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Introduction

This article has been submitted to the ����ý “People’s War” website by Joseph Ritson, a volunteer story-gatherer with the ����ý Radio Cumbria CSV Action Desk group of volunteers. It has been submitted on behalf of the Normandy Veterans Association (West Cumbria Branch No 51) and added with their permission. The author has read and understood the terms of the ����ý “People’s War” website.

On Friday 25 November 2005, the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association held its 17th Annual Reunion and Buffet / Dance at Kells Royal British Legion, Whitehaven, Cumbria. In addition to the veterans, their wives, relatives, many friends and supporters were present to enjoy a pleasant evening of friendship, singing, dancing and sharing some of the memories of previous occasions.

A few solemn moments of reflection

Everyone arriving at this Annual Reunion was greeted with a warm welcome immediately they entered the door at Kells British Legion. Two of the Branch members of the Normandy Veterans Association looked after this part of the arrangements: Ray Bragg welcomed each guest to the Reunion on behalf of the Branch, and Joe Toner ensured everyone was given a welcome glass of sherry.

While this particular function was arranged as an enjoyable evening for the veterans, their wives, families, and friends, nevertheless the proceedings began with a few solemn moments to remember the trials, tribulations and lost comrades of the war years. The National Anthem was played, followed by a minute’s silence and a few words by the Branch Chairman, Joe Pooley, in remembrance of those who died in World War Two.

Sharing some happier memories of the war years

After a buffet, enjoyed by all, the entertainment for the evening was provided by ‘Midnight Express’, a duet from Carlisle, Cumbria (Al and Trudy). The same duet had also performed at the previous year’s Annual Reunion of the Association.

Although the songs and music were not purely that of the World War Two era, ‘Midnight Express’ honoured some of the wartime artists by including excellent renditions of songs such as “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”. The dancing also catered for people more used to disco dancing as well as the dances many of those present had first learned during the war years. These included dances such as “The St Bernard’s Waltz” and “The Barn Dance”.

Among those who shared some of their wartime memories with me during the course of the evening were Jim and Mary Jolly of Cleator Moor, Cumbria, who had celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary (60 years) only a few days earlier. Having first met during the war when Jim visited West Cumbria for the first time with his Army unit, this is a very happy memory of the war years for Mary and Jim.

During the war, Mary worked as a shorthand typist at the High Duty Alloys Factory at Distington (situated between Workington and Whitehaven). This factory produced finished aluminium alloy forgings for aircraft, including Aero engine propellers.

Through all the years since 1945, Mary and Jim have been very happy and look on the sunny side of life, “… most of the time” as Jim put it to me! Jim is the Secretary of the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association, and has assisted me with much information about the Battle of Normandy over several years. Mary fully supports Jim in his role with the Normandy Veterans Association.

Another couple I was able to speak with at the Reunion were Pat and Pauline Kelly. Pat is the local Branch Treasurer for the Normandy Veterans. Pat told me members of the Association are always pleased to share their wartime memories and values, particularly the value of comradeship that was so important to them during the war. According to Pat:
“We value everyone for their friendship, and for their Comradeship”.

At the end of an enjoyable evening, the final song perhaps reflects this importance of friendship and comradeship of the Association. This song was “Auld Lang Syne”.

Conclusion

I would like to thank the members, families and supporters of the West Cumbria Brach of the Normandy Veterans Association for a fine evening of shared wartime memories, singing and dancing. Many others present shared their memories of the war years with me whom I would like to thank although I have only included a few of these for this particular article.

In 2004 and 2005 the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans has commemorated the 60th Anniversary of some of the key events of World War Two, both in Normandy, and closer to home, in Cumbria. I have written accounts of many of these commemorations and posted them to the ����ý “People’s War” website.

In addition, many of the members have told me their memories of the war years, which have also been posted to the “People’s War” website. It has been a great honour to write this, and other articles, about members of the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this article to the memory of Jack Farrell from Cleator Moor, Cumbria. Jack has helped me with many projects about the Battle of Normandy, including articles for the ����ý “People’s War”. Jack passed away suddenly, but peacefully, on 1 October 2005. Like his colleagues in the Normandy Veterans Association, Jack was a strong believer that the Comradeship they had in the war years should continue long into the future.

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