Ref. 30781-4Thousands of men took part in the D-Day beach assaults on Normandy 60 years ago and many did not come back.

As the world's attention returned to those beaches again yesterday, Swindon veterans gathered in the town to honour those whose sacrifice marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

In the town centre, The Cricklade Band led a short parade along Commercial Street to Regent Circus, where a ceremony took place around the Cenotaph.

Taking part in the procession were the Wiltshire army cadets, sea cadets and air training corps, as well as veterans from various conflicts.

The service was led by Retired Wing Commander Rev John Hughes, who said: "Today we remember the D-Day landing of 60 years ago, the men from many nations, who sailed from the ports of our land.

"We also remember those who did not come back, who gave their lives not only to defend their country, but in the struggle for freedom and right."

A two-minute silence was followed by hymns and prayers, and wreaths were laid at the base of the war memorial.

Normandy veteran Henry Davey, 82, from Upper Stratton, served aboard a Greek Corvette and was part of the D-Day invasion.

He said: "Everyone was aware of how important it was. I felt young and anxious to get it over with. It started very early.

"We all felt very proud to be a part of it, but today we are remembering those who didn't come back."

Peter Howells, 68, of the Royal Signals Association, was too young to fight in the war but praised the courage and sacrifice of those who did.

"They stormed the beaches under machine gun fire from the Germans," said the Park South pensioner.

"The guts these youngsters had, and what they went through you can't imagine what it would have been like in their place. It's very important we keep commemorating this day."

In Penhill, about 350 people took part in a separate parade.

The Swindon Royal British Legion Corps of Drums, accompanied by two pipers, led a march from St Peter's Church to the Cenotaph in Denton Road, where Rev Stephen Waters led a ceremony.

Organiser Malcolm Harbour said: "It was very emotional for the Normandy vets and people came from all over the place to show their respect for what they did for us. Many people from Penhill fought in the war and it is important we remember them."

As part of the commemorations in France, 500 British paratroopers took off from RAF Lyneham and were dropped over Normandy in a re-enactment of the famous battle of Pegasus Bridge, which was a vital factor in the success of the early assaults.

In Normandy hundreds of former soldiers, sailors and airmen marched before the Queen as anniversary events reached a moving climax yesterday on the seafront of Arromanches. In a heartfelt tribute to the veterans, many now in their 80s and 90s, the Queen said: "Thank you on behalf of the whole nation."

Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac and US President George Bush also attended the ceremony

Andy Tate