D-Day 75th Anniversary in Nelson

D-Day 75th Anniversary at Nelson – 6th June 2019 (hosted by the Nelson & District Armed Forces Support Group)

Arriving a little early, we had some time to talk to Norman Whittaker (President of the Nelson & District AFSG), Michael Sutcliffe (Chairman) and member Norman Leah.  They kindly obliged with a few photo’s before the crowds arrived.

John Harvery served with the 1st Royal Tank Regiment and we see him pictured (right) with Keith (center) & Florence (left) Tomlinson. We have a close up of some of John’s badges and the two MBE’s that are proudly worn by Keith & Florence. (For those who don’t know … they have been Mayors of Brierfield in the past and received the MBE’s for service to the community. To this day they do not know who nominated them!)

Organizing the Parade
As the parade was organised and assembled, we took a look around …

 
On Parade
Michael Sutcliffe started the event by reading the BBC news that was issued at 12 o’clock that day back on D-Day itself. The parade and those attending were stood to attention whilst this was read. The Vicar followed on by saying a few words and also reading out a moving poem written by a veteran.  The flags were lowered before the bugler sounded the Last Post.

 
After the Parade
After the usual silence and fall-out, we had a look around and watched the Mayor of Pendle talk to local school children.

Marsden Heights School Children learn about Indian troops
Most interestingly, a group of school children from Marsden Heights were listening attentively to Michael Sutcliffe as he explained the contribution of the Indian troops over the two world wars.  He explained that back in the days of the Empire, that there was no Pakistan … only India and also took some time to explain the massive contribution that those troops made to the war effort. The children were also looking to create some sort of permanent memorial and Michael certainly gave  them food for thought.  He directed them to read a plaque on one of the benches for some inspiration, which they did. He also suggested that they’d have to consult history books carefully to get the fully story, as such pieces of British History are not taught in schools as standard.

Interestingly, back in April 2019 we accompanied the Colne Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club when they visited Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. There’s plenty of information on British India buried in there … 

 
 
Nelson & District Armed Forces Support Group (AFSG)
The Nelson & District AFSG operates from Holmefield House, Barrowford.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nelsonanddistrict/

Colne Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
https://www.facebook.com/groups/426430940887800/