As we mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V.E. Day) on May 8th, we are reminded of the bravery and sacrifices made by the Allied Forces during World War II. One such individual is David Johnson, a centenarian who served as a dispatch rider with the 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment. David’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the men and women who fought for our freedom. Recently, David donated the 1st Battalion ‘D-Day to V.E. Day’ veterans flag to the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum, a poignant reminder of the regiment’s significant contributions to the war effort. The commemorative flag, made of yellow silk, features the regimental badge with Britannia at its center, surrounded by twenty key actions fought by the battalion, including the battles of Venraij and Helmond, where David was wounded.
David’s journey began in 1943, when he joined the Army at the age of 18. He was assigned to the 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment, and landed on the coast of Normandy on D-Day + 16. The young soldier fought in the battle for Caen and moved forward through France, facing heavy German resistance. On August 8, 1944, the 7th Norfolks fought their final major action in the small town of Grimbosq, 12 miles south-west of Caen. The heavy casualties sustained during this battle led to the battalion being disbanded, and David was sent to the 1st Battalion. As the last survivor of the soldiers who liberated Helmond, a town in the Netherlands, David’s experiences are a valuable part of history. In September 1944, the 1st Battalion was the first British troop to enter Helmond, where they received a warm and uproarious welcome from the grateful residents. For decades, veterans, including David, were generously hosted by the town, which is located about 8 miles from Eindhoven in the south of the Netherlands.
The donation of the 1st Battalion ‘D-Day to V.E. Day’ veterans flag to the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum is a significant event, marking the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day. The flag was presented to Curator Kate Thaxton and Trustee Col. Tony Slater in a small ceremony held at Norwich Castle. David was accompanied by his son and daughter-in-law, Trevor and Heather Johnson, as well as his friend and neighbor Roger Sandall. Accepting the gift on behalf of the Regimental Collections, Kate Thaxton expressed her delight and honor in meeting David, stating, “It has been an honor to meet David, and I am delighted to accept this commemorative standard, which was commissioned and treasured by the very men who fought, arguably, the most consequential campaign in modern European history, 80 years ago.” The flag will serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Royal Norfolk Regiment during World War II and will be preserved for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
David’s contributions to the war effort have been recognized with several awards, including the Legion d’Honneur, the highest French order of merit, which he received in 2016. He was also awarded the Dutch Herinneringsmedaille, known as the ‘Thank you Liberators’ Medal. After the war, David went on to work in the Fire Service and later served in the police for two decades. An active member of the Royal Norfolk Veterans Association, David has laid a wreath at the war memorial at Norwich City Hall on Remembrance Sunday on several occasions. His dedication to preserving the history of the Royal Norfolk Regiment is a testament to his commitment to honoring the sacrifices of his fellow soldiers. As Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities, Norfolk County Council, noted, “The men who served in the Royal Norfolk Regiment helped bring about the peace we have enjoyed in our generation. It is therefore a huge honor for the Museums Service to be able to preserve and share veteran David Johnson’s story as well as this stunning commemorative battalion flag which commemorates the sacrifices made by so many.”
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day, the Ancient House Museum in Thetford is running a series of events, including a workshop for home-educating families on May 8th and a V.E. Day Family Event on May 10th. At the family event, visitors can join costumed characters to learn about the extraordinary stories behind V.E. Day, the role of the armed forces and code breakers, and how local people celebrated the end of the war. The event will also feature hands-on activities with real Second World War objects, providing a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. These events serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and honoring the sacrifices made by individuals like David Johnson, who have shaped the world we live in today.
As we reflect on the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day, we are reminded of the significance of the Royal Norfolk Regiment’s contributions to the war effort. The donation of the 1st Battalion ‘D-Day to V.E. Day’ veterans flag to the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by the men and women who fought for our freedom. David Johnson’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Allied Forces, and his dedication to preserving the history of the Royal Norfolk Regiment is an inspiration to us all. As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to honor the sacrifices of individuals like David Johnson, ensuring that their stories are preserved for future generations to learn from and appreciate. By doing so, we can ensure that the bravery and selflessness of the Allied Forces are never forgotten, and that their legacy continues to inspire and educate us for years to come.
