06-Nov-2026

Richard Brock Becomes Memorial Ambassador

 

© Florence Marsac / British Normandy Memorial

Normandy Veteran and great friend of the Memorial, Richard Brock, is now officially Memorial Ambassador. The Trust is honoured that Richard formally accepted his appointment at Remembrance events in Preston on Tuesday 3rd November, hosted together with the Lancashire Infantry Museum in Preston.

Richard, aged 102, served with the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. Richard sailed aboard the Ocean Vigil and landed in Normandy on 8 June 1944, amid naval bombardment and German artillery fire.

He went on to operate a Universal Carrier during the campaign through north-west Europe, including the Battle of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of Holland and the crossing of the Rhine.

Of his appointment as Ambassador he said:

“I am proud and humbled to accept the position of Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial. Over the past four years I have been flying the flag for all the men and women who didn’t make it back home. Also for my dear pals of my company of 130 lads who landed with me on Gold Beach. After nearly a year of bitter fighting, travelling over 2,000 miles, only 19 made it back. I am the last one alive today.

They are always in my thoughts. I have always said that they are the heroes and I am honoured to carry on their memory.”

© Florence Marsac / British Normandy Memorial

Meet The Veterans

© Florence Marsac / British Normandy Memorial

As Youth Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial, 12-year-old Alexander Churchill, the great-great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, led a ‘Meet the Veterans’ interview at the Lancashire Infantry Museum in Preston. Alexander spoke with Normandy veteran Richard Brock and Second World War RAF veteran Stewart Taylor before inviting Year 7 and Year 8 pupils from Hutton Grammar School and Lostock High School to ask their own questions.

Visit to KNDS UK

© KNDS UK

 

KNDS UK, British engineering and defense company based in Stockport, hosted Richard and Field Marshall Montgomery’s grandson and Memorial Trustee Henry Montgomery for a special event celebrating National Engineering Day this week.

Following the D-Day Landings, Richard drove and commanded a Universal Carrier throughout Europe, it was the ubiquitous infantry support which performed the same role that BOXER does today. Every BOXER made in the UK for the British Army starts its life at KNDS UK so as a special surprise, the two vehicles were unveiled side by side for the first time and Richard got to drive the Universal Carrier once more.

 

© KNDS UK

In the ceremony of Remembrance, Founding Trustee Nicholas Witchell delivered a moving address on the British Normandy Memorial. The KNDS Fairey Band performed The Last Post and Reveille and a moving two minutes’ silence was observed.