the Roll of Members W L Fisher (Deceased)

Please ensure that the Secretary is informed of any changes of address, telephone numbers etc, so that Branch records may be kept up-to-date.

Thanks are due to the following individuals who have kindly donated to

branch funds;

Mrs J Baines Mr & Mrs N Baker Mr T Bennett

Mrs L Benstead Miss J L Brock Mr K D Budgen

Mrs M Bushell Mr & Mrs R Butcher Mrs L Butler Mr E A Ducker Mr and Mrs Edwards Mr and Mrs F Finch

Mrs and Mrs Ford Mr D Glendewar Mr B J Hale Mr W D Irwin Mrs F Kippin Mr B A Lammas

Mr and Mrs Lawrence Mr L Mann Mr & Mrs Narborough

Mr C S Perry Mr C Pollard Mr F A Wright Mrs J Wyer

Donations

47

Wednesday 16th June

Social Meeting RBL Centre, Aylsham Rd, Norwich

11.00 for 11.30hrs

Sunday

27th June

National Parade and Service at The

Cenotaph, Whitehall. Coach leaves Norwich TA Centre, Aylsham Rd

08.00am.

08.00hrs

Wednesday

14th July

Social Meeting

RBL Centre, Aylsham Rd, Norwich

11.00 for

11.30hrs

Saturday

17th July

Collection – ASDA, Great Yarmouth

09.00 to

15.00hrs

Friday

6th August

Committee Meeting

RBL Centre, Aylsham Rd, Norwich

10.30hrs

Wednesday

11th August

Social Meeting

RBL Centre, Aylsham Rd, Norwich

11.00 for

11.30hrs

Friday-Sunday

27th, 28th, 29th

Collection – Morrisons, Riverside,

Norwich ADDITIONAL COLLECTORS

URGENTLY REQUIRED – PLEASE CONTACT SARAH McALLISTER

09.00 to

15.00hrs

Programme of events is subject to update and change where necessary

Programme of Events

48

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