Spellbinding concert at the Royal Albert Hall for anniversary of D-Day (2024)

'Let's just hope we don't get another war like that again.'

Those were the words of 104-year-old Percy Chafer, who served as a Gunner with the 7th Armoured Division and landed on Sword Beach 80 years ago on D-Day.

'Because, I tell you what,' he continued with a smirk, 'I wouldn't be much use anymore, would I?'

Percy was speaking just moments before tonight's spellbinding concert at the Royal Albert Hall, given in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

It was a fitting venue for a remarkable evening. And there were no guests of such honour and distinction as the six D-Day veterans - including Percy - in attendance.

It was the Mail's privilege to host these gentlemen who were, to a man, visibly moved by a standing ovation they so rightly received.

'D-Day 80: Remembering the Normandy Landings' was a triumph of pomp and pageantry, patriotism and remembrance.

From the moment the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra began proceedings with a rousing rendition of the National Anthem - sung proudly by the entire auditorium - it was quite clear this was going to be a night like no other.

The variety evening was hosted by Davina McCall and saw a pantheon of stars including actors Toby Jones and Tamsin Greig, comedian Jason Manford, as well as musicians Lulu and Katherine Jenkins, pay tribute through song and story to the sacrifices made exactly 80 years ago to the day.

But there was, of course, a unique poignancy to the proceedings. For this year's commemoration - celebrated around the world - was likely the last at which a significant number of veterans would be able to take part.

And for this reason, the six former servicemen - who took pride of place in boxes around the Royal Albert Hall - were the real stars of the show: Donald Howkins, 103; Percy Chafer, 104; Albert Barnes, 98; Joe Randall, 100; Peter Kent, 99; Dennis Waddington, 99.

Attending alongside family members, these gentlemen were warmly greeted by The Duke and duch*ess of Gloucester, the Royal representatives on the night.

Donald Howkins was part of the 90th Middlesex Regiment of the Royal Artillery.

Donald told the Mail: 'I couldn't get to Normandy this year, it was too much for me,' a tear formed in his eye: 'So I'm just ecstatic to be here tonight.'

The concert was held in support of the British Normandy Memorial, where yesterday His Majesty the King, dressed in full military regalia, paid his own tribute to the 'remarkable wartime generation' before laying a wreath of remembrance.

The British Normandy Memorial, completed in 2021, stands above Gold Beach and commemorates all 22,442 British servicemen who lost their lives on D-Day and in the ensuing Battle of Normandy.

It should be noted that the Memorial was only made possible courtesy of the generosity and enthusiasm of Mail readers who donated a staggering one million pounds towards its foundation.

D-Day was a pivotal point in the Second World War. Without the success of the Normandy Landings, the Allied Forces may not have secured victory over the Nazis. But they did. And it was down to the bravery of men like Donald, Percy, Albert, Joe, Peter and Dennis - and so many others who did not live to tell their story.

Tonight's event was a fitting tribute to a bygone age of service and sacrifice.

The show will be broadcast from 4pm on ITV this Sunday, bringing to a close the national commemorations.