Charlie, D-Day Royal Navy Veteran and Erskine Resident
At just 18 years old, Charlie found himself in the English Channel on the eve of D-Day. Serving aboard minesweeper MMS 291, his role was to clear a safe route for US assault craft heading towards Omaha Beach, where hidden mines threatened to destroy ships instantly. In his diary on 6 June 1944, Charlie described a sky lit up by bombs and shell bursts, whilst planes passed overhead.
More than 80 years after D-Day, Charlie continues to share his story to ensure the service and sacrifice of Veterans are never forgotten.
As the number of Veterans from my generation grows smaller each year, I hope our stories will be remembered.