Normandy marks D-day anniversary with new memorial

Dwindling band of veterans sadly missing as Normandy marks D-day anniversary with tribute to more than 22,000 soldiers under UK command

Along the coast of Normandy the flags were out. The pipe-and-drum bands were touring the cemeteries and memorials commemorating the dead. The motley ranks of war re-enactors in their khaki wool uniforms sped through the narrow lanes in their vintage jeeps and trucks.

For the second year in a row, however, the veterans whose bravery on 6 June 1944 they were here to honour were missing.