Today 6 June, we remember the extraordinary and world-changing feats and sacrifices of D-Day. Quite rightly, newspapers, TV and radio are bringing back the memories and recollections of those involved.

Seventy years on, the numbers of those who took part are dwindling, their Associations are being wound up for the lack of active members and in a few years there will be nobody who can provide a first-hand account of one of the most intense military operations in history.

Quite apart from the logistics of getting so many people across the Channel, lay amazing engineering feats such as the building of the Mulberry harbour in several sections at locations across the UK by construction firms such as Taylor Woodrow, McAlpine, Balfour Beatty and Costain – all well-known names today – before being transported to the beach-heads. Without it, the operation could not have succeeded.   

Those who took part were conscripts, ordinary young men and women – and it is essential that generations ahead do not forget the role of those who died and those who survived.

Nobody who has visited the trenches and sites of the First World War, nor the Normandy beaches can have failed to be moved by the reminders of the conflict that took place in Northern France and elsewhere. A palpable sense of history and sacrifice hangs in the air.

There is current public money being spent sending two pupils from each secondary school in England to visit sites of the First World War battlegrounds to see for themselves the trenches, terrains and memorials. I cannot think of a more worthwhile initiative, for as we say each November, “Lest we forget”.

If nothing else it should enable us to put a perspective on that we take for granted today.

With so much chatter and debate about the EU currently, we should not forget the lessons of the past and the events that underpin the European alliance.

Bryan Peachey
Whilst remembering those no longer with us, I would like to take this opportunity to remember the life and times of Bryan Peachey who died eight years ago tomorrow (7 June). Bryan's career with Briggs & Stratton, his commitment to the industry, his love of life will never be forgotten by those who knew him.

Chris Biddle