As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day, our thoughts turn to the brave souls who stormed the beaches of Normandy on that fateful day. Among them were many Wellingtonians, whose names are etched forever on the roll of honour for their courageous role in the pivotal invasion. These gallant individuals imbued with courage and determination, joined forces with thousands of Allied troops in a monumental effort to liberate Europe from the grip of tyranny. Their sacrifice and valour continue to inspire generations.
Reflecting on the awe-inspiring spectacle of D-Day, Christopher Beeton (Talbot 1943-47), a pupil at the time, poignantly recalls, “The most notable thing I remember on D-Day morning is the mass of spirals of aircraft rising into the air that one saw in almost every direction. Until then, I had taken the comparatively small numbers of both hostile and friendly aircraft for granted and had not realized quite how many airfields there were nearby. It was a really amazing sight that has always stuck in my mind.”
These words encapsulate the magnitude of the moment, reminding us of the monumental effort and sacrifice made by those who served.
Here are the details of just a few of those brave Wellingtonians who fought for us 80 years ago:
Major Andrew Alec Kyrle Pope, of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, attended Hill from 1932 to 1935. Born in the year that marked the end of the First World War, Alec Pope, during his time at Wellington, furthered his reputation as a keen and fearless horseman, a skill he acquired in his youth. He entered the Regular Army through Sandhurst a year prior to the outbreak of war, joining the K.S.L.I. He fought with the B.E.F. from September 1939 until the Dunkirk evacuation, sustaining serious injuries during the retreat to the Channel. Known for his clear intellect, boundless energy, and charismatic demeanor, he proved himself a competent Staff Officer. After qualifying as a parachutist in 1942, he rose to the rank of Brigade Major of a Parachute Brigade. On D-Day, he was reported missing after his aircraft failed to be located. In reality, Alec Pope had dropped beyond enemy lines, separated from his Brigade. Despite being discovered by the enemy at first light, he refused to surrender. Instead, he bravely barricaded himself in a small building, engaging the enemy in single-handed combat until his eventual demise. His personal charm, unwavering determination, and fearless attitude towards life epitomized the spirit of his time.
Lieutenant Donald Davison Youngs, of The Royal Norfolk Regiment, attended Benson from 1928 to 1931. Characterized by his self-effacing nature, Youngs earned respect at Wellington through his unfailing courtesy. Following his time at Wellington, he pursued a Law degree at London University and subsequently practiced as a solicitor in Reading. Upon the outbreak of war, Youngs enlisted immediately and was commissioned into The Royal Norfolk Regiment. Serving as an Intelligence Officer within the country until 1944, he met his end on D-Day during the initial assault on the Normandy beaches.
Lance Sergeant William Francis Stewart, of the Royal Canadian Engineers, attended Beresford from 1916 to 1919. After leaving Wellington, he relocated to Canada, where he pursued a career in farming. With the outbreak of war, Stewart volunteered and journeyed to England with the 3rd Canadian Division. Tasked with leading a team of assault engineers on D-Day, Stewart found himself facing significant resistance on the beaches. Despite the perilous conditions, he fearlessly led his team until he was fatally wounded while engaging snipers at Grav-sur-Mer. His company commander remembered him as accepting the most dangerous of tasks without hesitation, ultimately sacrificing himself to protect his men.
Lieutenant John Cameron Pearson, of the Royal Marines, attended Picton from 1937 to 1941. Pearson was known for his keen interest in various subjects, including religion, philosophy, and politics, and was unreserved in expressing his opinions. He excelled in athletics, particularly long-distance running and boxing, and exhibited a passion for drama even before his enlistment in the Royal Marines. Wounded at Salerno, Pearson recovered in time for the D-Day landings, where he was severely wounded again while fighting with the 41st Royal Marine Commando near the mouth of the Orne. He succumbed to his injuries a few days later, having bravely fought until the end.
Major Darrell Valentine St. John Baxter, M.C., of the Royal Artillery, attended Lynedoch from 1930 to 1934. Baxter distinguished himself as a scholar, athlete, and soldier. Arriving at Wellington with a scholarship, he showcased his athletic prowess in various sports, including squash. Serving with the 7th Medium Regiment, R.A., he saw action in Palestine during the Arab rising of 1938. Following the outbreak of war, he became an Instructor in Gunnery to the Egyptian Army. Promoted to Major, he fought in notable battles such as El Alamein and Guardia-gade, where he earned the Military Cross for gallantry. Despite being wounded twice, Baxter continued to serve, commanding the 179th Field Regiment in the Normandy invasion until his death in the heavy fighting shortly after D-Day.
Major Peter Thorne Hollins, of the Royal Artillery, attached to the Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry, attended Lynedoch from 1934 to 1939. Hollins exhibited commendable efficiency during his time at Woolwich, ultimately rising to command his battery. Tragically, he was killed in Normandy shortly after D-Day, still in his twenty-third year.
Captain Gavin Dalzell Howie, of the Royal Marines, attended Stanley from 1932 to 1936. Howie excelled in boxing, captaining the team in his final year. On D-Day, he served as a Brigade Transport Officer for the Marine Commandos, who faced intense fighting near the River Orne. Howie fell in battle ten days after D-Day, bravely engaging the enemy in the heaviest fighting at the northern end of the invasion coast.
To honour their memory and learn more about their stories, we invite you to explore the full list of Wellingtonians and others on our heritage website: World Events – The Wellington Community.
