Photo: Richard “Dick” Brown (on the left). Terry Sheehan, M.P. (on the right)
Office of Terry Sheehan
Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
News Release
(Sault Ste. Marie—June 4, 2019) During the Second World War, Sault resident Richard “Dick” Brown took part in the invasion of Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944 as a tail gunner with the 644th Squadron of the Royal Airforce. Their plane towed gliders, each with 30 troops, to the continent. They also dropped arms and ammunition, along with special agents. It was a very risky mission.
Of the 425,000 troops who took part in this critical invasion, Canadians took the most casualties. More than 18,000 were injured. More than 5,000 Canadians died in that invasion. Brown survived.
Early in 2019, Sault Ste. Marie resident Richard “Dick” Brown contacted Sheehan’s office. Staff contacted Veterans Affairs for details surrounding the historic ceremonies, and provided detailed information to Brown, who was selected to join the Canadian contingent. Forty-five D-Day veterans left Canada this past Sunday to attend the D-Day 75th Anniversary events on Juno Beach.
Office staff were pleased to work with Brown to get his passport delivered in time for the trip. Sheehan chatted with Brown on Friday and the two posed for a picture. Sheehan thanked Brown for his service.
“I was honoured and proud to get the opportunity to speak with this great man, just before he left. I thanked him for his service and was impressed by all that he had done on that historic day.”
TERRY SHEEHAN
Member of Parliament Sault Ste. Marie
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