05-Apr-2022

D-Day Veteran and Fundraiser Harry Billinge Dies Aged 96

“My generation saved the world”.

D-Day Veteran and Fundraiser Harry Billinge MBE, Leg d’Hon. sadly passed away today, 5 April 2022, aged 96.

The Trust sends its deepest condolences to Harry’s wife Sheila, and to all his family and friends. Harry raised more than £50,000 for the building of the British Normandy Memorial. His tireless and inspirational fundraising will never be forgotten and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

Paying tribute, General Lord Richard Dannatt, chairman of The Normandy Memorial Trust, said:
“Harry Billinge was part of that remarkable generation who stepped forward when freedom was threatened. We owe him and all his colleagues so very much. On D-Day he was one of the first British troops ashore onto ‘Gold Beach’ and in recent years he worked tirelessly in support of the British Normandy Memorial, singlehandedly raising more than £50,000. We express our sincere thanks to him and our condolences to Sheila and his family.”

In a 2018 visit to Normandy, Harry read his favourite poem ‘Longest Day’ on Gold Beach where he landed on 6 June 1944. The video is below. You can also find out more about Harry’ D-Day story here.

Harry’s family has asked that the public honour his legacy by becoming a Guardian of the British Normandy Memorial.