THE COMMUNITY gathered to mark the British and Allied troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy 75 years ago.

Operation Neptune, known commonly as D-Day, saw the largest seaborne invasion in history on the French shores on June 6, 1944.

The battle towards the end of Second World War saw almost 25,000 British and Allied soldiers land and fight to take back German-occupied France.

Members of the public and Burnham town councillors gathered at the war memorial in High Street to remember the brave soldiers who fought that day.

A spokesman for Burnham Town Council said: “As the names of those residents of Burnham who had fallen in the Second World War were read out, the flags were lowered and the town clock struck 11am.

“The ceremony ended with a hearty singing of the national anthem.”

At the ceremony were two veterans who landed in Normandy on D-Day; William Anderson, 96, and Alfred Burnett, 94.

Before the troops landed, they were assigned one of five sectors of the beach, which they would be attacking when they reached the shore.

William, who now lives in Althorne, was expected to land on Sword Beach with the East Riding Yeomanry but was diverted to Juno.

Alfred, of St Lawrence, landed on Gold Beach with the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He began as a private but was promoted to sergeant.

William was so proud he and his family were able to spend the day at the memorial to recognise himself, Alfred and their fallen comrades who bravely fought that day.

The tank driver said: “The memorial ceremony was something I had not experienced before.

“The ceremony was emotional and what happened afterwards was a complete surprise to me and my family.

“My wife and I went along as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of it and a chance to remember my mates in tank number 13, reflect on how lucky we were to make it and to think of the others that did not.

“I never imagined so many people would want to shake my hand, thank me for what I did and wish me well.

“I was amazed and humbled by it all, especially as I only did what I was trained for and did my best.”

All photos taken by Nick Skeens.