London taxi drivers and veterans return to Normandy to mark D-Day anniversary
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans returned to Normandy this June to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day, continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting those who served during the Second World War.
A group of six WWII veterans and five post-war veterans travelled to France, joined by London black cab drivers and charity supporters. The trip took the group to key locations linked to the Allied landings on 6 June 1944.
The veterans took part in ceremonies at Pegasus Bridge and the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in Bayeux. They also visited Arromanches, where one of the Mulberry harbours was used to support the landings, and the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, where the names of the British fallen are engraved.
Among those on the journey was 100-year-old WWII veteran Don Turrell. He visited St Manvieu cemetery with 28-year-old Callum Reid, whose great-grandfather died during the Battle for Hill 112. The two paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the ten-week battle. It was the first time Callum had brought his great-grandfather’s medals to the graveside.
The veterans were also welcomed by students from Saint-Germain-en-Laye, who spent time listening to stories about their wartime experiences.
The trip, made possible by volunteer cab drivers and donors, is part of the charity’s ongoing effort to support veterans with events, outings, and social contact.
More information about the charity’s work and how to donate can be found at www.taxicharity.org
Paul Cook, Vice Chairman of the Taxi Charity, said: “The Taxi Charity is deeply honoured to support these incredible men and women who gave their everything without hesitation, for our freedom.
“Each year, as the numbers who were part of this campaign decrease, it becomes more important to ensure their voices are heard and their sacrifices remembered. We are so very proud to help them return to Normandy and ensure future generations understand the price of the freedoms we enjoy today.”
