WW2 Veteran Signing Event with Actor John Leyton - 6th March
We'll be joined at the Gallery in Wendover by highly-regarded WWII veterans PLUS actor John Leyton who starred in the classic 1963 film 'The Great Escape'!
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Our special guests include:
Actor JOHN LEYTON - John’s co-stars included Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasence and James Coburn. John was the newcomer, a silver screen virgin. His knees might have been knocking, but he made such an impression on Film Director John Sturges that he didn’t even have to audition for the part of ‘‘Tunnel King’’ Willie. And what a debut!
“In the classic 1963 film The Great Escape, I played tunnel designer Willie Dickes, one of only three characters who successfully make it to freedom. It was a fantastic film and everyone remembers Steve McQueen’s motorcycle jump over the security fence”.
WWII Prisoner of War:
Warrant Officer HARRY WINTER - after training as a WOp/AG he joined 427 Sqn on Halifaxes based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. On the night of 22nd October 1943 his aircraft was shot down near Hamelin in Germany by an Me110 Night Fighter and he spent the rest of the war as a PoW in Stalag Luft VII.
Sergeant FRANK ASHLEIGH - on the day of his 18th birthday Frank volunteered to join the Army Air Corps and upon receiving his wings joined the Glider Pilot Regiment. Serving with A Squadron he took part in the second air lift into Arnhem on 18th September 1944 during the Battle of Arnhem but landed off course and hid in a church before being captured and held 9 months as a Prisoner of War.
Normandy Veterans:
Leading Aircraftman BERT WESTGATE - having joined the RAF in 1943, Bert initially trained as a Lancaster rear gunner, then prior to D-Day was posted to Compton Bassett, a Radar and Radio training facility, to undertake tactical wireless operator training. He was then re-posted to Portland, Weymouth, in early June 1944 and crossed the channel to Omaha beach on D-Day +6 with American forces where he undertook radio van operator duties following the 21st Army Group through Normandy, France and into Belgium.
Private DON TINDALL - joining the Royal Army Ordinance Corps in April 1944, Don became a driver posted to Donnington 29VRD RAOC, a major invasion vehicle depo. In the build-up to D-Day he was posted to vehicle embarkation duties at the East India docks and served loading vehicles on to supply ships for Normandy. In late June, he served with supply vessels to Mulberry B, unloading and delivering vehicles to vital in-land RASC front line resupply depos. Don finished his service with various home front postings, including POW duties and postings with the RAOC and No 10 AFV (armoured fighting vehicles).
Sapper GEORGE BATTS MBE Ld'H - after joining the Royal Engineers in 1943, George was just 18 when he landed on Gold Beach on the morning of D-Day. He spent most of the following days defusing mines and booby-traps from the beaches and clearing the area where the Mulberry Harbour was due to be constructed at Arromanches. In March 1945 he then went to the Far East where his war ended. George later became National Secretary for the Normandy Veterans Association and Patron of the Normandy Memorial Trust, and was instrumental in securing the backing of the UK Government to build a lasting monument in Normandy to honour all British Armed forces and civilian services who lost their lives during the Campaign.
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Entry is completely FREE, all we ask is that you RESERVE YOUR TICKET in advance to help us manage numbers and make it relaxed and comfortable for everyone.
Our guests are happy to sign autographs for collectors and items purchased at the event over £60 can be signed free of charge.
Bookings are now being taken so please contact us to secure your place.
