ALLAN Jones and Iris Hillery, of the World War 2 Operations living history group, gave a talk at Startforth Lunch Club on June 6 – the 75th anniversary of the commencement of the D-Day landings.
The presentation was illustrated by photographs and maps showing the activities of the Royal Air Force before, during and after the invasion of Europe.
Much of the action, particularly in the lead up to the assault on the Normandy beaches, was focused on decoy operations to lead the Nazis into believing the invasion would take place further along the coast.
Women of the Auxiliary Air Force (WAAFs) and the Princess Mary RAF Nursing service also played their part.
Iris explained the activities of the first nurses to arrive following the initial invasion, to tend the wounded, evacuate those able to travel and later on, to care for the survivors of concentration camps.
Following the talk everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of shepherd’s pie and vegetables followed by jam sponge and custard, tea or coffee – no rationing here.
World War 2 Operations will be displaying an RAF operations room in the Dawson Room, Woodleigh, during the Barnard Castle 1940s Weekend.
Talks and presentations are available for community groups in the area.
Contact Iris or Allan on 07919 344845 iris@ajalon.co. uk.
For information about Startforth Lunch Club contact Debbie Herbert on 07904 193601.
