80 years since the D-Day landings – One OWs experience

We will always remember the thousands of people who fought on D-Day, 80 years ago, for our freedom.

One of those soldiers was David Paine, an Old Wycliffian (pictured, left – with ball – as Rugby Captain) and then member of staff. Here, he recounts his experience of that historic event:

From: The Wycliffe Star No. 128 (1944)

Lieut. David Paine (Spr. 1925-1932) of the Gloucesters, who stepped down from his Captaincy on joining his last unit of the Gloucesters, wrote from Normandy in July: “We came over here on D-Day, and from a few miles out I witnessed the initial landings. Quite honestly I was, in company with most

others, too seasick to be interested, but I suppose it was really a wonderful and awe-inspiring sight. When we were called in there was no further opposition immediately in front, but plenty of fighting

on our flanks. From the start the French peasants were jubilant and delighted to see us, in spite of the destruction wrought to their homes and death to their cattle. While there are doubtless still some collaborators, I am sure that the heart of France beats as strong and true as ever in the bodies of the ordinary folk. The history of the following weeks bore out the old dictum of war, ‘99% boredom, 1% sheer hell.’ We have had our share of the latter, and what I have seen makes me marvel at the calculating wantonness of national rulers who follow a policy aimed at fermenting and producing wars. But it also leaves me in humble amazement at the courage, patience and good humour of our fellows. If only the Archbishop could pray hard enough to send us fine weather, I do not think the end would be long delayed. We have had awful stuff so far, heavy clouds and persistent drizzle, so never again will I speak slightingly of an English summer or of Stonehouse rainfall. When it is fine the R.A.F. comes over in swarms. I have not seen a score of planes belonging to the Luftwaffe since we came. I am getting a bit tired of living in holes in the ground, but that is the obvious place for an infantryman and it will make me appreciate my bed more in days to come. In fact I am sure that I shall appreciate life more in all its phases and particularly the simple homely things.”

The end of the story is not so happy, though it might be worse, for David Paine had his right foot blown off by a German mine in a before dawn attack at Caumont. After a few ghastly hours, and nine blood transfusions, he found himself in hospital in England, having been flown across the Channel.

Following some rehabilitation, David was employed at Wycliffe.

From: Wycliffe College: The First Hundred Years

First to arrive was David Paine whose appointment, to take charge of P.E., Rugger and swimming, had been confirmed early in the War. Sadly, he had lost a leg on a minefield in Normandy and other work had to be found for him. The grief of Paine’s friends in seeing him incapacitated was eased by his unfailing cheerfulness and enthusiasm.