Bell Ringing For The 80th Anniversary of D-Day
The D-Day operation of June 6th, 1944 was the largest invasion in history which would ultimately defeat Nazi Germany and end the Second World War.
On the 80th anniversary of this day, it was more than fitting that the St Andrew’s bell ringers should ring out to mark the occasion.
Former Hornchurch Ringing Master Frank Gant was involved in the Normandy landings of 1944.
On D-Day, Frank was in command of a tank landing craft which, on approaching the beach in Normandy, lost its rudder on an underwater obstruction. He managed to reach the beach, however, offload the tanks and return to England without a rudder.
He steered the boat by varying the speeds of the twin propellers and received official recognition for this remarkable feat.
Today’s bell ringers met at 9.30am on Thursday 6th June to ring before and after the Communion Service where Mark gave thanks for our country’s role in the liberation of Western Europe.
Our ringing included a quarter peal shown in detail below along with the ringers that took part:
St Andrew
Thursday, 6 June 2024
1260 Plain Bob Doubles
1 James P Riley
2 Michael J Warren
3 Paul T Crick
4 John M Church
5 Clive J Stephenson (C)
6 Mark E Lendon
Rung to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Remembering Frank Gant, former Hornchurch Ringing Master, who took part in the D-Day landings.
First quarter away from cover – 1.
