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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.
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I was worried for him but he wanted to do it.
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We were driven onto a landing craft where he chatted to the young marines. It was, perhaps, the highlight of the trip for him.
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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.
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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…
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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.