D-day veteran marks 103 years after Normandy landings
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James Laughlin, a 103-year-old former Royal Marine commando, celebrated his birthday in Accrington, Lancashire, England.
He participated in D-Day, the large-scale invasion of Normandy, France, in 1944. Laughlin swam to Gold Beach and used a knife and pebbles to clear mines that threatened landing craft, serving with 17,000 other Royal Marines. After serving from 1941 to 1945, Laughlin returned to his trade as a plasterer.
Two years ago, people replaced his stolen medals after a BBC News report brought attention to the loss. The same report also helped Laughlin reconnect with his sister, who now visits him at the Belvedere care home despite her own health challenges. Natacha Atkinson, the care home manager, described Laughlin as strong-willed and “cheeky.”
