6th June 2019

The beginning of the ceremony. © 2019 Nick Skeens

Residents of Burnham on Crouch gathered at the War Memorial shortly before 11am on Thursday 6th June to remember the heroism of British and Allied soldiers who landed on the beaches of Normandy during Operation Neptune 75 years ago.

Operation Neptune was the landing phase of Operation Overlord, the wider Allied plan to invade Normandy in France from England and defeat occupying German forces during World War Two.

Included in the ceremony in Burnham were the Royal British Legion and the Air Cadets.

© 2019 Nick Skeens

The guests of honour were two D-Day veterans:

D Day Veterans William Anderson and Alfred Burnett, seated and wearing their uniform and medals. © 2019 Nick Skeens

William Anderson, 96, was due to land on Sword Beach with the East Riding Yeomanry but was diverted to Juno. Mr Anderson now lives in Althorne.

Alfred Burnett, 94, from St Lawrence,  landed on Gold Beach with the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He began as a private but was promoted Sergeant.

D Day Veterans William Anderson and Alfred Burnett, with Sarah Grimes, the Town Clerk, sitting proudly between them in the Council Chamber. © 2019 Nick Skeens

Town Mayor Wendy Stamp welcomed the citizens of Burnham, and prayers followed.

The flags are lowered as the town clock strikes. © 2019 Nick Skeens

As the names of those residents of Burnham who had fallen in the Second World War were read out, the flags were lowered and the town clock struck 11am.

The ceremony ended with a hearty singing of the National Anthem.

Tea and biscuits were then served at the Council offices.

© 2019 Nick Skeens