Ken Cooke sets off on Sunday (May 4) for Normandy – where he took part in the D-Day landings more than 80 years ago.
The veteran has returned to Normandy several times since the war and said “the memories come back”. “It’s emotional, it always is.”
Ken, speaking to The Press before setting off, said the trip is primarily to attend a remembrance service at the British Normandy Memorial.
He is due to lay a wreath at the memorial accompanied by the chairman of the British Legion on VE Day (Thursday, May 8).
The engagement does, however, mean that Ken cannot make another important event.
“I’ve had to turn down King Charles for one of his garden parties on the 8th which a few veterans are going to,” he revealed. “I’ve been invited but I can’t go because I’m going to Normandy.”
Ken said he even had to decline an invite from Princess Anne to speak at a VE Day service last year because he was double booked.
“I’m in the bad books I think,” he laughed.
Ken’s memories of VE Day – when Nazi Germany surrendered following the Allies advance and death of Adolf Hitler – are not of dancing and singing in the street.
Recommended reading:
- York D-Day hero Ken Cooke returns to Normandy beaches
- Ken Cooke celebrated by First Bus with bus named after him
- York D-Day veteran’s ‘more than hectic year’ of remembrance and memories
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