COLIN JONES RECOLLECTS:

At 7:20 on the morning of the 6th of June 1944, D-Day, the 3rd Division (including the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment) landed on Sword Beach at Hermanville.

Amongst those who landed was my 21 year old uncle. Pt. Richard Dallow - the C.O.'s runner.

After landing, he was sent back down the beach - taking a message to the Seargent Major.

A shell landed close by. They were both killed instantly.

He is buried in Hermanville, an immaculatly kept war cemetery - about a third of a mile down a tree lined lane from the village church. A more peacefull place on earth, there is not.

My Aunt Lucie widowed, with a tiny daughter - my cousin Gwen - never re-married.

My interest in D-Day started at a very young age... and has grown throughout the years. Visiting Normandy many, many times.

I have become friendly with Jim Cartwright, a Normandy veteran from the South Lancashire Regiment - who was on the beach that morning. The proud veteran on the right, in the photo taken at the Mayor's Garden Party on the 60th Anniversary.

Jim's stories of endurance and bravery never cease to amaze me. Gwen and Jim have been an inspiration to me while setting up this company.