A look back in time – D-Day

As we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we shine a light on Ron, a resident at our Watlington home in Oxfordshire, who sailed to Normandy on that momentous day in history.

Born in 1922, Ron grew up in an orphanage. By tradition the eldest boy was allowed to choose his future career and chose to go into the Royal Navy – as the next eldest boy Ron chose to accompany him, despite not being able to swim!  

At just 22 years old, Ron sailed to France on D-Day, in a mission to liberate Europe and defeat Germany. He was a signalman aboard the 104th Landing Craft Flotilla (LCF), which was made up of 15 landing craft, departing from Brixham.

His daughter Penny recalls: “I can remember him saying there was a tank on his landing craft as well as the troops. He was on the bridge of the landing craft when his captain got shot in the shoulder – Dad felt he’d had a lucky escape!"

“As a family we are very proud of the part he played in this memorable day that turned the war around.”  

Ron marked the anniversary with his fellow residents and the team at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home. They held a themed bake off, took part in a military quiz and looked at authentic military uniforms brought in especially for the occasion, singing songs from the era.

If you would like to know more about our care homes in Oxfordshire, our Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 331 7422.