A hero's return...........

Our annual pilgrimage to Normandy was extra special for us this year as we were able to help L/Sjt Raymond 'Titch' Rayner return to remember his fallen comrades once more.

Titch was part of the legendary D Coy 2 Oxf & Bucks LI and on the morning of 6th June 1944, landed with 22 Platoon at a bridge over the River Dives. His glider had been released too early and had landed at a bridge some 10 miles form their objective, the now legendary Pegasus Bridge in Benouville. The 28 men of 22 Platoon landed in their Horsa glider just yards from the bridge near the village of Varaville and immediately came under fire from German patrols. The Platoon Commander, Lt Tony Hooper was captured and as he was being marched back across the bridge, Titch spotted them and shouted to Hooper to jump away into a nearby ditch. As Hooper jumped Titch opened fire killing the German. As he fell dead his gun let off a burst shooting Titch through the right arm and killing Pte Everett. Titch cnow has the unique claim of "being the first person to be shot a dead German".

Luckily for Titch the bullet passed straight through without hitting the bone and he fought on for a week before being taken back to England where he received treatment before rejoining D Coy for the Rhine crossing.

Spending 4 days with Titch is an incredible honour. To hear the stories we know so well told by Titch in the exact locations they occured is truly marvellous. He tells them with such emotion and always pays tribute to those no longer here.

Titch asked if we could take him to see the grave of his best friend Sjt Pete Barwick who was killed trying to sabotage a German tank in the battle at Herouvillette on 7th June 1944. Titch quietly placed a cross on the grave and said a few private words to Pete before shedding a tear.

It is amazing that the feelings of loss are still so strong even after 67 years. The veterans of WWII live with these memories and emotions every day of their lives.

We also enjoyed the company of Titch's comrades Pat Turner and Johnny Johnson. Despite the tiring schedule of ceremonies and events, they all seemed to thoroughly enjoy their visit and have all vowed to be back next year. We will certainly be there with them!

As the Oxf & Bucks say, HAM AND BLOODY JAM!