Normandy 80th Anniversary Jump

This year I took part in the re enactment jump into Carentan, Normandy, for the 80th anniversary of the D Day invasion on the 6th June 1944.
I talk a little about the history of the Airborne component of the invasion, obviously this was just part of the whole picture of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy.
After serving for over 30 years in the Parachute Regiment, this is something close to my heart, especially as I knew many of the WW2 veterans who took part in the invasion.
Les We Forget.

[@johnbiddal5951]

Well done Tom. It's painful to think that in a few years there will be no original D Day veterans left, so it's important that the likes of you take over the remembrance duties, so the day is never forgotten. 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

It is sad hey, the end of an era. I am privileged to have known quite a few WW2 veterans, mostly gone now.

[@user-buck-b7j]

Lookin studly.All your missing is that mesh scarf thing you guys wore back in the 70's or so.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@user-buck-b7j look closer! 😂

[@jimmyshelton6558]

HI TOM JIMMY HERE WELL HOPE YOU & FAMILY ARE WELL TGC

[@masterson25]

Ja będę pamiętał zawsze o tym dniu bo tam też w Normandii walczyli moi rodacy. Jak też dwóm krajom na świecie nie wybaczę tego co zrobili w Jałcie.

[@DJTheMetalheadMercenary]

Awesome brother!!! Great to see you jumping again. Something special and beautiful about those WWII aircraft, love 'em. Cheers!!!

[@dazbbgful]

Brilliant Tom. Your grin says it all. Lest we forget.👏👏

[@nc5009]

"That's what your mum said" 😂😂😂 Great honour to do that, really connects you with the past . My uncle jumped on Op Varsity with 13 Para.

[@eugenedewet1157]

Thank you Tom for sharing your historic jump with us. Gooseflesh stuff. As You rightly said Awesome stuff. WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM>

[@peterhornby4997]

Absolutely awesome. Big respect to everyone that has and is serving in the armed forces!!!!!! 👍

[@jeffreybishop9478]

The DC-3✈️, parachute 🪂 the firearms Jeep landing craft etc. All designed and built without the use of a computer. Created in a designer’s mind, idea put to paper, tried and evaluated a manufactured by hands, mind and heart. For humanity, peace and freedom. Bravo 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@BaumannJA]

AWESOME!!!!!!! Thank You for taking us with you.

[@andreasvictorious3991]

What an unforgettable day. Well done my friend! 🆎️

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

What an amazing connection Thom, moved me to tears, well done bud, 👏 what a powerful link to the past. Wishing you well for the next one. Harry😢

[@SteveMrW]

Thank you for doing this, we must never forget.

[@scallywag9392]

Those were men of men! I have so much respect for the men who took part on D Day....... I'm a veteran of Rhodesia, but sadly never got to jump

[@luistaurus7036]

As a former Para-trooper, I send my respectful greetings to all of you. Congratulations on your tribute in memory of those who jumped there 80 years ago. 🫡 Respect from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@luistaurus7036 cheers, much appreciated 👍

[@BomberSJM]

What an epic event to commemorate the beginning of the liberation of Europe. Chapeau monsieur.

[@richarddepledge960]

just watched again with a glass of whisky. Raised a salute to all the fallen on that day. RIP. All of them. At Duxford as you were walking out to your aircraft the low fly by sounded ace. What a day. Wish I there.

[@01cthompson]

This is absolutely amazing. It gives a great idea of what the real thing was like decades a ago in the dark, with primitive equipment, and an enemy on the ground. Thank you.

[@kidf22]

Flew in 'That's All Brother' a year ago today when it was touring in the US. Awesome to see she made it to Normandy for the 80th anniversary. I have pictures of it sitting at night on June 5th of that year. It felt like you were going to see the paratroopers emerge from the darkness behind it to start boarding at any moment.

[@ianmurray4081]

Outstanding! I’m super envious 🍺🇨🇦🫡🇬🇧🫡🇺🇸🍺

[@peasant1381]

Possibly your best video yet Tom. What a superb tribute to the Airborne lads of D-Day.

[@deandunbar5159]

Lest we forget...so true....🙏🤙🤙

[@journeyman7189]

Incredible Tom. What a privilege to be part of that. Great way you pulled the old footage and the new together. Nate

[@wealdjourneyman]

Thank you for putting that together and sharing it - we will remember them

[@croft1980]

Great Video Tom. Thanks for sharing and giving us the birds eye view, much respect to you and all the lads for taking part and keeping the memories going for future generations 🍺

[@MICHAEL-wg2lh]

The effort that went into this looked immense, loved seeing all the original kit and equipment and original aircraft too , amazing mate well done to everyone who took part 👍

[@tystavenau6789]

Fantastic, what a honor. Good on ya Tom!! It is on my bucket list now, thanks to you.

[@PokeEyeSlapSlap]

Absolutely tremendous Brother 👏👏👏👏. Lest We Forget.

[@LFH02]

That must of been amazing, So grateful you were able to share. Manynthanks.

[@jbss7382]

@Prepared Pathfinder I am so blessed to have seen this video I was honoured, privileged to be allowed to take part in the 57th year drop at Arnham. Emplaning at Soesterburg, 6 chalks, on 3 Hercs with 4 Para in 2001; it was a real honour to see how you guys work. Not allowed to drop but allowed dish out chutes and hell with the chalks pre-emplaning, but fly back ramp lead Herc, it’s a closed society for which I will always cherish the memory. As especially ex RE. UBIQUE PER Ardua Ad Astra

[@PreparedPathfinder]

I jumped that year with the Red Devils 🪂🤙

[@dannyfitz409]

Amazing as ever Tom, let’s keep their memories going. See you on Summer camp mate all the best Danny.

[@T_rainz]

Admiration and full respect to you all. Our fathers and grandfathers will be proud of the respect you give to them!!

[@grahamwinter5536]

👍Awesome Tom, thank you. Certainly brings back some memories of the 70's for me.😊

[@hudsonbear5038]

Fukin AWESOME BUDDY just FUKING AWESOME....

[@leewade2862]

I could see what that meant to you Tom, not just another jump. A very professionally put together piece, like a tv documentary. I loved the shot of the Dakota through the door. Chills. Well done and thank you.

[@joexplores8086]

Wow, what an honour hun to jump, as those brave men did, 80 years ago tonight. Incredible footage hun, thank you for sharing. Lest we forget xx

[@TheRendar]

Awesome stuff!

[@ChrisLambert-Yngvegodi]

Excellent editing Tom. You boys jumped a lot lighter in both kit and mood. What a cracking thing to do.

[@user-vj4tk6jw8i]

I was in the channel islands jersey and i saw that plane pass by, it was beautiful. Dream come true

[@BlesamaSoul]

Well done Tom, saw your posts on Insta, what a wonderful experience and great to see so many veterans still with us despite their advanced age. We need to keep the story alive for when they are gone, we should never forget and if anything school children need to be taken to Normandy as part of their education.

[@adamreed4512]

What a great video mate, your best yet. Loved how you merged the old footage with your jump. A very powerful and emotional tribute to all that have served, past and present. Lest We Forget indeed. Thanks for sharing that special jump with us pal, its a privilege. All the best.

[@jedmc8419571]

Your channel popped up randomly this morning, and I'm glad I watched it. Firstly your editing was top drawer, putting original footing in at the right places, and showing Joe Public a snapshot of airborne warfare, and in particular that uf D Day. To take part in all those memorial jumps over 3 decades must give you an enormous sense of pride. Great video, and just got another subscriber. I did 14 years as an RAF Armourer before being med discharged with PTSD.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks mate

[@wandering_not_lost]

Bloody brilliant Tom, well done. I loved the way you included some WW2 footage, just a wonderful video, thank you so much for making this and for taking part in the jump.

[@colinthomas5462]

Great to find this vlog thanks for sharing, I was in Duxford last Sunday had a chat with some of the guys taking part in the jump as you were getting read, what an awesome scene. Much respect for you all taking the time out to show your respects the the hero's of 80 years ago. Lots had travelled from the US to take part at Great personal expense. Thanks again Great day.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers, yeah there were people from the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, France, Holland and Belgium.

[@mikebox]

Great video, I was at work thing about Today. Wishing I could have traveled up to Normandy to watch. Great seeing your jump. I had the chance to jump twice from the C47. Along with 83 total jumps in my ten years.

[@LadyVanilla7892]

"Come on, Push it in, Push it in. That's what your Mum said." I loved that.

[@timec2002]

Absolutely epic Tom. Great that you went from Duxford, just down the road from me and where my grandfather flew from in 1940. The jump looked like it was perfect, gotta love that last few seconds of ground rush before hitting the deck. Absolutely mega buddy..!! 🤙😁

[@zelgemini24]

Nice and excellent jump guys ❤ thank you for all your participation and reenactment of the D-Day commemoration day💓👏

[@B-uk8eo]

Gleaming, wish i was with you bud, certainly a beer tonight to remember. A scaly 👍

[@pawoutdoors9290]

Mega. That was spectacular. Great editing. Cheer from across the pond. Dad was in the RAF some of the old pictures looked like him and his mates.

[@pawoutdoors9290]

Fantastic editing by the way. Looked better than our coverage here at home in Calgary

[@everydayprepper]

Glad you had a safe jump. Amazing footage Tom, so well put together, thanks mate. A well earned beer!

[@110adventures7]

Thank you for sharing. What a great way to celebrate the brave airborne guys fantastic tribute. Thank you for your service.

[@karatejimbo]

Mate, what an awesome and well put together video. Thanks for taking the time to share the experience with us.

[@ianlee487]

Tom thank you for the respect that you gave to these heroes.i was airborne 1980 to 92 2 para only the very best respect to you all.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks mate, respect back at you 🆎👍

[@ianlee487]

Thank mate

[@kenskinner6948]

Absolutely brilliant. Well done and you too are now part of history.

[@HardRoutine_TOTW]

Thanks for taking us along. What an experience. Absolutely amazing!

[@lukyg9394]

I was in Duxford on 2nd of June, watching morning and evening groups leaving for Normandy. It was truly nice to see you all getting ready, boarding Dakotas...and see how it probably was 80 years ago...quite emotional.

[@rajindra23]

Excellent video. Very cool. Thanks for sharing this experience with every one of us. Valuable POV footage in detail from start to finish that you can see nowhere on MSM but here. Hard to beat the look of a maroon beret with retro camos. Just got back from Normandy a month ago after visiting all the D-Day sites, including Pegasus bridge and its memorial/museum. An amazing experience.

[@peterrussell663]

Well Tom, it’s great to see you again in what I reckon is the best video of the airborne side of D-Day+80. A cracking day - well done 🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thankyou Peter, I hope you are well.

[@grahamclark2299]

Thanks for doing this. The old man jumped into drop zone N with the 13th Btn (Win or Die) just before 01.00hrs and were in Ranville by 04.00hrs.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

What a legend, you must be very proud.

[@ksgonewild]

Wow what an amazing vid! Absolutely loved seeing this behind the scenes of the jumps, just awesome. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, just loved it!! 🥰

[@lawrencemitchell5983]

Just fantastic......first time I've seen your channel, and what a great video. 🇬🇧 🫡 from your 🇺🇸 Allies.

[@davedowling8469]

Wish I could have done that, so jealous. Thanks for the video it brought back memories and as you were getting close to the ground, the voice in my head said feet and knees together. AIRBORNE.

[@mungo75]

Thanks for this, what an amazing thing you've let us see, really does give such a sense of what it must have been like to be there with you! Bloody amazing effort, must have been mind blowing to be there and be a part of all this. All in memory of all our heroes too, outstanding! 🇬🇧👍

[@Andy-walkaboutnutty]

Awesome. Great videoing. The moment was captured superbly 💯🤙🇬🇧

[@colectiv77]

That's frikkin awesome 👌. 🍻 cheers 🍻

[@stuartmartin6045]

That’s what your mum said!!!! 😂😂 excellent job Tom 🫡

[@ColourOfTheGods]

Great video and just incredible all round - good to meet you on the day and I need to jump on the 81st with you guys Awesome stuff

[@armurano5093]

Pack it in...make your buddy smile.... 82nd in the house. God bless.

[@rickydepledge3245]

Brilliant video log. Cheers. Ill be watching it again and again. Never got to jump from a Dakota. They are so small. Esp the doorway! Nice editing with the old footage. Looked like a very soft landing as well. Makes a change. I watched the glider pilot get interviewed re Pegasus Bridge op. How he managed to put down and actually crash through the barbed wire within 50 yards od objective has always astounded me. Compass and sto watch nav in darkness and he was spot on utterly amazing bit of gliding.❤

[@RiseFromTheDead]

Thank you brother. I have chills watching this. It is my dream to one day pay my respects and jump as well if possible

[@graehamquilliam7019]

Nice one Tom. I liked the mix of old and new footage 👍

[@ilovemywife34]

Absolutely awesome, Fairplay guys 😎👍🤝❤️

[@nickbwalks]

Another brilliant video Tom, definitely Never Forget!

[@TheBugOutShop]

Fantastic video Tom and a fantastic way to honour the lads.

[@hangtough503]

Beautifully edited and storytelling. HT 🤙🇺🇸

[@airgunsniper-elite7385]

Great video Tom. Lucky bugger. They'd need to drop me by pallet drop these days. Was at Duxford on the Saturday, but the weather put the jump off. I did wonder if you'd be on the jump. Hopefully catch up with you at Alrewas at the Airborne forces memorial in July. Best wishes Mark Holding Former Nottingham PRA.

[@drmiles7546]

well done sir and again thank you cheers from Canada

[@gjnezat]

Awesome! Tom, I loved the blending of old and new!

[@24barnaby]

Chills down my spine.........

[@craig2795]

That was an awesome bit of footage you put together there lad. I’m surprised the local mayor didn’t surrender to you straight away when he saw you coming into land 😁👍

[@cali_weejock]

Brilliant Tom. Love how you’ve mixed old and new footage together. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻🥃

[@nathantaylor1127]

Awesome stuff! Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@Section20Ul]

Took some balls to jump into the dark skies over occupied France. Instantly surrounded, no body armour, no nods and a cheap as chips Sten gun. That was some generation. That buzzing after landing was evident.( ya mad bastard) Still dunno if I could chuck myself out. Might need a shove and land with extra brown trousers.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Out-Fricken-Standing Tom! Airborne (Ranger) All The Way! 😊

[@patdennison4508]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@RH03111BFOUR]

What an honor. Hats off to ya mate!

[@hampshireoutdoorsandsurviv9340]

AWESOME THE RIGHT WORDS MATE RESPECT SHOWN THANK YOU FOR SHARING

[@carpideom]

Awesome Tom, the greatest generation 🙏

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@tonysardane]

Well done .Thanks for sharing.

[@prometheus_beard]

Good stuff mate! 😎

[@rejects101]

Great jump Tom. Had the chance myself a few years back in the Netherlands but wasn't to be. Thanks for the video.

[@SILENT-APPROACH]

Tom - awesome video I’m so jealous wish I could have done that - been to sword beach 94 & 96 and understand the emotion Well done mate brilliant video

[@delgadomd1]

😊 Thanks for participating in this memorial to Great men. I know that you mentioned looking forward to the 90th but, I don't believe this to be the last of these men to see. I was wondering if you knew the history of the C-47 marked 3X? This was the actual transport that led the U.S. paratroopers into Normandy. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulwildcamper]

Gleaming. From start to finish. 💪🏻

[@terryshearsmith3564]

Great stuff Tom, little bit different from our 50th with the Canadians. Stay save mate and Ill see you soon.

[@stephenscragg8562]

That ground comes up fast, fantastic loved this

[@pinchus34]

Awesome! I helped get Lassie over to Europe this year…great to see her in action.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers, yep that was the aircraft l jumped. 👍

[@pinchus34]

None finer in my opinion! Cheers and give me regards!

[@RH_Wildcamping]

Well done Tom (and all).. great jump .. and a great vid..

[@navejen9227]

Thank you from a little Frenchman!

[@paulfranks195]

That's how honouring tbe fallen should be done. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@keithhenderson9536]

Well done Tom, massive respect absolutely brilliant thanks for sharing your video, not really jealous

[@eddiejenkins9902]

Great video! It made me feel like I was there.