I first came into contact with ‘Danny’ in April 2000 at a Reunion in Hertford (Herts), and was impressed with his enthusiasm and wit. He was one of two members who had to travel a long distance to be at the Reunion but this didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. In spite of the fact that he must have been feeling a bit weary after the travelling, he was always ‘full of beans’ and overjoyed at meeting his former comrades again.

Danny also took part in return visits back to Gold Beach (Normandy), and I can only hazard a guess as to the memories and/or horrors that must have been going through his mind. He always had a witty remark for most occasions and he always made me feel that I was accepted into that ‘small band of heroes’ even though I was never a part of the hardships and traumas that they faced over those dark six years. And I will always have a deep gratitude to Danny and his comrades for their part in ensuring that I was able to grow-up and live in a free country.

The photos of Danny in the line-up for the Inauguration of the Self-Propelled Gun (in 2002) and the presentation of the 60th Anniversary Medal (in 2004), at Gold Beach show how proud he was to be there. And the local population really showed their gratitude to Danny and his comrades.

My wife and I felt greatly honoured when we were allowed to join the family at Danny’s funeral. There we learned a lot more about the great man and we came away with the feeling, as we have done at so many other funerals of the “Old and Bold”, that we have lost another friend who was a TRUE HERO.

Rest peacefully Danny, we are all proud of you.

(Hon. Sec.)
The Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire Yeomanry Association