RESIDENTS of Holyhead, including the Town’s last surviving D-Day Veteran, marked the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings by paying their respects at the Cenotaph.

Three servicemen from Holy Island lost their lives during the first three days of D-Day - the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II.

In Holyhead, a short service was held at the Cenotaph for 11am, where Bill Evans, Holyhead’s last remaining D-Day Veteran, was on hand to lay a wreath down in memory of his fallen comrades.

Newly appointed Holyhead Mayor Alan Williams carried out his first civic duty by laying a poppy wreath on behalf of the Town's people.

Respects were paid to:

Eric Evan Abell - a Lance Sargeant of the First Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment who died aged 25 on June 26, 1944 having led the assault on the Normany Coast at Gold Beach as part of the 50th Northumbrian Infantry Division.

Anthony Gale - Lieutenant in the No. 45 Royal Marine Commando (D Troop). Died June 7, 1944, aged 23. Born at Bucklow Cheshire, he was the son of Bertram Archibald and Florence Georgena Gale, of Oxshott, Surrey.

Gale was educated at Shrewsbury School. His twin brother, Derek served in the Navy and the family lived at The Point, Rhoscolyn.

He took part in the Normandy landings and was killed on D-Day+1. The unit War Diary records heavy losses due to enemy mortar and artillery fire when they attacked the village of Franceville Plage. He was one of 16 from the unit killed that day and is commemorated on a Memorial Plaque at Shrewsbury School.

Robert Henry Thomas - An able Seaman in the Royal Navy. Died on June 8, 1944, aged 20.

Born at Holyhead on 27 June 1923, Thomas was the son of Hugh and Jennie Thomas of 14 Lower Park Street, Holyhead. Prior to joining the Navy, he was employed as an Enquiry Clerk for the Crossville Motor Company.

In 1939, the family was living at 19 Cross Street, Holyhead. HMLCI (L) 105 was an USA built infantry landing craft and was sunk during the invasion of Normandy on D-Day+2 by an enemy S-boat (Fast Motor Torpedo Boat). He was one of 8 RN servicemen lost with the vessel. Mentioned in Dispatches.
He is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Panel 87, Column 3.