- Contributed by
- 91ȱ Cumbria Volunteer Story Gatherers
- People in story:
- Arthur Ibbotson
- Location of story:
- Keswick / Whitehaven (Cumbria); 'Sword Beach', Normandy (France).
- Background to story:
- Army
- Article ID:
- A4841886
- Contributed on:
- 06 August 2005
Arthur Ibbotson from Keswick, Cumbria. During World War Two Arthur was in the Grenadier Guards and landed Normandy. On 26 June 2005 Arthur took part in the official county of Cumbria ‘Victory Parade’ commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War Two. [Photograph by Joseph Ritson]
The article has been written by Joseph Ritson, a volunteer for the 91ȱ Radio Cumbria CSV Action Desk at the Maritime Festival held at Whitehaven on 25 — 26 June 2005. The Festival also incorporated the official county of Cumbria 60th Anniversary ‘Victory Parade’ commemorating the end of World War Two. It has been submitted with the permission of Arthur Ibbotson, who kindly shared a few of his wartime memories. The author understands the terms of the 91ȱ “People’s War” website.
Arthur is from Keswick, Cumbria and took part in the ‘Victory Parade’ on Sunday 26 June 2005. During the war, Arthur served with the Grenadier Guards, 2nd Battalion, Guards Armoured Division (Service Number 2623972).
Arthur is a member of the Normandy Veterans Association. Arthur took part in the Normandy Landings, landing at ‘Sword Beach’ in the ‘British Sector’. His unit was part of the first wave of reinforcements.
I talked to Arthur near the Normandy Veterans’ Memorial Plaque in St Nicholas’ Gardens, Whitehaven. It commemorates those who died in Normandy and North West Europe in 1944 and 1945. Arthur marched in the Victory Parade proudly wearing the Normandy Veterans Association Badge on his blazer as well as his wartime medals.
Thank you very much Arthur!
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