A World War Two veteran travelling to Normandy to take part in the celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day travelled from York to London King’s Cross on a London North Eastern Railway InterCity 225 train with Class 91 commemorative locomotive For the Fallen at one of the end of the train.

World War Two veteran Ken Cooke travelled in a carriage behind the Class 91 locomotive For the Fallen, which was named to honour those who served in the conflict.

Ken was travelling with his family and members of York Normandy Veterans (YNV) to Normandy, where they will pay their respects to their comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Whilst he is in France, Ken Cooke will remember two great friends, Flying Officer Douglas Petty and Trooper Sid Metcalfe, who both died in 2022 by scattering their ashes on the beaches where he saw action 80 years ago.

He will also spend time visiting some of the sites where his comrades and former York Normandy Veterans saw action.

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day, major commemorations are planned in both the UK and France on Wednesday, 5th and Thursday, 6th June to honour those who risked their lives for freedom and peace.

On D-Day, 6th June 1944, the Allied forces launched a successful invasion of the beaches of Normandy, which ultimately became the largest seaborne invasion in history and was crucial in liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

Ken Cooke, who is ninety-eight, served in the Green Howards Regiment from 1943 and went ashore on Gold Beach on 6th June 1944.

After he had finished his military service, he returned to York and worked in the Blacksmith’s shop at Rowntree’s chocolate factory until he retired.

As well as the Class 91 locomotive For the Fallen, London North Eastern Railway has another Class 91 locomotive named Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to honour the aircraft that bring back memories of the Wartime days.

Last month, a group ‘Flowers for the Fallen’ on social media after a visit to his mother’s grave. He noticed that nearby soldiers’ graves were bare, so decided to bring flowers for them too.

It is so important that we remember and pay our respects to those who never came home. They are the real heroes.

Normandy Veteran Ken Cooke

When we learned of Ken’s visit to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we felt it only fitting that his journey began with ‘For the Fallen’, one of our fleet named in honour of those who have served, taking him to London. As a veteran myself, it is important we continue to recognise the sacrifices made by so many, and the bravery of those who fought and continue to fight for our freedom.

Dean Hobson, London North Eastern Railway Head of Fleet

Ken does not regard himself as a hero, but to me and many others, he most certainly is. Because of him and his comrades, we enjoy our life today.

Over the last 12 years, Ken and his YNV friends have spoken to many young people and groups about their experiences, and he always emphasises that it is down to them to ensure that it never happens again. Ken served his country 80 years ago, and at 98 continues to serve it now.

Nick Beilby, of York Normandy Veterans