Remembering their sacrifices

Two weeks ago, Saturday, June 6, marked the 71st anniversary of D-Day — the Allied invasion of Normandy, France.

On this historic day, my dad’s brother, James Ernest Sawdon, sapper of the Royal Canadian Engineers, was killed in action on Juno Beach.

In my father Robert G. Sawdon’s book, “Another River to Cross,” Dad writes:

“Field of Honour ... It was a late January day when I visited the Canadian War Cemetery at Beny-Sur-Mer in France. It is not far inland from Juno Beach in Normandy, France. The sky was overcast. It was chilly and blustery. Gusts of wind stirred the branches of the Canadian maple trees, growing in a row along the perimeter of the cemetery, the buds of which were swelling with new spring leaves. Intermittently cold drops of light rain touched my face.

“A low wall, constructed of light-brown bricks, fronted this hallowed place. As I walked through the entrance, I sensed that I was treading on consecrated ground. All around there seemed an aura of peace and serenity, but, at the same time, in my mind, I heard the sounds of battle, perhaps the din of many battles in one. I could hear the thunder of artillery, the sputtering of machine guns, the siren like noise of ‘ moaning Minnie’ mortar bombs, the clanking of prowling tanks and the swoosh of outgoing and the whistle of incoming artillery shells landing with sharp explosions ...

“When I reached plot 9, I walked along row D until I came to grave 7, the grave of my brother. I stood and viewed the etchings on the headstone which consisted of the maple leaf and the words:

“H39159 Sapper J.E. Sawdon — Corps of the Royal Canadian Engineers — 6th of June, 1944, age 22 (engraved cross and the words): ‘Yea though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil.’

“I knelt at the side of Jim’s grave, emotions rising within me, tears in my eyes, as I prayed for a few moments.

“Jim was one of 359 Canadians who fell on D-Day. Their blood soaked on the sand and into the soil of France that historic day. Brave men gave the greatest gift it is possible to give their fellow men and to their country, their lives.

“Jim was the eldest of three brothers, including myself (the youngest of the three) on active service with the Canadian Army. Another brother was at home, too young for active service. Jim was a member of the 6th Field Company of the Royal Canadian Engineers. He landed on Juno Beach, June 6th, 1944 with the men of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. His task was to help clear the beach of obstacles. While doing this he was instantly killed by machine gun and mortar fire. Perhaps his height of six feet, five inches made him an easy target.

“As I left the cemetery it struck me that its location was isolated on top of a hill, but in close proximity to the village of Beny-Sur-Mer. Then I reflected that this is as it should be, a place where tranquility may prevail. Before leaving I looked back at the array of headstones. I thought to myself: what a waste of lives. Then I quickly realized that this great loss was not in vain. It had to be done. A brutal regime was attempting to take over the world and had to be stopped so that freedom could live again.”

My late Uncle Jim, who was killed a long time before I was even born, crossed his final river June 6, 1944. Over 70 years later, my father, a veteran and survivor of the Second World War (soon after D-Day, Dad and his fellow Canadian and Allied soldiers serving in Italy were commonly referred to as “the D-Day Dodgers”) Italian and Netherlands campaign died (and crossed his final river), this year, Jan. 17. It was a month and a half before his 90th birthday and a few months before the 70th anniversary of the Canadian liberation of the Netherlands (which Dad took part in).

“D-Day 6th of June 1944”

Upon the 6th of June Remember them with pride Men from many nations Fighting together side by side Let us never forget Their bravery and sacrifice We may have our freedom But they paid the price. — John F. Connor