War veterans’ champion Harold Payne makes no apology for breaking a pledge – after agreeing to return to Normandy again.
The Fleet businessman vowed that last year’s trip for the D-Day 70th anniversary celebrations would the final one after two decades.
But to the relief of many elderly war heroes he’s been cajoled into organising at least one more.
Harold (74) said: “I’ve had several veterans ask me if we can go back again so I’m going to put another trip on.
“You’ve got to do it for them.
“Unfortunately we’ve lost five of our boys in the last three months so they’re getting few and far between.”
Bookings are being taken for the four-day trip, leaving on June 2.
The group will visit all the famous landmarks of World War Two, including Omah, Gold Sword and Utah beaches, Pegasus Bridge and the Valley of Death.
Pastor Ross Dean, of Fleet, will accompany the entourage again, leading services in all the key places, including the Canadian, American and Polish cemeteries.
Harold said: “We play their national anthems and lay wreaths.
“In 21 years of going back there, I can say we’re the only people I’ve seen who do it all in the right manner.”
He added: “There are 14,700 of our lads lay out there.”
It’s estimated the cost of the trip on a bed, breakfast and evening meal basis will be about £475 per person. Phone Harold on 01406 422766 for more details.
Harold has also lined up another series of fundraising events to support the Normandy veterans and the Royal Anglian Regiment.
On the weekend of June 20 and 21 and again on September 5 and 6, he will stage an exhibition of military vehicles on The Green in Hunstanton, accompanied by memorabilia and live music from a big band. A similar event will be held at Harold’s business – The Anglia Motel on the A17 – on July 4 and 5.
