Grant allows Wallington D-Day veteran to travel to Normandy beaches

Stanley Davis, 86, of Wallington, who served with the Royal Engineers during the Second World War, was awarded the grant by the Big Lottery Fund and will travel to the old battlefield in September.

Recalling the gruelling scenes from the invasion, Mr Davis said: “I landed with the Winnipeg Rifles of the 8th Canadian Infantry Division, and I was pleasantly surprised to see there is a small monument to the bunker we attacked, remembering the sergeant of B Company who led our attack and was killed doing so.

“B Company was the hardest hit, and three out of four of the men we landed with died in the attack. Such a loss of young life was appalling, but necessary.”

Mr Davis had a visit from Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington, who congratulated him on receiving the grant.

The veteran, who gives talks to children at the Imperial War Museum, told Mr Brake of his disappointment with the poor state of the memorial plaque honouring World War casualties, in the yard of a nearby church. He said he has been unable get any help to restore and relocate it, but would like to see it cared for.

He said: “I landed on D-Day and go back every year to visit the beach and the cemetery where my good friend are buried. It is always a comfort to see how well the grave is tended and how immaculate the cemetery is kept. Not a scrap of paper nor cigarette end in sight.”

Mr Brake said: “Those who fought and died in the Second World War were people who left their homes and endured terrible ordeals so their friends and family would not have to suffer war and oppression. They are a great testament to our community and they have earned their place in history and our memories. I will not let them be forgotten.”

The MP is now investigating what grants might be available to pay for a full repair of the monument.

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