OUR D-DAY HEROES: in memory of those who lost their lives, and those whose lives were changed forever

My Grandad Frank

My dedication is for my Grandad, Frank, who was part of the Allied forces who landed on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago for D-Day. Frank was a band Sgt. Maj in the 1st battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment who assaulted and took Gold Beach. He sustained a bad shrapnel injury to his hand on day four of the fighting which meant that, not only was he medically discharged from the army, but it also meant he could no longer play the trumpet, which was his passion. I know that his experiences during the worst of the fighting and his injury meant that he was never quite the same when he came home. It would have been known as shellshock back then, but I think it was likely that Grandad had PTSD. There wasn’t the support or understanding then that there is now, and I’m glad that Help for Heroes exists to support veterans and their families when they need it nowadays. I want to say thank you to Frank and his comrades for their service on D-Day – their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. From Lee West and family.