Normandy trip to remember heroes

Jun 5 2009 by Iain Howie, Stirling Observer Friday

A BRIDGE of Allan man is to take part in ceremonies to mark 65 years since the heroic efforts of those involved in D-Day.

William Moon (84), a former Able Seaman with the Royal Navy, who witnessed the landings from a Navy destroyer in the Channel, is to take part in the D-Day commemoration events which start tomorrow (Saturday).

He has been given £500 towards the cost of the trip from the Big Lottery Fund’s Heroes Return 2 scheme.

Mr Moon, who was just 18 at the time, said of the landings: “Looking back it’s really difficult to describe the sights we saw at D-Day. I was in the Channel for the duration of the operation and there were hundreds of ships, the numbers seemed quite unbelievable. We were there to protect the landing craft going into Juno beach and there were some horrendous scenes.

“The craft would sometimes open their gates too early meaning the tanks could never make it on to the beach, but there are always mistakes in situations like that.

Lucky

“Looking back though, I realise I was very lucky. The boys we are going to remember in Normandy didn’t get a chance to live a life.

“Many, like me, were only teenagers and I know I was really very lucky to have lived through the war.

“It’s marvellous that the Big Lottery Fund have given us this money. It will allow us to tour many sites in France and pay our respects to old friends who we will never forget.”

Mr Moon is one of 43 former servicemen from Scotland who will be making the trip thanks to the fund.

Applications are still being accepted for grants for trips, including servicepeople, their spouses and carers.

More information on Heroes Return 2 is available by calling 0845 00 00 121.