KNUTSFORD Mayor Cllr Andrew Malloy laid a wreath at the town’s Centennial War Memorial on Thursday as the community remembered those who gave their lives for their country on D-Day.

Cllr Malloy led a ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of one of the most momentous days of the Second World War, when 160,000 Allied troops landed on the Normandy beaches.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Knutsford and District branch of the Royal British Legion, councillors, Scouts, the Mayor’s Chaplain, Reverend Paul Deakin, and members of the public.

Cllr Malloy spoke of his honour at leading the commemoration, and of the Knutsford men who gave their lives on D-Day, before reading out words of address by General Montgomery given to all troops as they prepared for D-Day.

Cllr Malloy said: “I was honoured to lead the town in commemorating 75 years since D-Day, an important date in the calendar and an important part of the Second World War.

“It should be remembered that many soldiers gave their lives during that huge operation, two being from our own town of Knutsford, and are remembered on our war memorials, those being Lieutenant George Frederick Peters and Private Sydney Stringer Walton.

“We were all delighted at the turnout for this occasion; it is so important to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we could live in a free society.

“Thank you to all who attended, and the assistance of the Knutsford and District Royal British Legion, and my Chaplain Reverend Paul Deakin of St Cross Church.”

Cllr Malloy said at the commemoration: “75 years ago today, on June 6, 1944, almost 160,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy.

“Following an airborne assault comprising 18,000 Allied paratroopers, many of who will have been trained at Tatton Park, who dropped into the invasion area to destroy gun batteries, bridges and hold tactical positions on routes to the beaches, large numbers of amphibious landings took place in the early hours.

“If you look closely at the Second World War sections of our Knutsford Centennial War Memorial you will find the names of Lieutenant George Frederick Peters and Private Sydney Stringer Walton.

“These two Knutsfordians died on D-Day, serving with the Parachute Regiment Air Army Corps.”

A number of wreaths were laid, including ones by Cllr Malloy and Knutsford RBL.

All pictures by Tatton Photography