Thinking about my friend Ted Owens who landed on Sword Beach 80 years ago today with 41 Royal Marine Commando. Over the years we made a number of trips to Normandy with Ted eager to talk to everyone who wished to speak to him.
These are from D-Day70 (2014) when he was spotted by a RM officer and invited to clamber into this vehicle.
I was worried for him but he wanted to do it.
We were driven onto a landing craft where he chatted to the young marines. It was, perhaps, the highlight of the trip for him.
Ted’s gift was being able to make friends. I was often pushing him in his chair so I got to listen (sometimes clumsily translate) as he made their day.
This was a German family who were so bowled over by him they invited him on holiday to their home.
We filmed Ted for D-Day75 (2019) as he shared his philosophy of peace and tolerance with many more people.
It’s impossible to say how much I enjoyed my trips with him – or the fun we had meeting new friends from around the world along the way.
Thinking of you, Ted. I have you in my heart today and we’re travelling, talking, laughing once again…
The programmes we made with Ted in 2019 are still online. Here’s the link to the first episode which includes the D-Day75 parade.
Greg Lewis 
A remarkable generation!