A Second World War veteran from Cornwall will be travelling to Normandy this week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day – and said “I’ll guarantee to you I will shed a tear”.
Richard Aldred was speaking of the effect returning to France will have on him ahead of the anniversary.
The 99-year-old counted himself “lucky” as he reflected on his experiences during the war when he served as a tank driver in the 7th Armoured Division.
Mr Aldred, from Cornwall, said he went to Normandy after D-Day on about July 12 of 1944.
He was driving a Cromwell tank in August of the same year when the tank was blown up in Bourneville.
“God I was bloody lucky,” he said.
D-Day veteran Richard Aldred during his service (Image: Blind Veterans UK/PA)
Mr Aldred said he had just turned right to avoid another tank when the vehicle was hit by an armour-piercing shell, so it did not hit his tank on the front “which would have been my demise”.
He added: “I do remember this terrible thump and we came to a direct halt and we all got out, very luckily, under a crucifix.
“And I’ll guarantee to you, that every one of my crew said a prayer, including me.”
Mr Aldred said the crew had eight seconds to get out of the tank before they “burned alive”.
A Cromwell tank was “a gorgeous vehicle to drive” and like a “great big sports car”, he said.
He added: “If you fell in love and took it seriously, that Cromwell would talk to you. It was like a monster boy’s toy – but I suppose it was a bit dangerous too.”
Mr Aldred plans to go to Normandy for the anniversary with the Spirit of Normandy Trust.
He was told about the trust at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Reflecting on his time in the war, Mr Aldred said: “I was lucky. No doubt about it, I was lucky. Lucky I wasn’t killed, I had to bury two mates of mine. Awful, awful.
“It’s only when you go to Normandy amongst all those crosses, if you don’t cry, there’s something wrong with you.
“When I go to Normandy, I’ll guarantee to you I will shed a tear. Can’t help it, I’m sorry.”
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel