A British Army officer is marching, swimming and scrambling across the 50-miles of Normandy beaches to commemorate the D-Day landings and raise money for a veterans’ charity.
Royal Engineer Major George Bromley, whose four-day mission runs from the 3 to 6 of June, will cover the UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO and SWORD landing zones to mark the 81st anniversary of the invasion that heralded the liberation of Europe and the end of World War II. The 39-year-old will lead a team including historian Peter Jones who will describe how the attack happened on each beach as the largest seaborne invasion in history changed the course of the war.
“We will be scrambling over the rocky coastline and swimming across the channels and around the cliffs and marching through the beaches to commemorate the sacrifices made by so many,” said Major Bromley, who last year swam a record journey from Portsmouth to SWORD beach, to mark D-Day’s 80th Anniversary, and had dedicated this year’s event to Blesma, the Limbless Veterans.
“There are lots of D-Day celebrations and events in landmark years such as the 75th or 80th anniversaries but attention fades in the intervening years. I believe strongly that it is important to recognise what it means every year and I try my best to uphold the stories and memories of the greatest generation.
“Our aim is to pay homage to the soldiers and officers who took part and to raise funds for Blesma, which provides lifelong support to veterans who lost limbs or the use of limbs. Blesma was crucial in the aftermath of WW2 looking after injured veterans and continues to play a vital role for injured service personnel.”
Major Bromley, from Bath, started fundraising for military charities after breaking his neck in a military rugby match in 2019, which led to the temporary loss of use of his left arm before a long journey to recovery in 2022. His first challenge was an unsupported 1,000-mile Solo Beeline Britain route the length of the UK involving kayaking, swimming, climbing and walking, which raised over £10,000.
He will be joined by his partner Micol Flegenheimer, who is Italian and grew up in Germany and France. Micol is a Cheltenham-based solicitor whose Jewish grandparents fled Europe in 1939 and is excited to be part of the story of D-Day. The pair, who will only leave the landing areas at last light to overnight with their support team, will be greeted by the Military Wives Choir when they swim to a finish line on SWORD beach and elements of 77 (Armoured) Engineer Squadron will also receive George and Micol with RAF Spitfires flying over to support.
“I have been involved in D-Day commemorative events since 2015 and will continue to do challenges and events to keep the memory alive. It is of utmost importance to the communities in France and the remaining survivors that we recognise it every year,” added Major Bromley. “I couldn’t be more happier that my partner Micol is joining me to add a European perspective to the event as WW2 affected so many and having an Italian be part of the journey is truly symbolic,” added Major Bromley.
“It is going to be tough going in parts, with long swims and treacherous coasteering around the cliffs for both of us, but this year’s Memorial March is all about keeping the memory alive and raising funds for Blesma.”
The event is being supported by Corps Security, a leading security services social enterprise, established by veterans of the Crimean War to provide employment for wounded soldiers.
“We are incredibly proud to support George’s D-Day challenge, raising vital funds for Blesma. As a company founded to provide employment for ex-servicemen this cause is close to our hearts. Sponsoring George’s walking and swimming challenge is our way of honouring the sacrifices of the past while helping to improve the lives of those who live with the impact of their service today. The endurance and resilience this challenge demands are a powerful tribute to the strength and determination of our soldiers and veterans across our armed forces.” — Andrew Topp, Sales & Marketing Director, Corps Security
