Region's veterans in D-Day return
Veterans from the Black Country will be returning to the scenes of two of the most significant campaigns of the Second World War.
Veterans from the Black Country will be returning to the scenes of two of the most significant campaigns of the Second World War.
More than a dozen ex-servicemen who took part in the D-Day landings will be marking the 65th anniversary at Normandy in June, while plans have now been unveiled for a second trip which is being organised for those who wish to commemorate Operation Market Garden at Arnhem in September.
Grants of up to £500 are available for veterans, spouses, carers, widows and widowers to travel, with a school in Tipton offering to arrange grant applications and transport for people from the Black Country.
It had been feared that many of those who served in the war would not be able to mark the anniversaries this year after the Government said it would not be paying for visits.
But the Big Lottery Fund has now confirmed that it will be offering money for those who wish to return to areas where they or their relatives saw active service, including Normandy and Arnhem, throughout this year and next.
Hilary Brown, extended school manager at Alexandra High School, Tipton, is now making arrangements to ensure that as many veterans as possible can return this year.
The first coach trip will leave on June 5 to allow veterans to attend the 65th anniversary celebrations of the historic Allied troops' beach landings at Arromanches, before returning on June 7.
D-Day veterans will be presented with commemorative badges from the French Government, with 12 Black Country veterans already signed up and more spaces still available.
A second trip is being planned for Arnhem, from September 15 to 20, to commemorate Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history which, it was hoped, would have ended the war by Christmas 1944.
The trip will include an overnight stay in Antwerp, three nights in Eindhoven and a final night in Ghent.
Mrs Brown said they were hoping to collect badges on behalf of any D-Day veterans unable to travel to Normandy and added that a ceremony would be held later in the year at the school, when they will be presented by MP Adrian Bailey.
"I will make all the necessary grant applications on behalf of veterans and all travel and accommodation arrangements," she said.
"Also, if any veteran would like me to register him for a D-Day badge, please contact me with service number and details."
l If you would like details of the D-Day events or about the ceremony at the school call Mrs Brown on 0121 522 5738.
