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D-Day 80: In their own words

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A photo of nine blind veterans edited onto a background of D-Day

On 6 June 2024, the nation commemorates the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy - the most decisive turning point in the Second World War. 

We are honoured to share the extraordinary first-hand experiences of our veterans who were there, serving across the Navy, Army and Air Force.

Risking their lives for freedom and peace, each one played a critical role in what is still the largest seaborne invasion the world has ever seen.

Today these brave veterans are still battling, only now their enemy is sight loss. They urgently need support to be able to continue living with the dignity they so deserve.

Here are their stories.

By sea

Blind veterans Thomas, Joe and Bob were part of the convoy crossing the channel. They share their fascinating stories, and talk about their ongoing struggles with sight loss.

Our D-Day Navy veterans
Photos of veterans Thomas, Joe and Bob edited above a navy ship

By land

The land invasion of the Normandy beaches was fraught with danger and we are honoured to support some of the brave men who risked their lives. Meet Richard, John and Harry.

Our D-Day Army veterans
A photo of blind veterans Richard, John, and Harry edited over a Normandy beach

By air

Eighty years ago, John, Syd and Harry served their country from the air, defending Allied ships from enemy attack, towing gliders into battle and flying officers to strategic points across Northern France. 

Our D-Day RAF veterans
Photos of blind veterans Harry, Syd and John
"The enormity of it is... well, I'm still amazed at it to be honest. To think of the arranging and planning to get all that? It's out of this world really."
Syd
Blind veteran

D-Day 80 special exhibition

We collaborated with award-winning photographer Richard Cannon to capture the portraits of 16 veterans who served in Normandy and now receive our life-changing support.

View our exhibition
A black and white portrait of blind veteran John, overlaid on a scene from WWII

D-Day 80 podcast: In their own words

In this special 80th anniversary D-Day podcast, four Normandy veterans share their extraordinary first-hand accounts of D-Day. Now available on Spotify.

Listen here
A black and white portrait of D-Day veteran Bob, overlaid on a scene from D-Day

D-Day: A military operation like no other

Our Chief Executive, Adrian Bell, writes about the extraordinary planning and precision behind the largest amphibious invasion of all time.

Read Adrian's piece
Adrian Bell CEO in front of the D-Day map at Southwick House

How your support helps our D-Day veterans

Our Community Support Workers are committed to making sure all our D-Day veterans have what they need to enjoy life. Here's how they help.

Please support our D-Day veterans.

With the right equipment, training and social interaction, our D-Day veterans can live safely and happily. 

It's our turn to take care of them.

 

Celebrate our brave veterans in June

As National Armed Forces Day also falls in June, there's no better time to honour our brave D-Day veterans, and all Servicemen and women. If you're looking for ways to commemorate at work, with friends or in your local community, take a look at our fundraising ideas.

Armed Forces Month
Two supporters outside holding collection buckets beside a banner with the words 'Do it for veterans'

Download your D-Day 80 commemorative magazine

Download our special D-Day 80 magazine featuring 16 incredible first-hand experiences of the historic invasion by our blind veterans, along with their stunning portraits. This special commemorative brochure also includes a foreword by our dedicated Patron, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh.

Download now
A magazine cover with the title "D-Day: In their own words"

Photography credit: Richard Cannon

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