D-Day veteran Andy Charles thanked by Royal British Legion

Rifleman Charles has a distinguished war record having served in the Royal Ulster Rifles during the Second World War before being wounded in action.

Comrade Derek Finlay, branch chairman, and standard bearer, Comrade Vance Finlay of Magherafelt RBL called on Andy to extend thanks on behalf of the branch to him and all who served in World War Two.

Andy first served with the Ulster Home Guard from 1941 in Desertmartin before going on to train with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at Omagh a year later.

He served as a Rifleman in the Royal Ulster Rifles and landed in France on D-Day June 6 1944 and fought his way through Normandy including a ferocious battle in Troarn. Tragically his brother, Allen, was killed two days after landing.

Despite great personal risk, Andy helped take out two 7.5cm German guns which pinned back ‘B’ Company as they tried to take Sanneville. For this action he would later receive the Military Medal.

Two months later while advancing through Europe he was wounded in Holland and ended up in a military hospital for treatment before being moved back to England and later Belfast.

On leaving the Army, Andy found employment with Northern Ireland Electricity and has been a loyal supporter of Magherafelt Branch RBL for many years.

--- A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you