Veteran Bob Stoodley was one of the first men to land in France on D-day

  • Granada
D-Day Veteran Bob Stoodley Credit: ITV Granada

  • Special report by Paul Crone

95 year old Bob Stoodley from High Peak was one the first ten men to land in France on D-Day.

He was one of the Pathfinders - who parachuted into Normandy to guide the main airborne attack onto their targets.

D-Day Veteran Bob Stoodley Credit: ITV Granada
The 22nd Independent Pathfinders

Acting Corporal Bob Stoodley went into Normandy a full hour ahead of the main airborne assault almost 24,000 men and six hours before the amphibious troops hit the beaches.

The 22nd Independent Pathfinders prepare to board a plane Credit: Pathe

Bob jumped in the dark from an Albermarle aircraft.

He was part of an elite band of parachutists. The 22nd Independent Pathfinders. His role was vital to the success of D Day.

Bob was captured after being injured and remained a Prisoner of War until VE Day, May 8th, 1945.