June 6, 1944 was D-Day, and marks the invasion of Normandy, France and the push east to destroy NAZI Germany.
These photos are from Library and Archives Canada. They are public domain.
I often overlook the role the Royal Canadian Navy played in World War Two. But you could not get from England to France without some [really] good boats.
This is little pictorial look at events on June 6, 1944.
The Regina Rifles “went in” on D-Day. They lost 66 men killed that day.
Of Note: The first Moose Jaw man killed in action in World War Two was WOODWARD, Rodney T, Able Seaman, 2938 (RCN), serving with the Royal Navy at the time of his death on July 19, 1940.
Rodney was serving aboard HMS Watchful. He’d participated in the evacuation from Dunkirk and was remembered by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. I received this letter from the Commodore:
Richard, I wanted to send you a picture of the wreaths we laid recently at our Commemorative Cruise. I hope you regard the words as a fitting tribute to Rodney Woodward.
The wreaths are now dedicated and retained within the Sailors’ Church, Ramsgate where the Association Hon Chaplin, Rev Gordon Warren, presides. By copy of this email I am requesting that Gordon remembers Rodney in prayers said at the Sailors’ Church.
As long as the Little Ships sail on, Rodney and his ilk will not be forgotten.
Best regards,
Ian Gilbert, Commodore, Association of Dunkirk Little Ships
