Ref. 28850-58D-DAY veterans will lay a wreath in memory of fallen comrades to mark the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

On June 6, 1944, thousands of young men confronted the Nazi war machine head-on on the beaches of northern France. Thousands paid with their lives.

Now, the Normandy Veterans' Association has teamed up with Swindon Council to ensure the anniversary is properly observed.

Members of the 60-strong association will wear their berets and regimental blazers and parade through Swindon town centre.

They will be joined by about 15 other regimental associations, including the RAF and Royal Navy both of which played a crucial support role in the mission, codenamed Operation Overlord.

D-Day veteran Roy Mann, 79, who lives in Croche Way, Upper Stratton, was just 20 at the time.

He welcomed news of the parade and said he would be honoured to take part.

Mr Mann, who served in the Dorset Regiment part of the 50th Infantry Division said: "It's a good idea. This will be the last significant anniversary for the survivors.

"D-Day was a very frightening experience. Seeing blokes floating in the water is something that constantly sticks in the back of your mind."

Alan Baker, 68, chairman of the association, is organising the event, along with Roy Smith, 68, who spent 22 years in the RAF.

It will culminate in the laying of a wreath at the cenotaph in Regent Street.

Mr Baker, who also organises the sale of poppies each year in Swindon, said: "It is important that these people are remembered they sacrificed their lives for us. So far, I have written 45 letters to various groups, which includes the Scouts and Red Cross.

"We really want to get everyone on board."

While commemorating the dead, Mr Baker, a former sailor and Territorial Army drum sergeant, stressed that the parade was also for the survivors.

"Films such as Saving Private Ryan show people getting blown up and the acts of individual heroes," he said.

"In reality, they were all heroes, many of them unsung."

The Cricklade Band will provide marching music, with Mr Baker playing drums.

Swindon Mayor Derek Benfield said it was vital veterans' sacrifice were remembered.

"If the Queen and the Prime Minister can both take the time to visit Normandy, I am sure Swindon can pull together," he said.

"After all, these men died for this country."

In July, the Evening Advertiser accompanied Mr Mann and two other veterans back to the beaches.

During a four-part special report they talked about the horrors that awaited them on that fateful day.

Kevin Shoesmith