D-Day veteran Ron gets VIP treat from Saddlers after being spotted on TV
When D-Day veteran Ron Davies heard a knock at his front door, he had no idea of the surprise that was waiting for him.
But the lifelong Walsall FC supporter had been tracked down by club bosses who wanted to show their gratitude for his sacrifices in the Normandy landings.
He was seen talking about his love for the club on TV during the 70th anniversary events in Normandy – and Saddlers fans launched an immediate campaign to track him down, calling for the club to honour him.
Officials took note and set off on their own quest to track down the 88-year-old to surprise him.
They put out a message on social media for help in contacting Mr Davies, who lives just yards from the Banks's Stadium.
And after getting his address, they wasted no time in turning up on his doorstep. He was presented with a scarf, signed football and a club tie, and will be a guest of honour ahead of the pre-season match with Aston Villa.
Mr Davies said he was 'very surprised' to see manager Dean Smith and secretary Daniel Mole as he opened the door. After speaking about the club on TV, he never expected to get such a response. And he says his heart has always been with the club.
Mr Davies, whose father Jack lost a leg in the Battle of the Somme, joined the Royal Navy in 1943 aged 17.
He served on the HMS Southdown Hunt-class destroyer and his ship convoyed troops who then went on to land at Sword Beach.
Mr Davies, who hails from Aldridge, left the navy in 1947 and worked as a baker in Harwich.
He then returned to Walsall and was a driver, engineer and machine tool fitter during his working life.
He has regularly attended Walsall games, having a season ticket for a while, with the play-off victory against Reading at the Millennium Stadium one of the highlights.
"It was absolutely brilliant, it was one of the games I remember most, it was great," he said.
"My heart has always been with Walsall. I used to go to all the games, even the away ones."
Walsall FC secretary Daniel Mole said: "We thought as a club we should honour Ron.
"After what he has done for country and club we thought this was a small token of our appreciation and gratitude.
Mr Davies, who is married to Dot, aged 86, and has sons Ian, 54, and Ross, 50, was part of a group from the Normandy Veterans Association who were flown into France in private jets by millionaire advertising agency boss Trevor Beattie.
