D-Day veterans look back with Lancashire students in special ITV feature
Students from Lostock Hall Academy and beyond sat down with veterans Stuart Taylor and Richard Brock, who both served in WWII.
”We’re all in it together, and you’re feeling apprehensive. Your pals are getting shot, and you think well, I’m 20 now. [...] it could be me next.
Those were the words of 102-year-old Richard Brock, who joined fellow D-Day veteran Stuart Taylor at for a special appearance on ITV last night.
Earlier this week, the war heroes were welcomed to the Lancashire Infantry Museum to tell students from across the county about their experiences during World War Two.
Among them was 11-year-old Alexander Churchill, whose great-great-grandfather Sir Winston Churchill led Britain to victory in the Second World War.
“It was horrendous at the time, but we came through,” Richard said. “We’re here to tell the tale now, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Richard Brock was one of the 132,000 Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy in June 1944.
Originally from Lancaster, Richard was one of only 19 men out of his 130-strong company to survive the war.
The largest seaborne invasion in history was a decisive moment in the eventual liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi rule.
103-year-old Dakota pilot Stuart Taylor, from Penwortham, transported troops and equipment to the front for the advance on Arnhem.
He also ferried US troops to the Battle of the Bulge at Ardennes, and spent a year in East Asia after the atomic bombing of Japan.
He said: “I think we owe it to the people who didn’t come back. It’s Remembrance.”
Yesterday, hundreds of servicepeople and visitors attended Preston’s Flag Market to remember those who gave their lives for the country.
They were joined by millions in the UK for a two-minute silence.
After hearing from Richard and Stuart, Lostock Hall Academy in Preston said they were “incredibly proud” of the students of theirs who attended.
They said: “We're incredibly proud of our students who had the honour of meeting D-Day and Second World War veterans ahead of Remembrance Day.
“The experience provided a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand stories of service, sacrifice and resilience, helping bring history to life for our young people.”
“[The questions were] absolutely fantastic,” Richard said. “They’ve gone to a lot of trouble.
“I’d like them to not think of war, but think of peace, and enjoy each others’ company. War is no good.”
The full ITV feature is available to watch here.