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🎖️ Honouring Heroes: The Enduring Legacy of D-Day Veterans
As we near the 80th anniversary of VE DAY, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served during World War Two. The Westminster Collection, in partnership with the Royal British Legion, brings to light the stories of four veterans whose bravery exemplifies the spirit of that day. Their personal accounts offer us a window into the past, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of World War Two, are never forgotten.
Bernard Morgan – The Young Visionary of Gold Beach
Bernard Morgan was only 19 when he landed on Gold Beach as an RAF sergeant, making him one of the youngest sergeants to participate in the Normandy invasion. His task began perilously as he manned a Bren gun aboard his landing craft at 3 AM, ready to fend off any aerial attacks. The harsh reality of war struck him deeply as he witnessed the bodies of Allied troops upon his landing—a sight that profoundly affected him and stayed with him for the rest of his life. Bernard still possesses a significant piece of history: the original telex announcing the German surrender, a document he kept secret for over 50 years. His reflections on the importance of remembrance, particularly through the symbol of the poppy, resonate with his belief in acknowledging the sacrifices made by his fallen comrades.
Albert Price – From Operation Smash to Normandy Shores
Albert Price’s wartime journey began with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards in 1942, two years before he would set foot on Gold Beach as an 18-year-old gunner. His experience in Operation Smash at Studland Bay, a rehearsal that tragically cost lives, foreshadowed the brutal realities of war he would face. On D-Day, Albert landed amid a storm of artillery, a memory etched in his mind for its intensity and the pride he felt in being part of such a monumental event. The personal losses he endured, and his skirmish with the 12th Panzer division, where he witnessed the severe injury of his driver, underscore the brutal costs of war.
Jack Mortimer – The Reluctant Hero of Sword Beach
Jack Mortimer vividly recounts the daunting scenario as he landed on Sword Beach, surrounded by a massive assembly of ships, vehicles, tanks, and artillery. His role as a driver and dispatch rider for the 12th Ordnance Beach detachment thrust him directly into the line of fire, navigating through a storm of shells to advance towards Caen. The threat of snipers and the sight of numerous casualties painted a stark picture of the day’s grim realities. Despite the heroism he displayed, Jack humbly remembers the fallen as the true heroes and shares the emotional burden of returning to the beaches where he saw so much loss.
Joe Mines – The Unseen Bravery of Mine Clearing
Joe Mines’ story of being thrust into the role of mine clearer due to his surname is both ironic and tragic. Tasked with clearing mines from Ver-sur-Mer using only bayonets, Joe faced the terrifying prospect of triggering mines intended to cause maximum damage, like the wooden Schu-mines or the deadly S-mines, which projected ball bearings at waist height. The vivid memories of his comrades falling shortly after landing highlight the random and brutal nature of war. His later years spent promoting the Poppy Appeal helped him find a sense of pride and healing, recognising the value of his survival and contributions.
Reflecting on Their Legacy
The personal stories of Bernard, Albert, Jack, and Joe not only provide a human perspective to the historical events of World War Two but also emphasise the broader themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of their actions. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE DAY, these personal accounts remind us of the high price of freedom and the importance of peace.
These veterans represent a generation whose courage and resilience shaped the course of history. Let us honour their memory and ensure that their stories inspire future generations to value peace, remember the past, and uphold the virtues of bravery and sacrifice.
The Gold Pennies being parachuted out of an original WWII Dakota
2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a pivotal moment in history that heralded the beginning of the end of World War II.
To honour this momentous occasion, an extraordinary event is being held at North Weald Airfield in Essex, UK. From Friday 31st May to 2nd June, visitors will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in history with a variety of activities and a special highlight for the Westminster Collection – the PARACHUTING of the D-Day 80th Anniversary Gold Penny First Strike Edition….
Step Back in Time: The D-Day Commemoration Event
Imagine stepping onto a bustling airfield, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the 1940s. The North Weald Airfield event promises an authentic World War II experience, featuring a fleet of historic Dakotas and other period aircraft. These iconic planes, vital to the success of many Allied campaigns, particularly during the D-Day invasion, will be on full display. The C-47s, affectionately known in British service as Dakotas, were instrumental in dropping over 50,000 paratroopers behind enemy lines during the first days of the invasion.
Over the three days, visitors can tour these legendary aircraft, meet the dedicated crews who preserve their history, and delve deep into the stories that these metal birds carry. The re-enactments will give a glimpse into the life of a WWII soldier, and the paratroopers will be able to be observed preparing for their jumps, and the historic sight of the WWII aircraft taking to the skies.
The Gold Pennies taking a journey of their own…
And adding huge excitement for collectors is the release and parachuting of the limited-edition D-Day 80th Anniversary 9 Carat Gold Pennies.
A limited edition run of just 995 solid gold pennies are being struck to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and we have been able to secure the first 250 of these to be struck for a mission of their own – to be flown and parachuted on a special 80th anniversary flight.
That’s right, this means these 250 Gold Pennies are not only a FIRST STRIKE edition, but flown in and parachuted out of an original WWII Dakota aircraft.
They will be sent on a mission over to Carentan in Normandy, mirroring the daring jumps made by Allied soldiers 80 years ago. Once over Carentan and carrying the coins in their uniforms, the team of ex-military parachutists will make an historic jump, re-enacting the jumps made by thousands of allied soldiers on D-Day.
Each coin, once landed, will be carefully collected, housed in a tamper-proof capsule, and placed in a deluxe presentation case, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its historic journey.
About the ’Dakota’ aircraft
The Douglas C-47 Dakota played a pivotal role in the success of numerous Allied operations during World War II, cementing its place in aviation and military history. Known as the “gooney bird” by those who flew and maintained it, the C-47 was a military adaptation of the DC-3, an aircraft that had already revolutionised commercial air travel.
The Dakota’s significance extends beyond its robust design and reliability; it was the backbone of the Allied air transport fleets. In Europe, the C-47 and a specialised paratroop variant, the C-53 Skytrooper, were used in vast numbers in the later stages of the war, particularly to tow gliders and drop paratroopers. More than 50,000 paratroopers were dropped by C-47s during the first few days of the D-Day campaign in June 1944. The Dakota’s versatility was unmatched; it served in roles ranging from medical evacuation and cargo transport to paratrooper drops and even as makeshift bombers.
The Dakota’s contribution to the war effort and its lasting legacy in both military and civilian aviation make it one of the most celebrated aircraft in history.
Join us in remembering the heroes of D-Day with this special release
Owning one of these rare gold pennies is more than just acquiring a collectible. This is a unique opportunity to own a part of history, captured in 9-carat gold, and approved by Buckingham Palace and His Majesty the King.
If you’re interested in securing this highly significant release, you’ll have to act fast. Remember, only 250 First Strike Parachuted Editions are available for a small group of collectors.
The coins which built Ancient Rome: yours for JUST £40 (+p&p)
Today you have the chance to secure an original coin from Ancient Rome for just £40 (+p&p).
Sought-after by collectors across the globe, these storied coins belong in everyone’s collection.
Read on to find out more about the myth which built Ancient Rome, the fateful tales of Roman Kings, and how you can secure a coin which could have passed through the hands of Emperors.
The Myth of Romulus and Remus
During a time shrouded in legend and myth, there lived two brothers named Romulus and Remus. Their story is at the heart of the founding of one of the greatest civilisations in history: Ancient Rome.
Romulus and Remus were born to a princess named Rhea Silvia and the god of war, Mars. Their grandfather feared their potential power and ordered them to be abandoned in the wilderness. But fate had other plans for the twins; they were discovered by a she-wolf, who raised them as her own.
As Romulus and Remus grew older, they learned of their royal lineage and the circumstances of their birth. Filled with a desire to reclaim their rightful place, they set out to establish their own city.
Legend has it that the brothers disagreed on where to build their city. Romulus favoured the Palatine Hill, while Remus preferred the Aventine Hill. To settle the dispute, they consulted the gods through a divine sign – birds flying overhead. The disagreement continued, so the brothers began to build separate cities.
But one fateful day, Remus decided to visit his brother Romulus, mocking the modest walls of Romulus’s budding city. In retaliation, Romulus killed his brother to defend his city’s honour. Undeterred by the tragic incident, Romulus continued with the construction of his city, eventually proclaiming himself as its rightful king in the year 753 BC.
Kings of Rome
As Rome grew, it became a thriving civilization, eventually evolving into a powerful empire that would shape the course of history for centuries to come.
All rulers after Romulus were elected by the senate, and there are seven legendary kings of Rome: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Martius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus (Tarquin the Elder), Servius Tullius and Tarquinius Superbus, or Tarquin the Proud (534-510 B.C.).
However, there are other notable Kings such as Julianus who was killed when the Danube legions invaded Italy, and proclaimed their principal commander, Lucius Septimius Severus, emperor.
Genuine Coins from Ancient Rome for JUST £40 (+p&p)
The Westminster Collection are now offering a limited number of collectors the chance to secure a genuine coin from Ancient Rome in an exclusive lucky dip.
This guarantees you will receive a genuine Ancient Roman coin issued during the reign of a Roman king housed in a tamperproof capsule, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
And considering these sought-after ancient coins are being offered at such a competitive price, demand is expected to be high.
Click here to secure your original Ancient Roman coin before it’s too late >>