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On 6th June 1944 the largest invasion force ever assembled landed on the beaches of Normandy. D-Day, as it became known, was a turning point in the Second World War that led to the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe, but it came at a heavy cost. Almost a hundred thousand of the Allied forces and local civilians lost their lives on that day and in the fierce Battle of Normandy that followed.

To mark this 75th anniversary, Aled travels to Normandy with 93-year-old Christian veteran Harry Billinge, who was just 18 on D-Day. He is aware this is one of the last trips he will make. On Gold Beach, where Harry came ashore, he recalls the sound of the guns and the memories of the men he fought alongside, as well as those in his group who were killed. And later, in the immaculate war cemeteries in Bayeux, Harry shares with Aled memories of how he used to pray with his fellow soldiers in the heat of battle and how his faith has helped him in his tireless efforts not to forget those who gave their lives.

Former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers visits the Imperial War Museum in Duxford to read the diary of chaplain Leslie Skinner, a Methodist Minister who was the first Padre to land on D-Day. He meets Padre Skinner’s daughter Annette and hears how this modest man carried 46 wounded men back to boats, even though he was injured himself, and how his Bible - tucked carefully away - took a bullet and saved his life.

We also learn about the top secret planning for D-Day that began years before the invasion at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ of the genius code-breakers including Alan Turing and Bill Tutte, Bletchley Park decoded millions of intercepted enemy messages giving invaluable intelligence to the forces on the frontline. We hear from 95-year-old Christian veteran Rena Stewart about her time at Bletchley and how after living through war, peace becomes even more precious.

The episode has a very special performance of Abide With Me from Aled Jones on the beaches and among the war graves of Normandy.

Music
Come Down O Love Divine - St Elisabeth’s Church, Reddish
He Who Would Valiant Be (To Be A Pilgrim) - Christ Church, Birkenhead
Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace - Performed By Tessera
Eternal Father, Strong To Save - Christ Church, Port Sunlight
Be Still My Soul - St Asaph Cathedral
Abide With Me - Performed By Aled Jones
The Day Thou Gavest - Leicester Cathedral