The D Day we met: A family wartime story

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Sadly on Monday the 22nd of July my Grandfather Ray passed away after becoming very ill. I am forever grateful that I managed to make this film with him and that his story will continue to live on for many years to come.

[@CiderTalbotToo]

Really sorry for your loss

[@susanamberg3960]

Thank you, Raymond Wheeler for your service. 🇬🇧 God bless the both of you. Lovely story Scott, our families stories are our history. How lucky are you to have had the opportunity to record it.

[@nantyffin]

Scott, that was a memorable production. One of your best to date. You have the seeds of greatness within you. A departure from Florence plus 2 but nonetheless absorbing and moving. I tip my lid to your grand dad. What a legend. My thanks Mark

[@PyreneanExplorers]

Well Scott, what an amazing and as usual skillful film; an enormous tribute to your grandfather and all those that stood along side him. I am in mind now of my uncle Thomas Potter who perished at the age of just 16, like many he had lied about his age to join up. Regards Wayne

[@unclejake154]

Mr Ray Wheeler was an incredible man. Thank you.

[@grahamtyrer1026]

Well Scott, you have reached a new height with this video, we found it to be a very moving piece of work. We owe so much to the boys and girls for all they went through. Hope your granddad enjoyed his cake. 10 out of 10.

[@geraintjones6401]

Fantastic video. Your grandfather seems a great bloke! We must treasure that generation, they went through an awful lot for us.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Geraint.

[@Basman59]

To people like him and my grandfather (WW2) and great grandfather (WW1) I cannot express enough gratitude - thank you so very much for all you did. I recall seeing the Normandy beaches in 1970/71 they still had the German pill bunkers and remnants of old Mulberry Harbours - I have never forgotten that. Thanks for posting. Such bravery!

[@kylesaab]

absolutely brilliant. Wiping away the tears!!!!!!! Good tears.

[@LibbyWithnall]

This was amazing. How wonderful that you were able to interview and make this film about your grandfather.

[@UKvet246]

Wow that was superb, an absolute tribute to those who have given so much and it's your family. For me especially as an ex forces veteran that was your best video to date, an absolute superb story and represents everything which is good and bad in our history. I truly thank you for allowing me and many others to hear that great mans story.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Mike.

[@lancelot1953]

Hi "Explorer Buddies", what a respectful and beautiful homage to your grand-parents - what a wonderful example to give to younger generations (many of which do not even know, let alone have a family)! My late aunt waited for her fiance for three years during that time frame, praying and sending him daily letters... She was also there, at the Naval Base docks when the love of her life showed up with... a "war bride" he had "conquered" in France! Two weeks later, my aunt took her life away. I am very impressed by your grand-parents' unfaltering dedication to one another, may God bless them and you all, Ciao L (Veteran)

[@ExplorerBuddies]

What a heart breaking story, so sad that your Aunt was unable to go on, he sounded like a terrible excuse for a man and she deserved so much more 😞

[@sewitseams5632]

I’m so sorry to hear such a tragically heart breaking story. So sad.

[@lancelot1953]

Hi Explorer Buddies, thank you for the kind and loving words. I spent 28 years in the military, 118 combat missions through three wars and I have witnessed this experience too many times. As an officer, I was the one who would write letters to the families and loved ones about how "good" their relative was/were. We would "sanitize" all the letters and correspondence as not to "break a heart back home", I hated it. Wives and parents would track me down and call me, asking about their lost family member - at times, I would have to lie, not to break a heart - always remembering the history of my aunt. I just wished that guys (I can only talk about my gender) would never forget about the responsibilities they have when they leave a family back home to fight for our/their country. I know the stress is high but I cannot tell you how painful it was for me to visit the family of one of "my guys", with walls loaded with pictures of their husband/father, begging to hear how much of a heroic sacrifice he had made, while knowing that he was trailing whorehouses overseas (Philippines). I sponsored many of their children, tutored them (in my State) but I wish we would go back to a time when marriage meant a LIFE commitment. Peace be with you all, and may your story give hope to our younger generations, Ciao, L (Veteran)

[@sewitseams5632]

@lancelot1953 so true, thank you for your honor and service. These stories need to be told and shared. I’m sorry you had to cover the deeds of your service members to their families, such a tough position to be in. So many families torn by war. And the heartbreak after...I just can’t fathom the pain your auntie endured seeing her fiancé wedded to a war bride. So so sad I even cried reading it.

[@leeallen8840]

When you think your having a tough day, watch this. And then it will be tough no longer. What a beautiful, moving and evocative film. Wow...

[@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN]

Very moving guys 👍 Its so sad though to think that bombs just keep getting bigger. One day 🙏 we may learn but I ? That! Well put together guys, as good as any TV production 🎥

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you 😃

[@jimk9892]

This generation of men and women are dwindling away. Awesome to preserve their stories. Will there ever be a generation that felt compelled to serve. Nice vid.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Jim.

[@justwilliam6192]

Fantastic video Scott. I have befriended a 93 year old D Day veteren who was first ashore on sword beach at 6 am on D Day an infantry man in the now disbanded Green Howard's. What tales these brave old gentlemen have. I sit there in awe and listen to there story's of the selfless devotion and sacrifice they made towards freeing Europe from tyranny.

[@beachbum200009]

Touched my heart. What a beautiful love story in the midst of saving the world. Truly the Greatest Generation. Thank for your service.

[@onemanandhiswhippet]

Totally excellent amazing people 🙏 well done 🙏 Best regards Dave, Jo and Louie 👍😀🐾❤️🙏

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you 😃

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

Your Grandfather was quite a handsome young man. I love the way he smiles when he talks about your Nan. 75 yrs together is a lifetime! They were so very blessed to have had a life together such as this. I'm so happy you were able to film before he passed. I hope your Nan is getting along okay without her life mate. I can't begin to imagine the loss she must feel. Thank you for sharing this story. I wish your family all the blessings in the world.

[@daveshaw3142]

Brilliant film so glad I watched it much respect to you sir. PS love your channel always outstanding filming

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Dave.

[@letsgosomewheretravels9476]

Moving story, even more moving when you travel along the Normandy Beaches and view the history which is also very moving, we did this twice in 2018 and wouldn't hesitate to do it again

[@CiderTalbotToo]

That was a beautiful film. The war was so unkind to our families. All my life from my Mum and Dad and my Grandparents have told me stories that happened. We can't imagine the terrible things that went on back then but we can be so grateful to those Men and Women that fought for us. I lost my Mum in March after a couple of very bad years with Dementia and also most of her life with rheumatoid arthritis she was 82. She would have loved to have watched this. Thank you for such a very special film that brought tears to my eyes.

[@boek88]

What a great and admirable account and short movie! It helps to never forget the efforts of all who liberated us from Nazi evil. Your grandparents well deserve over 75 years of happiness together. Scott you do your grandparents proud.

[@billyslittlebigadventurech9050]

Brilliantly put together Scott. Im so proud of that generation, and what they did for us. Where would we have been without them. Never forget xxx

[@guidok3762]

Great video, my father went during the war from The Netherlands to Great Britten to join the RAF, to help!!, 🇳🇱❤️🇬🇧

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks Guido and brave of your father to go 😃

[@Bob814u]

I appreciated your film. As a war veteran I truly believe that the stories should be told. The horror of war should be told so that we can avoid it as much as possible. Job well done!

[@sewitseams5632]

Much love from CALIFORNIA! Thank you for sharing your grandfather’s story. My in-laws tell me tales of WW2 hardship and I will always respect their honor and advice. Much to learn from our elders, they know so much!

[@johnblackett1141]

What a fella. Thank you Raymond and to all your comrades. Many thanks to you too Scott for a great piece of work.

[@gallowaygetaways5326]

Oh my gosh, what a beautiful film about a truly special couple and their love story! I was weeping at the end it was so emotional. What a touching tribute to your grandparents, I'm sure they're so proud of you!

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you.

[@garrybowden]

Wow, just wow. Great storytelling of a very important part of our history. Wish I had done the same with my mums story, but too late now.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks Garry.

[@johnrimmer1228]

A fantastic piece Scott, very well done and very moving. What fantastic Grand parents you have too. All the best for your future success.

[@JohnKelly-xl5su]

What a truly wonderful couple, and a heart warming story.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you John.

[@flashback9966]

Very moving film Scott. Those memories are precious and rightly should be recorded. A few old family photos have so much more value than today's plethora of digital images. My father-in-law, also in his ninety's, ran away from home aged 15 to joined the navy. He met his wife in 1943, whilst on leave and has so many stories to tell of his war years. His ship was the HMS Mauritius and was actually involved in a mutiny! By the way I chatted to you at Quirky. I was holding the Sony A7R2 camera with the big fat lens on the front, which you thought might be a cine lens. Remember? You have some real talent Scott, can't wait to see some more footage. Impressed Rob.

[@matthull7504]

I've just returned home from visiting the D-DAY beaches , I found your film very moving , what a great story ,

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks Matt, I would like to visit the beaches one day.

[@dabois8845]

What a fantastic life story, I do living history as a hobby covering the second world war depicting the Womens Land Army and ATS I do get to meet the veterans and it can be very humbling and emotional to hear what they experienced, always brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes 😢

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks Elizabeth and must be really interesting talking them all, as time goes there is not many left to tell there story.

[@richardhurst1969]

Just beautiful. We have so much to be thankful for. I salute your grandfather

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Richard.

[@shanslam1970]

What a beautiful archive.... ❤❤❤❤ and what a lovely lovely man xxxx

[@P00LI3]

Scott, I am absolutely humbled..An outstanding story from your Grandfather and an outstanding documentary. Thankyou

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you.

[@jonesesjourneys2299]

Very moving documentary. Thanks for sharing it with us. My Dad, was part of the Normandy raid.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you.

[@zoe-annkettles70]

What an amazing story and what an amazing man! It brought me to tears...how touching - thank you for making this film, it's brilliant!! Never Forget xx

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Zoe 😃

[@Tomosthe3rd]

Brilliant! Very well and very movingly told.

[@deltalimabushcraft3033]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@lynneceegee8726]

Brought me to tears, Scott. Thank you so much for this. Love to your Nan and Grandad. Xxxx

[@RetroRatz]

A truly beautiful video! We owe them so much!

[@scrumpyhead2000]

I loved this. What a lovely man. You most be so proud. Great film. Good luck with your studies.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Martin and yes proud 😃

[@edwardyates9965]

That is beautiful Scott, thank you so much for sharing your grandparents' story with us. Best wishes from Susan, wife of Edward.

[@livingfreeasme8346]

Gracious humble brave. God bless you sir.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Sally.

[@leeowen7249]

A lovely tale. So sorry about your granddad.

[@mommahil4323]

Bless him! That was so moving and so well put together Scott - along with others I ended with tears down my cheeks. I think the intimacy of it was a strong factor. Well done.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@Stevo_Drums]

Well done, Scott! His memories are quite vivid. Such a touching personal account, and the shot at 14:58 of your Nan was just perfect! Cheers from California

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Steve.

[@celticwanderer6407]

Fantastic So Touching Men Who Fought To Save Our Country ( I Salute Them Soilders )

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you.

[@andytude1710]

What a fantastic film Scott, these men and women from our past were amazing, we are unlikely to find courage and these kinds of commitments from our younger generations, I hope some of them get to see this film. Well done.

[@driftingsoul747]

Scott that is truly beautiful, what a wonderful tribute to your grandparents and the many that fought for our freedom. Thank you for sharing their story. My best wishes to them and you. Thank you

[@davidmac42]

Wonderful. I wanted to video my Father like this but left it too late. This is a treasure for you and your family. Very well done.

[@shamone1981]

Incredible! your so lucky to have them both still with you, i'd be round everyday wanting another story.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Haha I think I would wear him out.

[@iansmith2693]

very moving , what a nice family history -)

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Ian 😃

[@jossthomas123456]

Superb. What a great tribute to your Grandparents, really excellent work Scott. As you may have seen I met a WW2 Veteran myself recently and its a humbling experience. Thanks so much for making this it was great to watch 👍

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks Joss and did read your story, very interesting 👍

[@flatcap123]

A fantastic and moving story. should be more like this to preserve the memories of these wonderful people. Good luck with your degree.

[@Shevanigans]

Excellent documentary with such a personal touch. Enjoyed being part of your family for a short time

[@sunnydaze6974]

Beautiful video guys, I had a tear at the end. Whoever done the thumbs down is pretty frickin heartless. x

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you 😃

[@JustSteve247]

Mate, lump in my throat the size of an apple. Well done and with respect.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Steve.

[@yeti5631]

Fabulous

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks

[@robertarnold8713]

I am very humbled sir may God bless you and yours and good luck in all you do safe travels sir Rob from Kent

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks Rob 👍

[@MotorbikeJunkie644]

What a great moving film. Massive respect to them 🙏🏻

[@annmcsporran6407]

What a legend,you must be bursting with pride...sounds as though he was an interesting gent.

[@Funkmastabuzz]

Awesome film. So honest and moving. Faces and places brought a tear to my eye. Great work!!!

[@wilsonnoble3312]

Lovely it brings it all back to you what they done for us all.

[@davidbaileybosnia]

Scott. Truly amazing! We'll done. Great storytelling. Bests from Bosnia, David

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks David.

[@gwynnjones6900]

Scott. Many thanks for sharing this very moving documentary. All the very best with your film and media degree.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Gwynn.

[@davidpoots8362]

Fabulous personal story, thanks

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you David.

[@Froggywentawandering]

I'm not cutting onions - you are ! Beautiful film

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks :-)

[@PETER2954]

Thank you.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Peter.

[@Creativecavemanagain]

Beautifully told

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Neil.

[@rhegagne3991]

What an amazing production Scott.

[@Iveavan]

Beautiful film Scott, I was encapsulated, listening to your grandfather's memories. Thank you for sharing them, lest we forget 😔.....

[@sandychapman3772]

So beautiful and touching Scott, brought tears to my eyes! Please accept my condolences. Please keep up your amazing film work and adventures, always looking out for your new posts. ALTVB Sandy & Chris x

[@mattJsy1]

Beautiful

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Matthew.

[@cliffordmarkland2624]

Great film Scott, Respect, Regards Cliff and family x

[@MoandGillOutdoors]

That was a brilliant video. Thank you for sharing atb mo and gill

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you 😃

[@johnrobert2310]

What a fantastic video very moving.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks John.

[@kevinfrench9896]

Very moving and interesting at the same time. Very well put together. Sorry for your loss.

[@jennifermillardX]

Fantastic so Real and honest X Very emotional X

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Jennifer.

[@MrVoxPathfinder]

So beautiful made, congrats. And sorry for your loss. Big hug

[@johnmandy]

Lovely film Scott, really nice flowing story and edits. 👌🏻

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you John.

[@bornfreefreedom4900]

Wow this is truly amazing indeed Such amazing brave people Made me cry watching your filming Thank you for sharing. 🙏💜 Best wishes to all. 🌟🙏🌟

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you for your kind words 😃

[@maggiew4893]

😊 Such an enthralling video, beautifully put together. Thank you so much for sharing...

[@wobbleboxadventures]

What a truly lovely heart felt film put together with excellence. Be proud of them and your film guys beautiful ❤❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿❤❤

[@jasonpetley2836]

Absolutely beautiful

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Jason.

[@dawngreen4074]

Beautiful...

[@josephoconlon7674]

God bless his, God Bless them all. My Grandfather Lance Corpral John Whipps landed on Normandy on sword beach with the Pioneer Corps and made his way to Norway. Wish I had of asked more questions as a kid

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks you Joseph and i'm so glad I got the chance for him to tell his story.

[@josephoconlon7674]

@@ExplorerBuddies very detailed story to. I only know small amount of of his time during the war I've loved more since he's passed away then I did when I knew him. We Will Remember Them

[@Christophers-Assorted-Stuff]

Superb story, a seasoned professional grade quality production. Well done Scott. I love stories like this.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Chris.

[@jstanders6973]

Thank you..

[@shrimpfarmer]

I enjoyed that. Thanks 👍

[@bulletrogers]

That was amazing and the tears were welling up. Well done on an amazing tribute to your mom and dad.

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Bryan.

[@Nuwerra]

Such a beautifully made, celebration of your family history, loved it....How proud you must be...Thank you for sharing......

[@carold8308]

That vid is so truly wonderful in so many ways. Thank you for sharing it with us. ♡

[@addergudluk]

Respect

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you 😃

[@jasongowans27]

Outstanding!!!

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thanks you.

[@EnglishHobbyMachinist]

How proud you must be! Thank you for sharing

[@catemistruzzistaff7155]

How lovely....wonderful stories!

[@ExplorerBuddies]

Thank you Cate.