Otley veteran remembers 24th birthday during D-Day landings

70 years ago today, there were no cards for Harold Robinson as his 24th birthday was to be quite unlike any other.

A Royal Marine, he was sailing into Normandy on the battleship HMS Ramillies. Today at 94, he remembers clearly his mission - to bombard the enemy to allow British troops to land on the beaches two hours later.

As ceremonies marking the anniversary of D-Day took place in France today, Harold joined neighbours at Teal Beck House care home in Otley in West Yorkshire for their own act of commemoration.

Thoughts of a day that was to change the course of history and on a scale even those taking part had little concept of at the time. Nor did the loved ones they left behind, as Laura, Harold's wife of 71 years remembers well.

Until recently a president of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, Harold is still a staunch supporter of the charity.

It remains a source of great pride, as do his medals and an original copy of Dwight D Eisenhower's famous Order of the Day, given to each man in the allied forces. Men Harold will never forget.