Trip brings back D-Day memories for Alex
After 70 years Alex Reith recently returned to France to remember D-Day.
WORLD War II veteran Alex Reith (92) of Margate, who recently returned from the 70th anniversary of the ‘D-Day’ Normandy Landings in France, is in line to be awarded the Order of Légion d’Honneur, the highest decoration in France, by the Ministry of Defence.
Alex was the only former glider pilot from South Africa who attended the commemorations. He was one of seven veterans, all over the age of 90, who attended the prestigious event.
After the hype surrounding his overseas trip, Alex admits he is now back down to earth.
He described his trip as ‘wonderful, nostalgic and fascinating’, one that brought back many memories.
Before leaving South Africa, British Airways and the South African Air Force Association held a departure ceremony at OR Tambo Airport for Alex and his travelling partner, Dennis Wepener.
It was there that he met the British High Commissioner to South Africa, Judith Macgregor.
In addition, his grandson, Dean Grey, and great granddaughter, Seanna, were also at the airport to wave goodbye.
Once at Middle Wallop, the British Army base near the Hampshire village, he and Dennis travelled a further six hours by ferry to the celebrations in Normandy.
“It was an amazing commemoration, and I spoke to many troops, who all knew who I was,” he said.
Alex said that as he walked through the commemoration, many people with their children stopped to take a photograph with him, or ask for an autograph.
He said everyone had been extremely accommodating and had showered him with much love.
“Many appreciated that if it wasn’t for us, France would still be under the yoke of the jack boot,” he said.
He said the services were colourful and jovial. He also had the privilege of shaking hands and chatting to the gracious Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla.
He also thoroughly enjoyed the buffet dinner held at the famous Café Gondrée near Pegasus Bridge. “My emotions got the better of me when I listened to the three military bands playing,” he said.
At a nearby museum, Alex also saw his name had been recorded in a book at the museum, an indication he had, in fact, been there.
