War is catastrophic, it is your worst nightmare made real. The freedom we enjoy today was won at a heavy cost - Many of us at Celtica Radio have a military service connection, or our families have served in the forces. This page is dedicated to all who lost their lives during World War 2, and in memory of the sacrifice that was given in 1944.

The decision to go
Initially, May 1944 had been the time chosen for the invasion, but difficulties in assembling landing craft forced a postponement until June. On May 17th, Eisenhower fixed as the unalterable date June 5th. As the day approached, and troops began to embark for the crossing, bad weather set in, threatening dangerous landing conditions. After tense debate, Eisenhower and his subordinates decided on a 24-hour delay, requiring the recall of some ships already at sea. Eventually, on the morning of June 5, Eisenhower, assured of a weather break, announced, "O.K. We'll go." Within hours an armada of 3,000 landing craft, 2,500 other ships, and 500 naval vessels-escorts and bombardment ships, began to leave English ports. That night, 822 aircraft, carrying parachutists or towing gliders, roared overhead to the Normandy landing zones. They were a fraction of the air armada of 13,000 aircraft that would support D-day.

The German response
Meanwhile, the German high command, in the absence of Rommel, who was home on leave, began to respond. Hitler was initially unwilling to release the armoured divisions for a counterattack. When he relented after midday, elements of the 21st Panzer Division drove into the gap between the British 3rd and Canadian 3rd divisions at Sword Beach and Juno Beach and almost reached the sea. Had they done so, the landings might have failed. Fierce resistance by British antitank gunners at Périers-sur-le-Dan turned the tide in late evening.

As mentioned above, many of us at Celtica Radio have a service connection. Listed in alphabetical order are some of our relatives who served in the WW2 Conflict.

Sgt. William John Barnett RAF. - Bill Barnett was a Rear Air Gunner on an Avro Lancaster, a close relative of Bill Everatt, his widow became Bill Everatts' Godmother. Curiously it was the exploits of WW1 German Fighter Ace Manfred Von-Richthoven that inspired Bill Barnett to volunteer for the RAF in the first place. He wanted to be a Pilot, but because of his age - [he was too old] - he was turned down, so became a Rear Air Gunner instead. When he and his young wife Elizabeth [Betty] had a child, they named him Manfred.

2235180 Sgt William John Barnett was with 84 OTU when on the night of the 4/5th Sept 1944 he was one of six crew on board Wellington HF570 which took off from Desborough for a navigational training flight. The aircraft returned to base at 02.05am and whilst in the process of landing the starboard engine failed. The pilot, P/O R.E. Byrne tried an emergency landing but the aircraft struck a tree and burst into flames. Three of the six crewmen were killed.

P/O RE Byrne, RAAF, buried in Botley Cemetery, Oxford.
Sgt W.J. Barnett, buried in Sarn Cemetery Wales.
Sgt E. Brisbourne, Buried in Much Wenlock Cemetery.

Click Here to listen to "Battle Cry"
Read by Andrew John.

Details from Bomber Command Losses (OTUs)

RAF Regiment Gunner. William Emason Cook. - David Cooks' Father, who joined the Royal Air Force after he was refused service with the Royal Navy. He volunteered at the Durham recruiting centre. Whilst in the RAF he trained as a Wireless Operator Air Gunner. Although he passed gunnery school element, but did not complete the Wireless Operator element. William Cook served with his squadron in various places throughout the war left with an honourable discharge, and exemplary service record.