WW II veteran to attend D-Day event
The veteran will board a plane to commorate the special occasion.
VETERAN Alex Reith, one of the last living heroes of the Normandy landings, will soon be jetting off to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the historic World War II event.
A former British citizen, Alex (91), bravely landed a glider in Normandy in France on June 6, 1944. It was the largest amphibious invasion in world history.
He, together with his friend, Dennis Wepener, who was Brigadier General in the South African Air Force for almost 40 years, will be flying off for the prestigious event on June 1.
After Alex’s story was featured on Radio 702 this week, Ken Bannister, the Lower South Coast SAAF Association chairman, said the response and donations from the public was overwhelming.
Topping this, a major airline has also come forward with tickets. Mr Bannister has been the driving force behind Alex attending the special occasion.
During their stay in England, Alex and Dennis, both from the Margate Retirement Village, will be hosted at the British Army’s Centre of Aircorps in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.
They will then travel to the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in northern France.
The anniversary will be commemorated by many heads of state, as well as thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Queen Elizabeth II, Prime Minister David Cameron and US president Barack Obama will be in attendance.
Alex said he is growing more and more excited about the trip. “It will be very interesting and I am looking forward to it,” added Dennis.
Without any engine assistance, Alex, at the age of 22, courageously flew a glider which carried a jeep, field gun and five airborne troops into Normandy.
Anyone who would like to donate towards the trip or towards the LSC SAAF Association can contact Mr Bannister at 082 5575195.
