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Daughter pays tribute to first soldier killed on D-Day in Normandy

About 500 people gathered at the service, which is held every year to mark the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the 6th airborne division.

Among the attendees were senior military officers, French dignitaries and 60 World War Two US veterans.

About 200 family members and friends of the British service personnel who took part in the capture of Pegasus Bridge were also present.

Major Howard’s granddaughter Kerry Ricketts said the tradition was started by her grandfather.

“It used to be just granddad and a few other men who were there in 1944 walking slowly over the bridge with a bottle of champagne,” she said.

“Now it’s grown into an event which kick starts the D-Day commemorations”.

Speaking ahead of her visit to the memorial, Ms Brotheridge said: “I’m doing this for everybody else as well, not just my father.

“I’m doing this for everybody else who never came home.”

Lt Brotheridge was recommended for a Military Cross for his bravery at Pegasus Bridge but regulations at the time prevented that medal being awarded posthumously.

A vigil to mark the exact moment 80 years ago when gliders swooped in to start the liberation of France will be held on the bridge itself on Wednesday evening.


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