REMEMBRANCE ARCHIVE
Please find below some photographs and videos from different remembrance ceremonies and veterans’ events at which I’ve sung.
Go back to main remembrance page for more info.
The memorial to the 16th Irish Division, during a ceremony on the 106th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
1st July, 2022, Guillemont, France
The Orange Memorial at the Ulster Tower: I sang Abide with Me during a short ceremony.
1st July, 2022, Thiepval, France
Singing at the National War Memorial of Northern Ireland for the 106th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
1st July, 2022, Thiepval, France
The Fallen Soldiers’ Table during the farewell dinner at Caens City Hall. The white cloth represents the purity of their intentions, the thorned rose the blood they may have sacrificed, the lemon their bitter fate, the salt the tears of their family, and the upturned glass reminds us they can no longer drink with us. This beautiful and poignant US tradition was part of the dinner. The table was dedicated to ship’s cook Arthur Bibeau, who had signed up for the tour and sadly passed away. We will never forget.
7th June, 2022, Caens, France
Emma was honoured to sing for the U.S. Veterans traveling with Best Defense Foundation. Their trip was sponsored by Delta Airlines and Michelin. It was a deep honour to be part of the event and to meet the veterans who had travelled so very far, both for the commemorations and to fight for our freedom back in 1945.
7th June, 2022, Caens, France
With one-hundred year old veteran Roy Maxwell, who fought with No. 4 Commando and landed on Sword Beach. Emma joined the Taxi Charity Veterans for a lunch in Colleville-Montgomery offered by the mayor to thank the veterans for their service. She performed a mini-prom to honour the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
7th June, Colleville-Montgomery, France
Grangues holds ceremonies for the Canadian airmen who died nearby in 1945 and for the villagers who perished in the war, both as serving military and civilians. The annual ceremony was attended by veterans from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
7th June, 2022, Grangues, France
With veteran Fred Lee at Arromanches. The crowds cheered in Bayeux and Arromanches when Fred stepped out of his wheelchair to lay a wreath.
6th June, 2022, Arromanches, France
In Arromanches, Emma sang the melody of Gibbon’s haunting madrigal “The Silver Swan” before the Act of Remembrance as well as the anthems and Auld Lang Syne. The ceremony ended with a spectacular fly over by the French Air Force, complete with red, white, and blue smoke.
6th June, 2022, Arromanches, France
Emma collaborated with the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment to provide music for the Royal British Legion’s 78th commemoration of D-Day at CWGC Bayeux cemetery. Veterans played a central role in the ceremony, reading poetry, bible readings, and the Act of Remembrance.
6th June, 2022, Bayeux, France
The Midnight Ceremony at Pegasus Bridge is a beautiful occasion, in which people gather to listen to a recording of Major John Howard describing the glider flight over the channel and the landing in Normandy. In the photograph are Major Howard’s daughter (centre) and the Mayor of Bénouville (right).
5th June, 2022, Pegasus Bridge, France
With veteran Joe Cattini at Colleville Montgomery. Joe has been a staunch supporter of the British Normandy Memorial in Ver sur Mer as the Trust Ambassador. He is ninety nine years old.
5th June, 2022, Colleville-Montgomery, France
The Spirit of Normandy Trust organizes an annual ceremony at the statue of Field Marshall Montgomery in Normandy. Emma was honoured to lead the hymns and anthems and to sing Amazing Grace with the Jedburgh Pipe Band.
5th June, 2022, Colleville-Montgomery, France
The C-47 Memorial Garden honours the 20 U.S. airmen who perished when their plane crashed there on 6th June, 1945. The garden was established in 2020 and Emma was honoured to sing during a remembrance ceremony in which the plinth was unveiled.
4th June, 2022, Picauville, France
Singing in Lourdes for veterans and serving military as part of the International Military Pilgrimage.
May, 2022, Lourdes, France
Singing for British Veterans traveling with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans to mark Dutch Remembrance Day. Tom Schaffer (centre) laid a wreath on the river near Grebbeberg Dutch Military Cemetery.
4th May, 2022, Grebbeberg, the Netherlands
A concert with the Band of Liberation at the Netherlands Veterans’ Institute to support their work.
1st May, 2022, Doorn, the Netherlands
On request of British veteran Alan King and his family, Emma recorded “The Holy City” for dear Alan’s funeral. She is grateful to pianist Anton Doornhein, Hans Brons, and members of the Pancras Consort for their participation.
5th February, 2022, Leiden, the Netherlands
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” in rehearsal to mark 100 years of the Ulster Tower. With the combined orchestras of Defence Force Ireland and the Royal Irish Regiment.
19th November, 2021, Albert, France
A short documentary in Dutch about soprano Erna Abramowitz, who sang in Camp Westerbork before she was murdered in Auschwitz in July, 1944. This was part of the 75 year anniversary of the Dutch War Graves Commission, whose aim is to raise awareness about the vulnerability of peace and the horrors of war. May Erna and her fellow Jews never be forgotten.
November, 2021, Westerborg, the Netherlands
Emma sang a remembrance ceremony for the Dutch special forces officer Tazelaar, who managed to return to Holland during the Second World War to try to establish contact between the occupied Netherlands and the troops stationed in England. It was a very risky operation.
20th November, 2021, Scheveningen, the Netherlands
“Danny Boy” in a concert to mark 100 years of the Ulster Tower. With the combined orchestras of Defence Force Ireland and the Royal Irish Regiment.
19th November, 2021, Albert, France
“Tell My Father” in a concert to mark 100 years of the Ulster Tower. With the combined orchestras of Defence Force Ireland and the Royal Irish Regiment.
19th November, 2021, Albert, France
Chief Rabbi Jacobs in the German War Cemetery. Photo: Ronald Hartsuiker
German Remembrance Day in Yselsteyn, the Netherlands, in the presence of Chief Rabbi Jacobs.
14th November, 2021, Yselsteyn, the Netherlands
Thiepval Monument to the Missing
Singing at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, on which the names of over 72,000 missing soldiers from the Battle of the Somme are remembered, for the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony.
11th November, 2021, Thiepval, France
Singing in Arras for the reopening of the Wellington Tunnels.
November, 2021, Arras, France
Singing during the unveiling of a monument Mariapeel, Limburg, the Netherlands, for 21 fallen British airmen from the Second World War.
A ceremony in La-Ville-aux-Bois CWGC cemetery in Northern France for representatives of the Durham Light Infantry and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
4th September, 2021, near Laon, France
Singing in Laon Cathedral, France, for the presentation of a remembrance Bluet from the Bishop of Durham.
3rd September, 2021, Laon, France
A remembrance video for the World Rugby Memorial, commemorating the rugby players of the First World War and subsequent wars.
Emma was honoured to sing for the funeral of Paul Moerman, the last Grenadier who fought at the Battle of Ypenburg at the oldest Dutch Second World War veteran. Rest in peace.
In the pretty village of Guillemont there is a Celtic Cross, a memorial to the 16th (Irish) Division who fought there during the Battle of the Somme. The Somme Association arranged a ceremony there, which was very small in scale due to the COVID restrictions, and yet huge in its poignancy.
1st July, 2020, Guillemont, France.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone,” sung at the Ulster Tower (Northern Ireland’s national war memorial) during the 104th commemoration of the Battle of the Somme, organised by the Somme Association. Due to the pandemic, the public was limited and socially-distanced. It was a humbling ceremony.
Ulster Tower, France, 1st July, 2020.
“Going Home” at the Ulster Tower (Northern Ireland’s national war memorial) during the 104th commemoration of the Battle of the Somme, organised by the Somme Association. The 36th (Ulster) Division suffered extreme casualties during the Battle of the Somme.
Ulster Tower, France, 1st July, 2020.
Singing at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing for the Royal British Legion’s 104th commemoration of the Battle of the Somme.
1st July, 2020, Thiepval, France.
“Can you hear me?” for U.K. Armed Forces Day, with M.O.D. footage of the military supporting civilians during the pandemic.
Emma was part of a video for the 76th anniversary of D-Day from the organisation D-Day Revisited. Due to the lockdown, veterans were unable to make their pilgrimage to Normandy this year.
6th June, 2020, filmed in Leiden, the Netherlands
Commemorating the Battle of Ypenburg at the beginning of the Second World War in the Netherlands, eighty years later. The ceremony was broadcast on Omroep West, and, due to the pandemic, no public were present. 10th May, 2020.
Emma provided music for a virtual parade for VE Day, which included over 350 Royal British Legion Standard Bearers.
8th May, 2020, filmed in Leiden, the Netherlands
Emma joined the choir of her primary school to make a music video for VE Day. Enjoy!
7th May, 2020, filmed in Leiden, the Netherlands
Singing for Dutch Remembrance Day in Leiden, the Netherlands. The ceremony, which, due to the pandemic was carried out with few people present and no public, was broadcast live on Sleutelstad television. 4th May, 2020.
“I am a poor wayfaring stranger,” for a virtual commemoration of the Battle of Arras, France, 1917. Recorded in Leiden, the Netherlands. April, 2020.
A virtual commemoration of the the Battle of Arras, France, 1917. Recorded in Leiden, the Netherlands. April, 2020.
The Guards’ Remembrance Association of the Netherlands commemorates the British Guardsmen who fought in the Netherlands. Emma was invited to speak at their first symposium, presenting a paper about the traditions of remembrance in the United Kingdom and about her work singing for remembrance and veterans. February, 2020.
To mark seventy-five years after the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp, the Protestant Community of the Hooglandse Kerk in Leiden invited Emma to sing the lament “Hashivenu.” January, 2020.
The German day of remembrance, Volkstrauertag, falls on the third Sunday of November. Emma sang in Ysselsteyn war cemetery in the Netherlands, where over 32,000 fallen servicemen are buried. British veteran John Sleep (pictured) presented a hand-carved cross of peace at the ceremony. November, 2019.
Singing for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Venray, the Netherlands. October, 2019.
The remembrance ceremony in the Pieterskerk in Leiden, the Netherlands, with the Central Royal Military Band of the Netherlands Army “Johan Willem Friso,” the Leidse Cantorij, and conductor Major Tijmen Botma.
Singing in Mierlo-Hout, the Netherlands, as part of the town’s commemorations marking seventy-five years since the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Scheldt in 1944-1945.
22nd September, 2019, Mierlo-Hout, the Netherlands
“We’ll Meet Again” at the GelreDome stadium for over 22,000 football fans and veterans from Operation Market Garden, at the Airborne football match between Vitesse and Fortuna-Sittard.
21st September, 2019, Arnhem, the Netherlands
Singing in the Eusebius Kerk, Arnhem, the Netherlands for the 75th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, in the presence of veterans and HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and Prof. Mr. Pieter van Vollenhoven.
20th September, 2019, Arnhem, the Netherlands
Singing in St. Ann’s Anglican chapel on HMNB Portsmouth, during a service of Remembrance at the Spirit of Normandy Trust’s D-Day Reunion weekend. 8th September, 2019 Portsmouth, UK.
With Royal Navy veteran Patrick Thomas at the Spirit of Normandy Trust’s D-Day Reunion weekend. 8th September, 2019 Portsmouth, UK.
“Land of Hope and Glory” with the band of HMS Nelson, sung during the Spirit of Normandy Trust’s D-Day Reunion weekend. 7th September, 2019 Portsmouth, UK.
“Roses of Picardy” with pianist Aled Maddock at Amiens Cathedral.
29th June, 2019, Picardy, France
Singing at the Ulster Tower, Northern Ireland’s national war memorial. It commemorates all those from Ulster who served in the First World War, and it is built on soil soaked by the blood of the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division: in just two days of fighting 5,500 officers and enlisted men were killed, wounded or missing on 1st and 2nd July, 1916.
1st July, 2019, France, Somme Association
“Going Home” at the Irish Memorial in Guillemont. More than 1,200 men from the 16th (Irish) Division were killed between 3rd and 9th September, 1916, fighting to liberate the small village of Guillemont and the neighbouring village of Ginchy.
1st July, 2019, France
“You’ll Never Walk Alone,” sung with the male-voice choir of Ystalyfera Welsh School and pianisit Aled Maddock at the Thiepval Memorial to the missing on the 103rd anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
1st July, 2019, France
Singing with SHAPE Band of NATO at the Thiepval Memorial. We performed “Keep the Home Fires Burning” as the VIPs shook hands with the standard bearers.
1st July, 2019, France
Emma was absolutely honoured to have been invited to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the US Mission to the EU’s Independence Day celebration in Brussels. Here she is on stage with Minister Councillor for Public Affairs Christina Tomlinson (left), Ambassador Gordon Sondland (middle), and High Representative Federica Mogherini (right).
4th June, 2019, Auto World, Brussels, Belgium.
Meeting the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker-Bowles, at the Veterans’ Marquee after the D-Day commemorations in Bayeux, Normandy, France. 6th June, 2019.
Prince Charles attended the VVIPs reception at Bayeux on 6the June, 2019, after commemorations to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Emma sang for the veterans, their carers, and the VVIPs. For videos, please scroll down.
Meeting the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May, at the Veterans’ Marquee after the D-Day commemorations in Bayeux, Normandy, France. 6th June, 2019.
A liberation concert with the Band of Liberation and Pipes, under conductor Simon Dubbelaar, at the magnificent castle in Bénouville, France. 6th June, 2019, Bénouville, France.
Photo: Ben Maynes
“We’ll Meet Again,” by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, with The Central Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment under Flt Lt Thomas Rodda. Following the annual remembrance ceremony in Arromanches, Emma Brown led the veterans in the song “We’ll Meet Again.” She was joined by D-Day veteran Len Fox (R.A.S.C. att. 53rd Welsh Div.). Len landed on Gold Beach on 6th June, 1944. He participated in the liberation of Bayeux. After being wounded in Tilly-sur-Seulles, he participated in the liberation of Brussels and fought in La Roche en Ardennes. In the Netherlands, he fought in Operation Market Garden and the liberation of Den Bosch. His service during the Second World War concluded with the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration Camp. He served a further two years in the army and was demobbed in 1947. Len – it was an absolute honour to sing with you and thank you for all you did. 6th June, 2019, Arromanches, France.
Each year, from 23:30 on 5th June, people gather at the statue of Major John Howard for the ‘Midnight Ceremony’ next to Pegasus Bridge. Major Howard used to hold a toast at the bridge each year. His daughter, Penny Howard-Bates, has upheld this tradition. A recording of Major Howard’s account of the glider landings is played, and a toast is raised at 00:16 – the moment when the first glider landed. 5th June, Ranville, France.
In the VVIP’s tent at Bayeux, on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. “Jerusalem” composer: Hubert Parry, poet: William Blake, The Central Band of the Royal British Legion, conductor David Coles OBE Emma Brown, mezzo-soprano. After the D-Day 75 commemorations in Bayeux cathedral and CWGC Bayeux War Cemetery, the Royal British Legion gave a reception and lunch for the veterans and VVIPs, including HRH The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prime Minister Theresa May, and the leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn. 5th June, 2019, Bayeux, Normandy, France.
In the VVIP’s tent at Bayeux, on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. “Rule, Britannia!” composer: Thomas Arne, poet: James Thomson, The Central Band of the Royal British Legion, conductor David Coles OBE, Emma Brown, mezzo-soprano. After the D-Day 75 commemorations in Bayeux cathedral and CWGC Bayeux War Cemetery, the Royal British Legion gave a reception and lunch for the veterans and VVIPs, including HRH The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prime Minister Theresa May, and the leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn. 5th June, 2019, Bayeux, Normandy, France.
In the VVIP’s tent at Bayeux, on the 75th anniversary of D-Day. “Land of Hope and Glory,” composer: Edward Elgar, poet A.C. Benson. The Central Band of the Royal British Legion, conductor David Coles OBE, Emma Brown, mezzo-soprano. After the D-Day 75 commemorations in Bayeux cathedral and CWGC Bayeux War Cemetery, the Royal British Legion gave a reception and lunch for the veterans and VVIPs, including HRH The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prime Minister Theresa May, and the leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn. 5th June, 2019, Bayeux, Normandy, France.
Singing for the unveiling of a plaque to two airmen on the existing memorial at Grangues. In the early hours of 6thJune, 1944, two Stirling planes crashed near Grangues killing 44 people. 8 survivors were captured, taken prisoner, and shot in the woods. They are commemorated on a memorial in the beautiful commune of Grangues, where, each year, people assemble to pay their respects. Emma sang ‘Amazing Grace’ and led the national anthems of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France.
On 5th June, 2019, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the Spirit of Normandy Trust arranged a commemoration in Colleville-Montgomery at the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery. During the wreath-laying, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment played “Requiem for a Soldier,” with conductor Thomas Rodda.
5th June, 2019, Colleville-Montgomery, Normandy, France.
Singing “Amazing Grace” for the late Ray Shuck. Ray landed in Normandy in a Horsa Glider on 6thJune 1944 with the 6thAirborne division and helped capture Pegasus Bridge. He was seriously wounded in Ranville and left for dead. By sheer luck, someone noticed his leg was twitching. He was sent back to England and recovered, and lived into his mid nineties. The team from D-Day revisited placed a small, wooden cross for him in the church in Ranville.
The six glider stones at the Pegasus Memorial Museum represent the six gliders which landed in the early hours of 6th June 1944. Members of the 43rd and 52nd Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry managed to capture Pegasus Bridge and Horsa Bridge, which was vital for the D-Day landings the next morning. On 5th June, 2019, a ceremony was held at the Glider Stones to mark the 75th anniversary of Operation Deadstick. Emma sang ‘I vow to thee, my country’ and ‘Abide with me.’ A collection was taken for The Veterans’ Charity. 5th June, 2019, Ranville, Normandy, France.
A spontaneous street concert with the Band of Liberation after the Liberation Parade in Wageningen, the Netherlands. The official surrender in the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War was signed in Wageningen, so it is the centre of events on Liberation Day. 5th May, 2019, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
Reichswald Forest War Cemetery is the largest CWGC cemetery in Germany. 7,494 servicemen are buried there, who perished during the Second World War. Emma sang there for British veterans on Dutch Remembrance Day. 4thMay, 2019, Reichswald Forest, Germany.
Singing on Dutch remembrance day at CWGC Oosterbeek cemetery in the Netherlands, for British veterans traveling with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. 4th May, 2019, Oosterbeek, the Netherlands.
A service of remembrance in Heteren, the Netherlands. On 23rd September, 1944, three British aeroplanes crashed in Heteren, the Netherlands. All twenty-one crew members died in the crash, and they are buried in the village cemetery. 4th May, 2019, Heteren, the Netherlands.
Singing during the official opening of the Garden of Peace (“Pipers’ Place”) in CWGC Faubourg d’Amiens, Arras. 9th April, 2019, Arras, France.
The dawn ceremony at the Wellington Tunnels in Arras, commemorating the Battle of Arras in 1917. 9th April, 2019, Arras, France.
“I am dreaming of the mountains of my home…” Emma sang an informal concert for the residents of the Gurkha Welfare Trust’s residential home in Pokhara, Nepal, on 18th March, 2019. The residents included veterans from the Second World War, Burma, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, and other campaigns, and the widows of Gurkhas.
With Rfn Chandra Gurung, who was taken prisoner of war by the Japanese during the war in Burma.
With a Gurkha widow at the Gurkha Welfare Trust’s residential home in Pokhara, Nepal. She told us how afraid she had been that her husband would never return, and then she offered to paint Emma’s nails. The residents sang Nepalese songs and invited us to dance with them.
The residents of the Gurkha Welfare Trust’s residential home in Pokhara, Nepal. Emma sang an informal concert there on 18th March, 2019.
Psalmus VI, Constantijn Huygens (1596-1687), arranged for guitar by Robert Sinha (gutairist). Performed 16th February, 2019, in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during the annual remembrance ceremony for Admiral De Ruyter, organised by Foundation Michiel de Ruyter. Huygens and his wife were acquaintances with the De Ruyters.
“Meeres Stille,” Op. 3 No. 2, Franz Schubert and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, arranged for guitar by Robert Sinha (guitarist). The Dutch Admiral de Ruyter led the Dutch fleet during the Anglo-Dutch wars and helped free Christian slaves.
“Sea Fever,” John Ireland and John Masefield, arranged for guitar by Robert Sinha (guitarist). Performed 16th February, 2019, in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during the annual commemoration ceremony for Admiral De Ruyter, organised by Foundation Michiel de Ruyter.
As part of the Leiden International Military Tattoo, Emma sang in a show to mark the centenary of the armistice of the First World War in Western Europe. Whilst she sang “I’m Dreaming of Home” with K&G3, members of the Band of Liberation marched past dressed as soldiers of the First World War.
Accompanying Tosh MacDonald of Jedburgh Pipe Band on HMY Britannia. Tosh was playing the Millin-Montgomery pipes.
Piper “Bill” Millin famously played the pipes whilst marching up and down the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. He later learned that he had not been shot because the Germans had simply assumed his was insane.
Millin’s son was present at the Christmas dinner, organised by the charity D-Day Revisited.
Tuesday, 2nd December, 2018, Edinburgh, Scotland.
With veteran Oliver Coulthard on HMY Britannia. The charity D-Day Revisited, which supports veterans and their families returning to Normandy, organised a Christmas dinner for veterans, carers, and friends which was hosted by Rear Admiral Neil E. Rankin onboard HMY Britannia. Emma sang Amazing Grace before dinner and led an informal sing along at the piano.
For more information about Oliver, please follow this link.
Tuesday, 2nd December, 2018, Edinburgh, Scotland.
At the piano with veteran Ron Minton after the D-Day revisited Christmas dinner on the former royal yacht Britannia. The piano on HMY Britannia has been played by HRHs Princess Anne, Margaret, and Alexandra, as well as by Sir Noel Coward.
Please take the time to watch this short video of Mr. Minton talking about the Battle of Normandy. The charity D-Day Revisited took Mr. Minton and two other veterans to visit Chateau de la Londe to work out where they had fought.
Tuesday, 2nd December, 2018, Edinburgh, Scotland.
With veteran Patrick Thomas on HMS Britannia. Patrick was one of the few survivors of landing craft LCH185 which was sunk by a sea mine off the coast of Normandy. The vessel was found by archaeologist John Henry Philips. Emma sang at the unveiling of a memorial to the crew earlier this year.
To read more, please follow this link.
Tuesday, 2nd December, 2018, Edinburgh, Scotland.
The German war cemetery in Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands, has around 32,000 buried officersand men, many of whom are unidentified. There are also some First War War soldiers whose bodies were carried to the Netherlands by the river. Emma sang “Lascia ch’io pianga” from Handel’s Rinaldo during a humbling, dignified ceremony for Volkstrauertag. 18th November, 2018, Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands.
British veteran John Sleep presented a wooden cross to the German war cemetery in Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands. Mr. Sleep fought in Africa and Italy before landing on Sword Beach on D-Day. He was injured in 1944 in Limburg, the Netherlands, when a German tank fired a shell at him. Mr. Sleep is still grateful to the tank crew for saving his life, since he is certain they fired to injure, not to kill. The inscription on the cross reads “Peace with All Nations.” Mr. Sleep visited the German Cemetery in Ysselsteyn, the Netherlands, for the German remembrance day (Volkstrauertag), and on his request Emma was invited to sing.
To conclude her journey on remembrance weekend, Emma visited the German cemetery at Langemark with the Welsh Guards Pilgrims. 12th November, 2018, Langemark, Belgium.
Emma joined the Welsh Guards Pilgrims to visit the graves of Welsh Guards who were killed during the First World War. We visited the grave of James Thomas 3313 in CWGC Artillery Wood. Kelvyn Jenkins played the Last Post and Emma sang Abide with Me. 12th November, 2018, Artillery Wood, Belgium.
Emma was honoured to have been awarded honorary life membership to the Friends of the Tank Memorial Ypres Salient, and the position of ambassador to the memorial. She sang during a ceremony on 11th November in which soil taken from CWGC cemeteries with fallen tank crew was scattered in a garden of remembrance. 11th November, 2018, Poelkapelle, Belgium.
Photo: Gunther Verhaverbeke
Emma joined the West Yorkshire Police Band to sing in the afternoon ceremony in CWGC Tyne Cot cemetery. There are around12,000 burials at Tyne Cot, the largest British cemetery in Belgium, and over 33,000 missing service men are listed on the walls. 11th November, 2018, Tyne Cot, Belgium.
The aria “Lascia ch’io pianga” from Handel’s opera ‘Rinaldo,’ sung during the wreath-laying at the centenary of the armistice of the First World War. With the Band of the Hampshire Constabulary and conductor Simon Morgen, 11th November, 2018, CWGC Thiepval Monument to the Missing of the Somme, France.
Emma sang during the Royal British Legion’s remembrance service at the CWGC Thiepval Monument to the Missing of the Somme, a vast edifice on which over missing 72,000 officers and men are commemorated. For more information about the ceremony, please see this article in The Times newspaper. 11th November, 2018, Thiepval, France.
As part of “La Grande Veillée” (the Great Vigil), Battlefields by 4×4 lit up the graves at CWGC Houdain Lane. Houdain Lane is reached by a series of muddy farm tracks. Emma sang “O Valiant Hearts” during a late night ceremony, led by Carl Liversage. 10th November, 2018, Tilly-les-Mofflaines, France.
To honour those who would see no dawn on the armistice of the First World War, the French region of Pays d’Artois, through which the Western Front passed, lit up the graves of fallen service men and women in “La Grande Veillée” (the Great Vigil). Emma sang at the opening ceremony in CWGC Faubourg d’Amiens, and guided six children from her alma mater, Nottingham Girls High School. 10th November, 2018, Arras, France.
On 1st November, seventy four years after the liberation of the Dutch island of Walcheren, the ashes of Commando Patrick Churchill were scattered on the beach on which he landed. Emma was invited to sing Amazing Grace at his memorial, in a private ceremony. Vlissingen, the Netherlands.
At the ‘First World War Reminiscence Charity Gala’ in Charing Cross Theatre, London: a fundraising event for charities supporting veterans.
“Tell my Father,” lyrics by Frank Wildhorn, music Jack Murphy, from the musical “The American Civil War” by Gregory Boyd and Frank Wildhorn, arranged for piano by E.J.E. Brown.
28th October, 2018, London, U.K.
Singing “The Star Spangled Banner” during the US CentennialWorld War One ceremony at ABMC Flanders Fields cemetery, with SHAPE band of NATO and conductor James Bettencourt. 27th October, 2018, Waregem, Belgium.
“In Flanders Fields” by John Jacobson and Roger Emerson, arranged by Dominique Lecomte. SHAPE band of NATO and conductor James Bettencourt. Sung during the US Official World War One Centenary Ceremony at ABMC In Flanders Field American War Cemetery, 27th October, 2018, Waregem, Belgium.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Turner van Straubenzee of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (1876-1918) was killed in the line of duty on 9th October, 2018, just over a month before the end of the First World War. Members of his family from Canada, the US, and Britain organised and attended a ceremony at his grave in CWGC Prémont British Cemetery, France.
Who are we now? His legacy… our very selves.
Hilary Walker
Each year in the pretty town of Driel, the Netherlands, a ceremony is held at the memorial to the 7th Battalion Hampshire Regiment. Forty-two service men died fighting at Driel between 23rd September and 4th October 1944 during Operation Market Garden.
The foundation Stichting Never Forget Them ensures this annual ceremony continues. Even today, seventy-four years later, the townsfolk are grateful to the regiment for the risks and sacrifices they made for the town’s liberation.
Singing in the rain during the Airborne Memorial Service at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, the Netherlands. Around 1,600 British, Commonwealth, Dutch, and Polish service men are buried in the cemetery. Each year, a service is held in English, Dutch, and Polish to commemorate the fallen. In spite of the rain, several thousand people attended including veterans of the airborne divisions. With conductor Jurgen Nab and the Royal Harmony Orchestra of Oosterbeek, 23rd September 2018.
There is a beautiful annual tradition at the Arnhem Oosterbeek war cemetery: local children lay flowers on every single grave. Before placing the flower at the tomb stone, they whisper the name of the service man who is buried there – when the name is known. 23rd September, 2018, Oosterbeek, the Netherlands
“Jerusalem,” by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry (1848 – 1918) and William Blake (1757-1827), sung during the wreath-laying at the Airborne Ceremony at CWGC Arnhem-Oosterbeek, the Netherlands, 23rd September, 2018. Koninklijke Harmonie Oosterbeek under conductor Jurgen Nab.
The secret of happiness is freedom.
The secret of freedom is courage.
Thucydides
This citation is carved on the monument underneath the names of the five crew members of Dakota FZ626 who perished when the pilot, after the plane was shot, crash landed her into the very guns that were firing at her. The monument was unveiled at Schaarsbergen on 21st September, 2018.
Gé Bijlsma was a child of Arnhem. He was four when he was suddenly dragged into a cellar by his grandmother when the battle commenced. They stayed in hiding for over a week.
Gé kindly gave me his book “Oma, gaan we nou dood?” (‘Grandma, do you think we’re going to die?’), written by Marike Spee. Highly recommended, it is written in accessible Dutch and describes the confusion, curiosity, and distress of a young child during a war.
Renkum, the Netherlands, 21st September 2018.
Singing “Amazing Grace” during the unveiling ceremony of the Airborne Monument in Renkum, the Netherlands, commemorating the service men of the Airborne Division who fought during Operation Market Garden.
Glider Pilot Frank Ashleigh (pictured) and Parachuter Steven Morgan unveiled a monument on 21st September 2018 in Renkum, the Netherlands, to commemorate the Airborne Division . Both fought in the area in 1944, seventy-four years ago. Frank has been campaigning to give the glider operations more recognition. Almost all the troops, vehicles, arms, and supplies were brought to the Netherlands in gliders.
With Len Fox at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, the largest CWGC cemetery in Germany. It is the final resting place of around 7,500 British, Commonwealth, and Polish service men. Len landed on Gold Beach on 6th June, 1944. He fought in the liberation of Bayeux, Brussens, and s’Hertogenbosch. He was also among the liberators of the concentration camp at Belsen. He traveled to the Netherlands with the Stichting Nederland-Amerika.
Singing in Hechtel, Belgium for the Welsh Guards Association at the Sherman Tank Memorial. The Welsh Guards fought at Hechtel during the Second World War. In 1944, they helped capture ‘Joe’s Bridge,’ a wooden bridge over the Bocholt-Herentals Canal, which became a strategic point in Operation Market-Garden.
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was founded in 1948. The charity provides outings, entertainment, and support for veterans, and organises trips abroad to the battle fields in which veterans fought. Emma was invited to give an informal concert for a party of veterans visiting the Netherlands in early September.
United Pipers for Peace, 1918-2018, was a gathering of around 400 bagpipers in the French city of Amiens. Emma sang ‘Amazing Grace’ in Amiens Cathedral with the massed bands during a remembrance ceremony. She also participated in concerts in the town square. With Drum Major Derek Dean.
Leading the massed bands in ‘Amazing Grace’ during a remembrance ceremony in Amiens Cathedral, France, for United Pipers for Peace. With Pipe Major Tom Jamieson and Drum Major Derek Dean of the Huntley and District Pipe Band. There were around 400 pipers in the massed bands.
Singing at the memorial for the 16th(Irish) Division in Guillemont, France. The 16th(Irish) Division lost over half their men fighting for Guillemont and Ginchy. With the Rt Hon. Karen Bradley MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the Reverent Patrick Irwin, the Royal British Legion Chaplain to Normandy.
The Ulster Tower commemorates the men of Ulster who fell in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. In particular, the 36th(Ulster) Division suffered heavy casualties. Emma sang at a ceremony on 1stJuly, 2018, organised by The Somme Association. Ulster Tower, Thiepval, France.
The CWGC memorial to the missing at Thiepval is the largest commonwealth memorial to the missing. Over 72,000 names of missing service men are inscribed on the monument. All went missing during the Battle of the Somme in 1917. Emma sang at the Royal British Legion’s ceremony on 1stJuly, 102 years after the start of the Battle of the Somme.
Singing for the Royal British Legion’s Cyclists’ arrival in Thiepval. The cyclists travelled from London to Ypres, raising over £45,000 for the Royal British Legion. Emma sang for their arrival at the CWGC memorial to the missing at Thiepval, France.
My last ceremony in Normandy this year was for the victims of the First World War. Twenty-nine young men, boys even, from the tiny and idyllic village of Grangues are remembered on a memorial next to the village church. It was poignant to commemorate them, especially with so many D-Day veterans present. Grangues, Normandy, France.
A ceremony for those killed at Grangues in a tragic mix-up, held by the memorial with the people of the village and the Taxi Veterans party. After mistaking the River Orne for the River Dives, two Stirling planes were shot down close to the castle at Grangues. Shortly afterwards, two Horsa gliders crashed in the grounds of the castle. The survivors were shot rather than taken as prisoners of war. Grangues, Normandy, France.
D-Day veteran Patrick Thomas was on landing craft LHC185 looking for survivors of HMS Swift when the landing craft was sunk by an Acoustic Mine. He saw his friend, Jack Barringer, drown. Archaeologist John Henry Philips located the landing craft, arranged for a monument to be built, and contacted the relatives of Jack Barringer to introduce them to Patrick. It was a very moving ceremony and Patrick unveiled the monument himself. Lion sur Mer, Normandy, France.
The British ceremony in Arromanches. All were invited to lay wreaths and say the names of those who they wished to commemorate. Normandy, France.
Singing during the wreath laying at CWGC Bayeux Cemetery. Normandy, France.
Singing “I vow to thee my county” during the Royal British Legion’s D-Day remembrance service at Bayeux Cathedral. Normandy, France.
Singing during the Midnight Ceremony at the bust of Major John Howard. Major Howard led the glider landings in the night of 6th June. He visited the site with his men after the war and recounted the story of the glider landings. Today, a recording of his speech is played and a toast is held to commemorate the glider crews. Bénouville, Normandy, France.
With Reginald Charles at the Mayor of Bénouville’s veterans’ dinner. Reginald served in France, Holland, and Germany during the Second World War, including the Normandy Campaign and the Battle of the Bulge. Bénouville, Normandy, France.
The ashes of Paratrooper Ronald Tucker were scattered at Merville Battery on his request. Tucker’s life was saved by a crucifix in his pocket, off which a bullet richoched. He was the last survivor from his regiment, and the last D-Day veteran from Teeside. In his own words, he was the “Last of the rear party – joining the main battalion, at last with my brothers.” Normandy, France.
In Bréville les Monts. The townsfolk visit monuments to the Highlanders, the Princess Irene Brigade (Netherlands), the 9th Parachute Battalion, and the 6th British Airborne Division before visiting the CWGC graves nestled among the civilian graves in their churchyard. Bréville les Monts, Normandy, France.
Singing for the 9th (Eastern and Home Counties) Parachute Battalion ceremony in Gonneville en Auge. They landed around Gonneville en Auge and managed to silence the Merville Gun Battery, thus assisting the British landings at Sword Beach. Their dog, Glen, was killed in the fighting. He is buried with his handler at CWGC Ranville. Gonneville en Auge, Normandy, France.
Singing at CWGC Ranville cemetery for the veterans travelling with D-Day revisited. Ray Shuck landed in Ranville on 6th June and was shot in the head. He was given last rites in a nearby church. He was fortunate and survived his injury and woke up in England some time later. He asked a nurse “Parlez-vous Anglais?” and she replied “Of course I do, you daft bugger!” Ray returned to Ranville this year to visit his comrades in the CWGC cemetery. Ranville, Normandy, France.
With Victor Urch in Colleville-Montgomery. It’s always wonderful to reunite with the veterans following the ceremonies. Colleville-Montgomery, Normandy, France.
After the Spirit of Normandy Trust’s ceremony at Colleville-Montgomery, a seaside town named after General Montgomery. Colleville-Montgomery, Normandy, France.
Singing at the Glider Stones by Pegasus Bridge for the 2nd Battalion The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Sixteen minutes into D-Day, five gliders landed in this small field by the Caen Canal. The sixth missed its target. All six gliders are commemorated by the stones. Ranville, Normandy, France.
With Susan Patton, descendant of General Patton, just before the ceremony at the ABMC US cemetery in Colleville sur Mer. Normandy, France.
Singing for the Native American ceremony at the US ceremony in Colleville sur Mer. Many Native Americans volunteered to fight in the Second World War, even though they had few rights in the U.S. The ceremony combined Christian and Native American traditions. Veteran Charles Shay of the Penobscot Tribe was present. He was a medic who landed on Omaha Beach. Colleville sur Mer, Normandy, France.
The RAF Second Tactical Air force landed on Omaha Beach on 6th June, 1944, to provide ground-controlled radar protection for the American troops landing on Omaha Beach. Vierville sur Mer had one of the few roads in land. Other troops landing on Omaha Beach had to scale cliffs. Vierville sur Mer, Normandy, France.
Singing for the parade in Carentan, with members of the cast of Band of Brothers who were visiting Normandy to meet D-Day veterans. Carentan was strategically vital for securing the landing points at Utah Beach and Omaha Beach and moving inland. Carentan, Normandy, France.
With Commando Patrick Churchill at Vierville sur Mer, a pretty village overlooking Omaha Beach. Patrick landed on June Beach Normandy in 1944. He looked contemplative as he stared out to sea. Vierville sur Mer, Normandy, France.
Singing for British veterans in Heteren, the Netherlands, on Dutch Remembrance Day, 4th May, 2018. The veterans were traveling with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
With Glider Pilot Frank Ashleigh at Oosterbeek Cemetery, the Netherlands. Frank and his fellow pilot, Bernard Cummins, were separated after they landed their glider. Frank spent four days sheltering in the organ loft of St. Bernulphus Church before he was taken prisoner of war. On that same day, Cummins was killed. He is buried at Oosterbeek, and Frank visits his grave as often as he can. He said that until they were separated, he and Bernard had done everything together in the war – everything except flirting, because Bernard was married. Photograph: Dick Goodwin
Whilst may people associate paratroopers with Operation Market Garden, it was actually gliders that did the bulk of the work, transporting service men, tanks, jeeps, guns – all that was needed for the war effort. Paratroopers were sent in to prepare the ground for the gliders. Made of wood and canvas, a glider was only used once. After landing, the tail was removed in order to take out the cargo. This has given rise to the rumour that they crash-landed, but in fact crash landing were rare. This was told to me by Glider Pilot Frank Ashleigh as we walked in Oosterbeek Cemetery. Photograph: Dick Goodwin
With Commando No. 4 Roy Maxwell at Oosterbeek Cemetery, the Netherlands. Over 1,600 service men are buried at the cemetery, 244 of whom are unidentified. They participated in Operation Market Garden, an attempt to regain territory from the Third Reich. Roy was traveling on a tour organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. On Dutch Remembrance Day, 4th May, 2018, they visited the cemetery. The glider pilot veterans laid wreaths and Emma sang “Abide with Me.”
Photograph: Dick Goodwin
Singing during the 30,011th Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. Lieutenant Colonel Christophe Onraet, Military Commander of West Flanders, lays a wreath to commemorate the Tanks Regiment.
“Nearer My God to Thee”
Words: Sarah Flower Adams, music: “Bethany” Lowell Mason
15th April, 2018
To mark the centenary of the Fourth Battle of Ypres, a service was held at St. George’s Memorial Church, Ypres. St. George’s was designed by Reginald Blom, who also designed the Menin Gate. The service focused on commemorating the members of the Tank Corps.
“Only Remembered,” Horatius Bonar and Stephen Quigg
Singing during the Tank Memorial Ypres Salient commemorations for members of the Tank Corps who fought and fell during the Battle of the Lys (1918). The Royal Tank Regiment was formed in 1916. On the Western Front, tanks were vulnerable in the muddy conditions. Members of the Tank Corps often fought alongside infantry. A ceremony was held at their memorial in Poelkapelle, Belgium. Photograph: Eric Compernolle 15th April, 2018
The wall of remembrance at the Wellington Tunnels lists the regiments and the battalions which fought during the Battle of Arras (1917). 24,000 men sheltered for 8 days in the tunnels before the Battle of Arras. The battle, which last 37 days, had the highest number of casualties anywhere on the Western Front with an average of one casualty every 20 seconds.
With Carl Liversage, CWGC.
9th April, 2018, Arras, France
Photograph: Eric Compernolle
Amazing Grace during the commemorations of the Battle of Arras at the Wellington Tunnels (Carriére Wellington), Arras.
Singing for the commemorations of the Battle of Arras (1917) at Carrière Wellington / the Wellington Tunnels. The total casualties was over 300,000.
9th April, 2018, Arras, France
Photograph: Eric Compernolle
The Last Post ceremony in the Menin Gate on 11th November, 2017. Over 54,000 British and Commonwealth missing from the Battles of Ypres are commemorated on the monument. Emma sang “O Valiant Hearts” and “Abide with Me” during the evening ceremony.
Tyne Cot is the largest Commonwealth war cemetery, with over 12,000 burials and 35,000 missing soldiers, including the names which did not fit on the Menin Gate. Emma sang “Pokarakare Ana” for the New Zealanders and “Abide with Me” in the presence of the Ambassadors of France, Germany, and Great Britain on Remembrance Day 2017.
Photograph: Gregory Verfaille
The Island of Ireland Peace Park commemorates the Irish who died and went missing during the First World War. It is also a symbol of peace between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, since it was opened by both HM Queen Elizabeth II and President McAleese and it displays a peace pledge. Emma sang “Londonderry Air” (above) and “Abide with Me” during the Remembrance Day ceremony.
The monument at Black Watch Corner commemorates the members of the Black Watch who perished in the first Battle of Ypres. More than 8,960 Black Watch officers and solders were killed during the First World War and a further 20,000 were wounded. During a beautiful ceremony attended by current members of the Black Watch, Emma sang “Eriskey Love Lilt” (featured), and “Going Home.”
Photo: Eric Compernolle
579 casualties from the First World War are buried at CWGC Messines Ridge, Belgium, and a further 828 missing are commemorated on the New Zealand Memorial to the Missing. Emma sang Pokarekare Ana on Remembrance Day, 2017.
Photograph: Sandy Evrard
A ceremony was held in the town square in Passchendaele, Belgium, to commemorate those who fought during the First World War. The Act of Remembrance was read in English, Flemmish, French, and Ojibwe, the language of the Native Indians. Emma sang “Requiem for a Soldier.” Photo: Eric Compernolle
https://globalnews.ca/video/3855891/shocking-revelations-in-lost-war-diaries
On 10th November a ceremony was held at Crest Farm Canadian Memorial Park in Passchendaele, Belgium, to commemorate the Canadian soldiers who fought to liberate Passchendaele during the First World War. Among those present were the great grandchildren of Francis Pegamagabow, the most decorated Native Indian to fight in World War One, the Canadian Ambassador to Belgium, and representatives from the Canadian government.
Photo: Eric Compernolle
On 10th November Emma sang in a prom concert in Passchendale for the Canadian Remembrance ceremonies, together with folksinger Alan Brydon, The Swigshift, Harmonie St. Cecelia Beselare, and Field Marshal Haig’s Own Pipes & Drums, in the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to Belgium Olivier Nicoloff, the Belgian Minister of Defense, and other representatives.
Photo: Gregory Verfaille
Corporal John Sleep, who fought in Algiers, Italy, and Normandy before marching to Venray, the Netherlands, was asked in 2016 to make a short documentary about his involvement in the Second World War. Emma was invited to sing at the presentation of the documentary. It is available on YouTube via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDsyDrpQ-3E
In 1944, the allied forces reentered the Netherlands after four years of Nazi occupation. They found people starving. Each year in September, the town of Venray holds a remembrance ceremony in the CWGC graveyard to commemorate those who perished. Veterans also attend and hand out chocolate to the children of the town as they did in 1944. Emma sang “Amaing Grace” during this moving ceremony.
On 12th September, Emma sang for the remembrance ceremony of Stichting Nederland-America in the ABMC cemetery in Margraten, the Netherlands, to commemorate those who participated in the Second World War. She sang “Abide with Me” and “How Great thou Art.”
Singing “How Great Thou Art” for American, Dutch, Canadian, and British World War Two Veterans at the ABMC cemetery in Margraten, the Netherlands, commemorating the Second World War. There are over 8,000 burials at the imposing Margraten war cemetery.
To mark one hundred years to the minute since the start of the Battle of Passchendaele, at 05:50 CET on 31st July, 2017, a World War One cannon was fired at the Welsh Memorial in Langemark, Belgium. Emma sang as part of the Remembrance ceremony, which was broadcast on Belgian television and filmed by BBC Cymru. Photograph: Will Vickery
A First World War canon is fired in Passchendaele, Belgium, 100 years to the minute since the beginning of the Battle of Passchendaele.
An intimate ceremony at CWGC Artillery Wood, Belgium, with the Welsh Guards Pilgrims to honour the memory of 3313 Thomas. His granddaughter was present to lay a wreath on his grave. This was during the centenary of the Battle of Passchendaele. Photograph: Liz Millward
O Valiant Hearts, Poem: Sir John Stanhope Arkwright, Music: Rev. Dr. Charles Harris, with the Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Air Force, Conductor Captain Matty Cilissen
During this song, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission let 20,000 poppy petals flutter down from the gate.
Singing for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the ninetieth anniversary of the Menin Gate, a memorial to over 54,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who have no known grave. Lord Plumber said in 1927 when the gate was unveiled “now it can be said of each one in whose honour we are assembled here
today: ‘He is not missing; he is here.’” Here is a link to one of the songs Emma sung. Photo: CWGC
A setting of John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” by John Jacobson and Roger Emerson, arranged for the Royal Belgian Airforce Orchestra by Deputy Conductor Dominique Lecomte. From the ninetieth anniversary of the Commonwealth War Graves’ Commission Menin Gate.
Singing during the Royal British Legion’s Ceremony of Remembrance at the Thiepval Memorial, 1st July, 2017, 101 years after the Battle of the Somme.
“Blow the Wind Southerly” during the Royal British Legion’s Ceremony of Remembrance for those who fought in the Battle of the Somme.
Singing “Abide with Me” during a ceremony led by Dame Patricia Hawkins-Windsor MBE at the Ulster Tower, France, to commemorate those who served in the Battle of the Somme. On the first day of the battle of the Somme alone, over 4,900 men and officers of the 36th Ulster Division were wounded or lost their lives. 1st July, 2017.
Singing for Leiden’s Veterans’ Day, the Netherlands. Mr. Paul Moerman was a Grenadier Guard during the Second World War. He celebrated his one-hundredth birthday last December. 23rd June, 2017.
Alan Richardson, a retired police officer and the father of a dear friend, Robert Richardson, who attended Emma’s Royal British Legion Concert in Nantwich, England. Also present at the concert were the Mayor of Cheshire East, Arthur Moran, the chairman of the Nantwich and District Royal British Legion, John Dwyer. Here is a link to a video of “Calon Lân.” 24th June, 2017.
The Ladies of the Women’s Institute join Emma to sing “Jerusalem” during a Royal British Legion concert in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Nantwich, England. With the Band and Drums of the Cheshire Constabulary and conductor David Woollam. 24th June, 2017.
Paratrooper Tom Schaffer requested “Ae Fond Kiss” at Merville Battery, France. 7th June, 2017.
A film of veteran Danny McCrudden singing to Emma.
Veteran Danny McCrudden serenades Emma in a spontaneous concert at Merville Battery, France. This was such a precious and memorable moment. 7th June, 2017.
With veteran Fred Harris at the Taxi Charity lunch at Merville Battery, France. 7th June, 2017.
A wonderful chance meeting with D-Day veteran Victor Urch outside the Pegasus Bridge Museum, Ranville, France. 7th June, 2017.
With Airborne veteran Ronald Johnson, who fought at Arnhem, the Netherlands. At Merville-Battery in Normandy, France. 7th June, 2017.
With veteran Len Fox, a fellow singer. Emma handed over the microphone to him during the sing-along following the service in Arromanches. His “We’ll meet again” was super! 6th June, 2017.
With the Merchant Navy Association in Arromanches, Normandy, France. Veteran Tony Cash laid the wreath during the ceremony on the square, during which Emma led the hymns, the anthems, and a sing-along. 6th June, 2017.
“I vow to thee my country” during the Royal British Legion’s Ceremony of Remembrance in Bayeux Cathedral, France, on D-Day 2017.
Singing “I vow to thee my country” at Bayeux Cathedral, France, for the Royal British Legion Service of Remembrance. The Rt Hon Lord Edward Llewellyn OBE PC read the lesson. The Revd. Patrick Irwin said in his sermon that we could regard D-Day as a mosaic: whilst we today can see the whole picture, each soldier’s story forms a single stone.
6th June, 2017. Photograph: Royal British Legion
The Midnight Ceremony at Pegasus Bridge. Emma sang “I vow to thee my country” and “Amazing Grace” a capella in the pouring rain. We listened to a recording of Major Howard describing the glider landings. The courage of the airborne division in June, 1944 was astounding. 5th-6th June, 2017.
With paratrooper John Sleep at the concert of the Massed Band of Pegasus Bridge, Bénouville, France. Mr. Sleep trained as a paratrooper but arrived at his missions by sea. He landed on Sword Beach during D-Day. 5th June, 2017.
With veterans of the 52nd Group Oxford and Bucks Regiment: George Talbot, Reginald Charles, and Cecil Jeffcoate, at Pegasus Bridge, Normandy, France. 5th June, 2017.
Singing a capella for the ceremony at “The Stones” at Pegasus Bridge, Normandy, France. Each stone represents a glider which landed on the night of 5th/6th June 1944. With Brigadier David Innes OBE and Penny Howard Bates. 5th June, 2017.
Veteran Victor McKenzie reads the Act of Remembrance under Montgomery’s statue at Colleville-Montgomery. Here is a film of Emma singing Amazing Grace during the ceremony. 4th June, 2017.
The ceremony at Jerusalem cemetery in Chouain, France, where forty-seven soldiers who perished during D-Day are buried. They were supposed to be buried in the larger cemetery at Bayeux but the people of the village insisted they stay in Chouain. A comrade, who died later, is said to be buried in an unmarked grave to be close to his companions. 3rd June, 2017.
Leading the National Anthems at the Normandy Veterans’ Association ceremony in Chouain, France, at the monument for those killed by “friendly” fire during D-Day. 3rd June, 2017.
With HRH Prince Jaime Bernardo of Bourbon-Parma, Count of Bardi (left) and Retired Major-General Rudi Hemmes (middle) at the reunion of the Royal Guards Regiment of Fusiliers ‘Princess Irene,’ Oirschot, the Netherlands.
Retired Major-General Rudi Hemmes fought in Normandy on D-day and marched with the Princess Irene Brigade over Pegasus Bridge in 1944. He then participated in the liberation of the Netherlands in 1945.
With Retired General van der Vlis at the Dutch Remembrance Ceremony on 4th May in Leiden, the Netherlands. Fifty-one soldiers perished defending the bridge and airfield nearby. The Mayors of Leiden, Oegstgeest, and Oxford, and veterans, families of veterans, and civilians laid wreaths to show their respect. Emma sang during the ceremony and led the ‘Wilhelmus.’
Singing at ANZAC Day, 2017, in Ockenburg Commonwealth War cemetery in The Hague, the Netherlands. Eighty-seven soliders, sailors, and airmen are buried there. Among those present were the ambassadors of New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Arrival at the Menin Gate, 10th November, 2016, for the Last Post ceremony on the eve of Remembrance Day.
Marching into Tyne Cot military cemetery, Ypres. With the West Yorkshire Police Band. Photographer: Eric Compernolle
“Be yourself, be good, and tell it.” Lieutenant General “Ted” Meines, 1921-2016. Meines rescued thousands of Jewish children during the Second World War and helped establish a tradition of honouring and remembering Dutch Veterans. Emma had the honour of singing at his 95th birthday in 2016.
With Corporal John Sleep (parachute regiment) at Bayeux Cemetery. He told me the war was “so stupid, so pointless.” Corporal John Sleep served with the 3rd Parachute Brigade. After D-day, he marched through France, Belgium and the Netherlands as each country was liberated.
With Henry Montgomery (left), grandson of Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, and Richard Palusinski (right), chairman of The Spirit of Normandy Trust. Jerusalem Cemetery, Normandy, France.
With Karin Churchill, a German nurse and the wife of D-Day veteran Commando Patrick Churchill. Her family suffered during the air raids and after the war she helped with the reconstruction of Dresden. She then moved to England to train as a nurse.
The parade from Bayeux Cathedral to Bayeux cemetery on 6th June, 2016 (D-day). With the Band of Liberation.
With Victor Mackenzie, a D-day veteran, in Jerusalem Cemetery, Normandy. He was twenty when he fought.
This gentleman has visited the grave of his colonel every year since the end of the second world war. At Bayeux cemetery, Normandy, France.
Celebrating with Chelsea Pensioners after the Belfast Tattoo. Belfast, Northern Ireland, September 2016.
In concert with the Royal Netherlands Airforce Choir.
Singing at the Royal British Legion D-day Remembrance Service in Bayeux Cathedral on 6th June, 2015.
