The Corps Family in Port-en-Bessin to Commemorate D-Day 80
by Bob Perry

Although it was not expected that the 80th anniversary commemorations of the high achievement of 47 RM Cdo on D-Day would surpass or even match the fitting programme of commemorations experienced ten or even five years ago, it turned out that Port-en- Bessin on 6/7 June was still very much the place to be!

As an Association we realise how extremely fortunate we are to have such strong attendance from the serving and retired Corps at our commemorations each year. This year was no exception: The CO and a large contingent from 47 Cdo (RG) RM, two coaches packed with RMA members (including WW2 LC veteran Norman 'Grandad' Ashford), the RM Paddle Group who canoed across the Channel to Port-en-Bessin, the D-Day Cycle Group peddling from Dorchester via Roscoff and a strong (and noisy!) cohort from the RMA Riders Branch, all supporting our commemorations. Add to the mix a 3-star RM

General, 400 people participating in the Asnelles to Port-en-Bessin 'Following in the Footsteps' march, four landing craft berthed in the inner basin of the port, a street in Tracy-sur- Mer renamed 'Rue du 47 Royal Marine Commando', a new stone bench at Asnelles dedicated in honour of the men of the Commando who were killed on Gold Beach with their individual names inscribed on a separate memorial - all of the ingredients combined for a most memorable and fitting series of commemorations to honour all those who participated in the largest amphibious operation in history.

Following the ceremonies, concurrent activity was order of the day with many Association members visiting Bayeux War Cemetery, the final resting place for forty-two men of the Commando killed during the D-Day assault, the approach march and subsequent battle for Port-en-Bessin. For our other more active members it was time to pull on the yomping boots and start marching!

'Following in the Footsteps of 47 RM Cdo' is now a well established annual event on 6 June that retraces the 12-mile route taken by the Commando from Gold Beach to Port-en-Bessin. Serving and former Royal Marines, many British, French, Belgium and Dutch friends and families walk the route at a comfortable pace, hearing the story of 47 RM Cdo's mission and actions at specific points along the route.

Our final stop was Mont Cavalier (Point 72) where we heard the CO 47 Cdo (RG) RM share the plan of attack on Port-en-Bessin given by CO 47 RM Cdo, Lt Col C F Phillips RM, on 7 June 1944. Ms Sophie Coevoet from the Port-en-Bessin Cultural Centre then told us more about the impact of Nazi occupation and liberation had had on the local community.

A huge well done to Ken Cowdery, Alex Wilson and the remainder of their team for expertly organising the walk and liaising with the many mayors and landowners.

The liberation of Port-en-Bessin is commemorated by the local community and 47 RM Cdo Association on 7 June. The first ceremony was at the 47 RM Cdo Memorial Garden on the Western Feature overlooking the harbour. The service of remembrance was led by RMA Honorary Chaplain the Rev'd Justin 'Monty' Montague with LCpl Bugler Gill Forde sounding the Last Post and Reveille.

The very large gathering, including Lt Gen Sir Charlie Stickland KCB OBE (Chief Joint Operations), Col Will Norcott (CO 47 Cdo (RG) RM) and Capt PJ Wills RN (Naval Attaché Paris), then transferred to the Cousins Memorial on the Eastern Feature for a similar service.

Capt Terence Cousins RM is recognised as playing the decisive role in the battle of Port-en-Bessin; his outstanding qualities of leadership, determination, initiative and courage that he displayed during the attack on the enemy fortifications, near where the memorial now stands, continue to be an inspiration to the current generation of serving Royal Marines. We were proud to lay wreaths in honour of the gallant troop commander who lost his life leading his men in battle.

The afternoon was set aside for socialising, spinning dits and witnessing a spectacular cavalcade through the town of historic military vehicles with their owners and crews all dressed in WW2 military uniform.

The following day was an opportunity to recharge the batteries at the AGM. Our long serving Chairman, John Prentis, could not have wished to bow out on a more auspicious occasion.

John has expertly steered the Association through some memorable but also choppy waters: the dedication of a major memorial in the dunes at Dishoek, Walcheren, the inauguration of a memorial bench on the Western Feature at Port-en-Bessin, the unforgettable hosting of French and Dutch Mayors at the MFM, the COVID pandemic when travel to Europe was severely restricted and also the loss of our last veterans, including his own grandad, Chuck Harris, who was much loved and respected by all who knew him.

Thank you John and enjoy your well earned retirement.

Our last night dinner in our affiliated bar 'Le Criée du 47ème', named in honour of 47 RM Cdo, was the normal raucous and enjoyable affair.

The proprietors, Nathalie and Stéphane and their staff, looked after us superbly and we were delighted that they accepted our invitation to host them in London next March at the MFM.

One of the highlights of the evening was the auction of items donated mainly by our German member Juergen Baas. Auctioneer extraordinaire Phil Gilby easily persuaded members to part with their hard earned cash raising an impressive £2920 for the RM Charity.

The 80th anniversary visit to Normandy would not have been such an outstanding success without the hard work of our brilliant committee and membership.

Their dedication and commitment to excellence ensures that we will wholeheartedly continue to commemorate the exploits of 47 Royal Marine Commando and, most importantly, to perpetuate the memory of the 114 men serving with the Commando who made the ultimate sacrifice during the liberation of Europe:

At the going down of the sun
And in the morning,
We will remember them.