D-Day veteran John Dennett's 'emotional' return to Normandy

John Dennett, 99, from Wallasey, had the honour of speaking at Bayeux cemetery in front of 5,000 people on the milestone day (Thursday, June 6) as he delivered the exhortation.

It was a daunting experience, but one he had been looking forward to.

The commemorations began with a trip to the Caen Town Hall last Monday where veterans were presented with a special commutative badge from the Mayor of Caen. Next day the veterans were taken to Coleville-Montgomery for a memorial service.

On Thursday, John was up at 5am for a blue light escort from the hotel through numerous forms to the National Memorial for the ceremony, which was broadcast live on TV.

Looking back on the event ex-navy hero Mr Dennett, who is due turn 100 on July 24, told the Globe this week: "It was exceptional, the trip of a lifetime. Everything went according to plan, all the services went to plan.

"I also met the King and Queen again - we're on first name terms now! I really enjoyed meeting them.

"I enjoyed my time out there so much, the memories will remain with me for the rest of my life. It was very moving. I had to say a few words at Bayeux.

"I said the line that went 'For your tomorrow, we gave our today'.

"It was a chance to commemorate. There was one veteran who was 103 who was acting a lot younger. It really gave me hope."

He continued: "The trip took a lot out of me, so I am now having a few days' rest."

Wirral D-Day veteran John Dennett, 99, during ceremony commemorating the campaign's 80th anniversary in Normandy last week (Image: Tony Franks-Buckley) The event marked 80 years since 'Operation Overlord' described by the Imperial War Museum (IWM) as "the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare.

"The landings marked the start of a long and costly campaign in north-west Europe, which ultimately convinced the German high command that defeat was inevitable".

According to the IWM website, "The Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy.

"The landings marked the start of a long and costly campaign in north-west Europe, which ultimately convinced the German high command that defeat was inevitable".

Mr Dennett was on a landing craft carrying tanks and lorries that landed on Sword Beach on D-Day.

He also took part in beach landings during Operation Torch in north Africa, and in Sicily, Salerno and Anzio in Italy.

After distinguished service as a gunner in the Royal Navy, in 1949 he founded the Ashville youth football club which is still thriving today under his chairmanship and guidance.

He told the Globe: "The club has helped me get through so much in my life, it kept me going when my wife died.  The people running it are doing a great job."

Since retiring he has devoted much of his free time to support veteran causes. He fundraises for the annual Poppy Appeal and was a founder member of the Royal British Legion City of Liverpool Branch.

Wirral D-Day veteran John Dennett, 99, on the bench in memory of friend Joe Cattini at The Normandy Memorial. Joe passed away last year at the age of 100 (Image: Tony Franks-Buckley) He has worked for the Italy Star Association for decades and became its President in 2019.

As well as representing the Association, he shares his knowledge by speaking with people and writing articles for their magazine so that the younger generations can learn about his experiences when he served his country.

He still enjoys returning to Normandy and gives talks to local school children near his home. He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2022 for voluntary service to Veterans.

Nephew Tony is a historian and author who runs history tours and talks on the Second World War.

Looking back on the trip, Tony told the Globe: "We joined a wonderful group called Spirit of Normandy Trust whom have been operating for several years, taking veterans back to Normandy each year. We started with a trip to the Caen Town Hall where the.

"Veterans were presented with a special commutative badge from the Mayor of Caen.

"On the Tuesday we were taken to Coleville-Montgomery where a memorial service was held and we heard a speech from our friend Henry Montgomery. Interestingly, I was telling him about his Great Uncle being the Reverend of St John's Church in Liscard Road.

"We later headed to the Peace Gardens of Normandy for a service of remembrance.

"Thursday was D-Day and we were up at 5am as we had to get through numerous forms of security with a blue light escort.

"A service was held at the National Memorial which was live on TV. Later in the afternoon the veterans were chatting with HRH King Charles III, HRH Queen Camilla, President Macron and Madame President.

The external Memorial Service was held at Gold Beach in honour of our fallen friend Jack Quinn.

"The final service was held at Arromanches with the Local Mayor and Dignitaries present.  It was a wonderful trip of memorials to remember the fallen, plus to honour those still with us.

"We were very lucky to have Spirit of Normandy taking us round and liking after the veterans 24/7 everybody was safe and enjoyed a remarkable trip.

"They are now our chosen charity to raise funds for as they aim to be going back next year. So any donations that you wish to make will be greatly received and I will be promoting and fundraising for them throughout the year

"Donations can be made via the Website https://spiritofnormandy.org.uk/fundraising/"