A church service to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, which had been organised by veterans, took place in the early evening of Thursday, 6 June in Spennymoor.
The commemoration service was held at St Paul’s Church on Whitworth Terrace, and had been organised by members of both the
Spennymoor branches of the Royal Navy and Royal Signals associations.
The service was well attended and amongst the congregation were VIP guests and dignitaries from the office of the County Durham Lieutenancy, Deputy Lieutenant, Commander Ian Berry MBE, the Mayor of Spennymoor, Councillor Derek Tayor with other town councillors and local D-Day veteran George Robson.
Standard bearers from all branches of the armed forces and the Sea Cadets took part in the service by marching their standards into the church and lining the aisle, before the Reverend Canon Matt Tarling commenced with the service. The service included a talk about the army career of another local D-Day veteran, Gilbert Thompson, and a video about the British forces landing on Gold Beach in Normandy.
Bringing a touch of nostalgia to the event with their World War II vehicles parked on the grass outside of the church, were re-enactors dressed in wartime uniforms.
After the service had finished Mr Robson, 97, who now lives at Lothian House and was 17-and-a-half on D-Day whilst serving in the Royal Navy, told his carer that he thought the church service was, “emotional.”
Royal Signals Association member Mr Pete Molloy said: “Both associations have been working together on organising military commemoration services for some time now, because we feel it is important to remember the sacrifices made by those in the British armed forces that died for Britain during conflicts around the globe, and the D-Day landings is one of the most significant turning points of the Second World War.
“It was good to see so many people at the service paying their respects and on behalf of both associations. I would like to thank everyone who attended, either in an official capacity or just to be in the congregation.”
A collection in aid of both Spennymoor branches of the Royal Navy and Royal Signals associations was taken during the service and raised £200.
Along with the other D-Day services held in the town, this was a tribute to everyone that served our country in WWII, and to whom we owe our deepest gratitude. Image: Liz Maddison.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
