Royal Marines Assoc Paddle Group D-Day Tribute

To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Helen joins the Paddle Group, Royal Marines Association, on the Thames in a folding two-man boat, known as a Klepper, made famous by the Cockleshell heroes. 

As she paddles with former Royal Marines corporal Chris Maynard and some of the team preparing to cross the Channel to Normandy, she discovers how these expeditions help personnel from all the forces with their mental health, bridging the no man’s land some experience between serving and civvy street. 

The Paddle Group will re-enact some of the key events and landings of 1944, with 99-year-old veteran Norman Stanley Ashford watching from the beaches. 

 

Fmr Corporal 

Chris Maynard LC2 RM

 

Phil Gilby MBE 

The Royal Marines Charity

 

Colour Sergeant

Lee Waters ML1 RM