We were honoured today to receive a visit from a 98 year-old D-Day Veteran who came to see the museum on his way home from this year’s D-Day Commemorations in Normandy. He visits every year to honour his fellow soldiers and friends who didn’t return from that operation.
John ‘Jack’ Quinn was a 19 year-old RN Beach Commando Coxswain of a Landing Craft and took the frogmen in on D-Day. He was awarded a Mention in Despatches and the Croix de Guerre from the French, one of only three given on D-Day and Jack received the only silver star.
The sprightly 98 year-old arrived in the museum proudly displaying his medals. He was met by our Chairman, Mike O’Meara and one of our volunteers, John Dadd BEM, who showed him around the museum. Before he left, John Dadd broke open a small bottle of rum which the three of them shared and thoroughly enjoyed.
Jack Quinn is an ambassador of ‘The Spirit of Normandy Trust’ and before he left he said he would like to do a return visit next year (the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings). The Vice Chairman of the Spirit of Normandy Trust, Mark Waring, said that the only way he could get out of next year’s visit was “if he received signed dispensation from all four of his grandparents”.
So Jack, we all look forward to meeting you next year. It will be our pleasure and honour.
