Normandy veteran’s memories a highlight of military weekend

MILITARY re-enactors pose as American paratroopers during the 1944 Allied advance into France. Pictures by PAUL STERRITT

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THE evocative sounds of a Spitfire aircraft and a wartime siren reverberated off the hills as military vehicles took to the streets of Saddleworth.

A rare, battle-scarred tank took centre stage in a 1940s display that pulled in crowds of curious visitors and military history buffs.

The Pennine 1940s weekend was organised by the Manchester Military Vehicle Group and held at the Church Inn and nearby Cross Keys Inn, Uppermill. Alongside the mighty Cromwell tank, silver-haired John Whyman mesmerised a gaggle of youngsters with his tales of serving as a corporal on the beaches in Normandy in the Second World War.

Resplendent in a smart blazer, embossed with the badge of the Tank Regiment, the sprightly 92-year-old painted graphic pictures of life in the raw after landing at Juno beach.

He recalled: “There was a sign which read ‘dust means death’ as a warning things had to move at a slow pace so the enemy couldn’t see our trails. We all lived just one day at a time. There was no glamour in tank battles.”

John, a former head teacher of Littlemoor Primary School, still sings in the choir at St Chad’s Church. The Cromwell, one of the last two surviving models in Europe, is owned by former military tank engineer Rick Wedlock (46), from Gee Cross, Hyde.

“The tank is my pride and joy and I’ve spent years restoring it. John’s memory, detail of the historical aspects of Normandy and his knowledge really brought the tank to life and set its place in history.”

The event also featured re-enactors in British and American uniform.

Paul Cronan, the group’s treasurer, said: “It has been a good weekend and the Cromwell caused a few jaws to drop as it came through Uppermill on the low loader.

email: kd_bennett@yahoo.co.uk