Leeds D-Day veteran, 102, grateful for government support ahead of return to Normandy
A D-Day veteran from Leeds has praised the Government for providing support for Second World War veterans to travel overseas to commemorative events.
In an announcement on Remembrance Sunday, the Ministry of Defence said it recognises the “profound importance” of enabling those who had served in the conflict to pay their respects at sites where they fought and their comrades had fallen.
It comes ahead of the publication of the Government’s Veterans Strategy today (Monday, November 10), which will outline plans for celebrating veterans and recognising them as a strategic national asset. The funding will begin from next year.
Jack Mortimer, from Seacroft, Leeds, who served as a corporal with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps during war and landed on Sword Beach on D-Day in 1944, said he is “grateful” for the new support.
The 102-year-old said: “Going back to Normandy means everything to those of us who are still here. It’s where we lost so many good men, and it’s important that we can pay our respects to the friends who never came home.
“At my age, these journeys aren’t easy, but they matter more than anything. This support from the Government will help veterans like me make that trip whilst we still can. We owe it to our comrades to be there, to remember them where they fell. I’m very grateful for this commitment.”
Defence minister Lord Coaker, who witnessed first-hand the importance of these events for veterans, said: “This year’s Second World War commemorations in Europe reminded the nation of the importance of coming together to honour those who saved our country from Nazi tyranny 80 years ago.
“I have had the privilege to attend commemorations marking the Polish contribution to Operation Market Garden in Poland, the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands, and the liberation of Bergen-Belsen in Germany. These events strengthen ties with Nato allies, but also at a human level, to recognise the extraordinary courage and contribution of Allied nations in achieving peace.
“While we can never repay their generation, we are committed to helping them to remember, reconnect and pay their respects in the place where so many fell for our freedom.”
On Saturday, the Ministry of Defence announced more nuclear veterans would be honoured with medals.
Around 22,000 people were involved in experimenting with atomic and hydrogen bombs between 1952 and 1967, putting them at risk of high levels of radiation.
In 2022, then prime minister Rishi Sunak announced thousands of atomic test veterans would receive a new medal honouring their service, following years of campaigning by veterans and charities.