Toronto. The late Bob Lansdale (editor of the journal after Ev Roseborough) was determined to see Canadian photographic efforts recognized. In the case of the famous June 6, 1944 D-Day landing photos, Bob wrote and amended his article on the remaining film scenes used world-wide, asking that I give it prominence on this site (see right hand sidebar).
It all began with Ken Bell’s discussion about the film recording. Bob called his article in issue 20-3, “20 Seconds of History – The D-Day Photos”. Bob’s article begins, ” ‘It‘s about time the real story was told of the D-Day landing film clips’ says retired Lt-Col Ken Bell of Gibsons, BC. He is talking about a newsreel film clip used in (it seems) every description of the D-Day landings to mark the 50th anniversary (June 6, 1994) of the Normandy invasion.
“American TV stations use it constantly in describing the efforts of their fighting men as do all other media. Nothing is explained that the film records Canadian troops and the film was Canadian. The scene shows the backs of helmeted soldiers crouching in an assault landing craft as it nears the beach … the helmets are obviously of the British/Canadian style. Canadian D-Day troops of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and the 2nd Armoured Brigade were equipped with a superior helmet for the landings.
“As the front ramp opens to disgorge the assault troops a large building is recognizable that clearly marks it as the beach at Bernieres-sur-Mer. The troops, therefore, must be The Queen‘s Own Rifles of Toronto.”
Bob’s updated D-Day article is just to the right – or you can read the rest of the initial article by viewing the pdf file for 20-3 on the free members-only DVD. To join, see the MEMBERSHIP sub-menu above (especially the Membership Form) and the article at right (PayPal). Send your payment with the form or send the form after using your credit card/PayPal account. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca. PHSC membership is both rewarding and inexpensive.