We are proud to have a long-standing connection with a number of veterans from the Normandy Vets Branch in Hoddesdon.

In the picture in the attachment below left to right; Henry William Brown (always affectionally known as Buzz) Harry Joseph Grew, Eric Clark, Richard Jack Edser, John Harrison and William Christopher Martin (known as Bill). 

The veterans have made a significant contribution to the Stewards Family over the years attending Remembrance services, afternoon teas and speaking with our students and staff about their experiences. Buzz and Bill particularly enjoyed delivering assemblies to year groups where pupils were mesmerised by their stories and their reminiscences which were equally moving, humorous, startling and really highlighted the realities of war. 

Bill was in the parachute regiment and told the story of how he landed in France, in the middle of a German occupied area, but didn’t get caught. He was later at Normandy, parachuting onto Pegasus bridge, and there is a picture of him in the café there. He was later caught at Arnhelm, and made a prisoner of war.

Buzz was in the navy and recounted stories of things that happened to him and his crew during the Normandy landings. He landed on Sword beach, and then travelled through France and Germany.

Harry was a stocker for the navy and took part in many battles in the Second World War; the Normandy landings and The Arctic convoy to name but two. He was awarded the Ushakov medal from Putin for his part in the Arctic convoy.

Eric was a leading wireman for the navy, dealing with the electrical wiring and equipment on landing boats. He landed on Juno beach.

John came to Normandy about 6 months after the landings and was part of the reserve troops. He also travelled through France and Germany.

Richard was in the navy, responsible for supplying the troops landing on the beaches at Normandy, and helping to build the defences. 

On the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings 3 members of staff and 4 students were lucky enough to accompany the veterans to the celebrations in Normandy. It was an experience none involved will ever forget, The services attended were very moving, and the French were in awe of the vets, thanking them for liberating France.