June 6, 1944, was a memorable date, one that lives with you over the years, said ERIC MASSEY from Fourth Avenue, Fairfield
Our company was the 718 Artisan Works, Royal Engineers. I was formerly in the RASC but my elder brother persuaded me to join him in the Royal Engineers. I was a driver and so was he.
We left East India Docks in London in the dark. On our ship were some infantry (the Lincolns). When they arrived on Gold Beach, they were off the ship before us as they were obviously needed. We had to drive our three-ton Bedford trucks on to dry land which we eventually did and camped on farmland nearby.
Later, I played football in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin against a Russian Army XI. We lost 2-0.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article