An Ipswich boy remembers D-Day: What I saw through my window

Mr Palmer was an Ipswich boy through and through. He was the third of five children, and lived in Curriers Lane, off Princes Street. Both sets of grandparents also lived in the lane, as did an aunt and uncle.

“Three close members of our family were serving in the army, each being involved in the Normandy landings,” he said.

“Events happening in the war weren't spoken of in school (St Matthew’s School in St Matthew’s Church Lane). Everything was done to keep us focused on learning the three Rs – reading, writing and ‘rithmetic.

He remembers the build-up to the invasion of Dunkirk.

“There was a tremendous exercise going on which I actually saw part of from our bedroom window, which faced onto Curriers Lane,” he said.

“I can remember seeing soldiers all in battle dress coming up Curriers Lane. They had lumps of turf and they were throwing them at the doors as they walked past.

To my young eyes, I didn’t have a clue why they were doing it. Afterwards, I learned that they were pretending they were hand grenades and they were throwing them at the doors. It was all part of the exercise in training the soldiers ready for D-Day.

“D-Day was a phrase I heard much later at home on our wireless which was there mainly to provide music and comedy shows.

“The approach of D-Day over Ipswich was absolutely stunning. I was with my parents, sister and brothers out in our back garden, everyone in the lane was also out cheering and waving. The noise was like thunder, it went on for some considerable time.

“This was the point when I understood the meaning of "D-Day". Although I was enjoying the sight of so many airplanes, I had little thought of those on board and what would happen to them.

“Throughout the next few weeks, news of the landings began to filter through on the radio, much of what was happening didn't register.”

When the war finally came to an end, he remembers the jubilant mood of the country. Like thousands of others, the neighbours of Curriers Lane threw a street party to celebrate victory.

When the war finally ended, street parties were held up and down the country. Pictured: Castle Street (which no longer exists) in Ipswich, 1945. Image: Derrick Palmer (Image: Derrick Palmer)Another street party held in Curriers Lane in 1945. Image: Derrick Palmer (Image: Derrick Palmer)

Eric Baden Powell Farthing

Mr Palmer’s elder cousin, Eric Baden Powell Farthing, was one of those to tragically lose his life fighting for his country.

Eric Baden Powell Farthing was one of those to tragically lose his life fighting for his country. Image: Derrick Palmer (Image: Derrick Palmer)

Eric was fatally wounded and died on September 6, 1944 – the day before he would have turned 21.

He served in the 4th Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, a fact which had always puzzled Mr Palmer, who wondered why his cousin had not been called to serve in the Suffolk Regiment.

Mr Palmer served in the army himself for three years, and this opened the door for him to carry out further research for his family.

“I learned that it was hit and miss where they put you, and you had to go where you were told,” Mr Palmer explained.

“The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers were given the job, amongst other Regiments, to make their way to Antwerp. They wanted to secure the Port of Antwerp, and it was on the way there that my cousin was killed.”

Years later, Derrick and another family member visited the Cemetery of Brussels in Evere, where Eric is buried.

His relatives continue to visit him there, especially for special occasions such as his birthday.