To those who gave this a thumbs down. Hang your heads in shame. You lot will never be the men. That these men were. Respect to you Jim. To all those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. I salute you. Your likes will in both WW1/WW2. Will" NEVER" come again. R.I.P. Lest we forget. Thank all of you for your sacrifice. 💖💕💟💞💓💝💗👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Patricia Bracken the likes of those men and women are still in our armed forces. They gave their lives on more than those battlefields, Northern Ireland, The Falklands and Afghanistan being just three examples.
@@Justjayne01 Jayne. Yes I'm aware of that. I was referring to the WW 2./ WW1 wars. That was what Jim's song. Normandy. No disrespect to those soldiers that fought in later battles.
Spot on, PB. D-Day is the day shade tree mechanics and short order cooks stood for freedom and saved the world from absolute tyranny. Thank God there were men of integrity that day.
I have tears running down my cheeks, and I'm couldn't give a damn who sees cos I've just heard one of the best lulabys of a war that set us up to be free.
What a wonderful man! You must be so proud of your wonderful grandad! May he and all the other D - Day vets rest in peace, comfort and eternal respect. Lest we forget.
@@mollycasas3101 - It depends on how you define liberal. There are many shades, not just black & white. I'm a Liberal and I love this guy and what he stands for. My father landed with the first wave at Omaha and later nearly died attacking St. Lo. He told me about the guy who risked his own life to save him. Do you think they were considering politics when they were on the battlefield? Please consider that next time you try to paint others with a broad brush.
@DH -Who typed "shame on you? " It wasn't me and it wasn't David Dews. Anyway, you are just calling someone names and not really explaining anything. What is your opinion? I'd be interested to hear it.
In brings it all into light doesn’t it. My grandfather was there that day and took a bullet to the leg. He never spoke of the war and refused to take a pension. This song has helped me to understand why. It wasn’t his choice to go to war, he was drafted, but he did what he had to do. May he Rest In Peace.
Steve Flynn here, I very stupidly hit thumbs down by mistake, should of pressed thumbs up 1 million times.THis wonderful man is a proper hero to us all today.the absolute most important man alive and with us. the reason we are able to be here with friends and family.the reason we can live today.its such a slap in the face to all the heroes past and present the Jim's of this world 🌎 that sum persist in ,,, still fighting for the good coz... Thanks to all the heroes but most of all massive thank you to Jim Radcliffe and best wishes to all his family and friends....
'men who cracked a joke, and cadged a smoke, as they stormed the gates of hell'. That line always gets me. I like to think that what sums up the British character, but in truth its simply a tribute to the men who fought that day. I'm young, I pray to God that if i were ever in their position, i could be half as brave as they were.
I played this at my grandpa's funeral. He was a Normandy Vet, liberation of Belsen, Operation Market Garden....and until he was 91 he said he didnt fight Germany, he fought Nazi's. So proud.xx
As a german i can tell you we respected the brits and the ones from the commonwealth way more than the americans that claimed all victory to themselves. Also when people talk about the horrible bombing of Dresden. Dresden was the answer to Coventry and many germans knew that. As a german i ALWAYS enjoy to be at the Isle. Fine people. Hope to be there soon again. 😊👍 Btw beautiful name
To the thumbs down - Give thanks you weren't there on the 6th June 1944. My Dad was a 21 year old Royal Marines Commando who went in with the first wave at Gold beach - his best mate going down to machine gun fire before he even got down the ramp.
Whity 54, I know you wrote this a few years ago. My Uncles were Army and Merchant. They survived, ill health and bronchial their whole lives. They never lost a days work, always kindness, very caring parents. I wish Jim had sung this song earlier, while my Uncles and Grandad were alive. We would have poignantly listened every Hogmany and raised a glass. I never hang my head at loved ones funerals. I feel like crumpling but I stand tall. I'm proud of them. I'm proud of your Dad and his friend too. Thank you Whity 54.💞
Do those who have voted a 'thumbs down' have a heart? Probably mindless, selfish, gimme-gimme-gimmes, who think life should be handed to them on a plate for zero effort or thought for others.
Thanks to the men like Jim and my grandfather's we have a beautiful free life and those who fell may they forever rest in peace this song is the best in my opinion. May we never forget Jun 6th 1944 and the brave men who fought and died
Thanks to all the heroes who fight for freedom, who fight for a place they never been. We will always remember what britains, americans, canadians, australians did there. From a french citizen proud of our ancestors 🙏
@DH I was being somewhat facetious, but if it makes you get your rocks off to call people names in the comment section, you must feel a whole lot better. However, having worked 16 years in Veterans' Long Term Care, I suspect I have a much better idea of the lasting effects of War/PTSD on these guys than you. Now...go back down to Mommy's basement and your COD Game. Leave the grown-up discussions to the grown-ups.
@@PatIreland You disrespectful little troll. It's because of them you've got the freedom you've got. Show a bit of respect, if you even know the meaning of the word, which you obviously don't.
To the 56 who gave this a 👎🏻 May you never know the heartache and terror of war, shame on you! To the men and women who gave their lives in the name of war, I thank you. To the men and women who, like Jim, survived the horrors to keep us free from more war, I thank you, your heroism makes me proud to be British.
A real treasure. Sung with such dignity and with a beautiful calm voice. Hope we will never ever fight each other again (At a war). From a german Edit: a big thank you to everyone that upvoted this comment. Thanks a lot 😊
Please make your leader Merkel understand that we won't tolerate this nuevo German fascism. You have to get rid of her if you want peace. She is a dangerous maniac
@@TheParachute9 ---- with all due respect my dear friend. What she is doing is the total oposite of fascism. Well she is kind of bossy i give you that. But even to germans her actions are often the reason of big anger. The german people wanna have a peacefully and good life with our friends all over europe. We are a part of something bigger. Europe is the way. Europe is the answer. Please our dear friends never forget this point 😊
@@a.d.1563 The EU wants a single state, a single currency, a single border, a single economy a hybrid Eurasian man through mass immigration, an un-elected President, an un-elected Executive and an impotent legislature, a single military and a security council answerable to no one. This is Fascism, this is totalitarianism . If you can't see you are either blind or stupid. Its that simple.
@@TheParachute9 ---- you voted out and now the UK is more divided than ever. Just a little example. NI voted STAY in the majority (same Scotland). Maybe your vote Itself make happening what the IRA and the unbelievable violence never achieved. NI wants a reunification with the ROI. Also Scotland is planning a new independece vote. If the EU is that bad please explain why half of your country voted STAY why the LEAVE-voters are now fearing and facing the troubles that about to come. Just yesterday they said the government is fearing a shortage of so many basic things like food and medicine if they can't sign a contract with the EU. Is this the better world you dreamed about when you walk to the voting centers? I am neither blind or stupid. I just can see clearly that a Europe of the borders and boundaries (to the inside) is about to fail. Just ask any business man what a hard BREXIT means to his Business. Just ask any soldier what a custom Office at the ROI/NI-border would mean and ask also who volutarely would like to guard them. I quote a NI citizen "every Office was been shot at im the past and will be shot at the future! So we been very happy when the borders been opened and the violence stopped!" Yeah i guess its me who can't See clearly....
Sitting in a coffee shop with tears unashamedly rolling down my face. It's just such a moving tribute to all our hero's who fought with so much gallantry. To those who made the ultimate sacrifice, May you all rest in peace, we will remember you. To all those who survived, you have my undying gratitude. Thank you.
my father Jack was on a merchant ship at Normandy aged 19 , he had already survived two years' of the deadly Atlantic Convoys on ships that were sitting ducks for the German U Boats, such a brave young man , one of the lucky ones as merchant seaman had the highest death rate of any service in WW2.
They were the unsung heroes my Grandfather was Merchant shipman it took great courage supplying Britain with the much-needed supplies as well as helping the troops to their destinations God bless them and all the heroes that gave us our freedom!
A few days ago, I discovered a Vietnam POW/Mia veteran living in my tiny, rural Alabama town. I stopped, at a small home, with feral cats this gentle man couldn't help but feed. For several minutes we spoke about the war, as I apologized for the uncalled for, savage mistreatment many received on their return. I couldn't hold back tears and gave him a heart felt hug, of gratitude, as I departed. As well, I am trying to instill, in my only child, a deep, abiding, genuine love of and appreciation for the SOLDIER.
One of the most emotional songs I have ever heard. I had tears in my eyes when I heard it for the first time today. Thank you Sir for this beautifull song.
Sy Fortune Liberty they fought so bravely for and we are fighting for that very same freedom that they gave to us and our rotten conniving politicians gave it away.....ratbags, they dishonour their memory.
To my fellow human, this is humanity at its purest, these words and true beauty, we and all should never ever forget, this is true lifes lessons within words ❤❤❤❤
You couldn't write a song with such emotions without seeing it first hand. I'm in awe of Jims descriptive account of that day, so sad but masterfully written to give such a vivid verbal picture. LEST WE FORGET.
Crazy: I knew Jim as well, for more than 20 years ... this brings tears to my eyes, not only because it is such a moving song, but because he survived, and I was privileged to know him and his wife Jenny. RIP Jim, my friend, you are missed 💖
Jun 2014 Shores of Normandy by Jim Radford In the cold grey light of the sixth of June, in the year of forty-four, The Empire Larch sailed out from Poole to join with thousands more. The largest fleet the world had seen, we sailed in close array, And we set our course for Normandy at the dawning of the day. There was not one man in all our crew but knew what lay in store, For we had waited for that day through five long years of war. We knew that many would not return, yet all our hearts were true, For we were bound for Normandy, where we had a job to do. Now the Empire Larch was a deep-sea tug with a crew of thirty-three, And I was just the galley-boy on my first trip to sea. I little thought when I left home of the dreadful sights I'd see, But I came to manhood on the day that I first saw Normandy. At the Beach of Gold off Arromanches, 'neath the rockets' deadly glare, We towed our blockships into place and we built a harbour there. 'Mid shot and shell we built it well, as history does agree, While brave men died in the swirling tide on the shores of Normandy. Like the Rodney and the Nelson, there were ships of great renown, But rescue tugs all did their share as many a ship went down. We ran our pontoons to the shore within the Mulberry's lee, And we made safe berth for the tanks and guns that would set all Europe free. For every hero's name that's known, a thousand died as well. On stakes and wire their bodies hung, rocked in the ocean swell; And many a mother wept that day for the sons they loved so well, Men who cracked a joke and cadged a smoke as they stormed the gates of hell. As the years pass by, I can still recall the men I saw that day Who died upon that blood-soaked sand where now sweet children play; And those of you who were unborn, who've lived in liberty, Remember those who made it so on the shores of Normandy.
We will NEVER forget the the loss of our fathers, sons, husbands, brothers & true loves. ALL FOR US, in the name of FREEDOM. You ALL have our profound gratitude. May God bless each of you with His love, His eternal grace & His infinite mercy. And to those who gave their lives FOR US, may you rest peacefully in God's loving arms forever. You will never, EVER be forgotten.🙏💕🇺🇸✌
My father,god bless him,was on FDT 216 off Omaha and Utah on D Day and told me of the hell that day.Respect to every man who gave their life and those who survived,this is a lovely tribute.
Than you for loading this, my grandad was at d day with the Royal Navy and other battle campaigns, he never told anyone except me about the things he see, I happened to be their when the first series of the world at war was aired in 1974 and he had tears and was very shaken by the programme, I was privileged as he relaid some events and it has never left me, I feel it is a duty to remember all those that served their country. This song brings it home.
Rest In Peace Jim Radford (1 October 1928 - 6 November 2020) . Born in 1928 in Hull, Jim became the youngest known Allied veteran of the D-Day landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944. Aged just 15, he was a galley boy in the Merchant Navy, working aboard a vessel which was responsible for building the temporary Mulberry Harbours to assist the landings at Gold Beach in Arromanches-les-Bains. The sights that the veteran saw that day would stay with him forever. His experiences would lead him to become a prominent activist in various political and peace campaigns, although it would be a return to the French coast in 1969 which “moved him to tears” and inspired him to pen the tune in tribute to his comrades “who stormed the gates of hell” and “died upon that blood-soaked land”
I saw him sing this on Breakfast TV today. I freely admit to many tears rolling down my cheeks. What an amazing song and man. Thank you Sir, thank you.
Many of the videos on here for new or new-ish songs have sycophantic comments sections full of praise for the message a song is supposedly conveying,often with little to support the claim and concerning the most ephemeral of issues. Now,this is what I call a song with message.
Rest in Peace Jim. A campaigner with Veterans for Peace UK against all wars and senseless conflicts. Your brothers and sisters there will miss you so much. Condolences to your family and friends and all you loved and who loved you
I will always be very proud to have known this man and to have shared a glass with him. He was such a humble hero that at the time I did not know that he was a national treasure. We will remember.
A giant thanks to Jim and all the men who gave their lives for the defence of liberty. Fortunately all my relatives from WW1 and WW2 who were fighting at the front survived the bullets and the shells, although having many close shaves.
I am 83 and can remember those times. An amazing tribute from a true hero...those who gave a thumbs down should be ashamed of themselves. But for people like Jim they would not have the priviledge or freedom to behave as they do ....
This - for me - was the most powerful thing I've seen or heard at any remembrance service. Sometimes the media go so over the top it becomes a tad insincere but this, sung by a man who saw hell that day, speaks volumes. How great if we could make it the Christmas number one in this special year of remembrance. Can we make it so?
@@thebastionbaton ---- up here they do. Er get reminded of what we did. Its a dark and cruel part of our history. Germans are responsible dir unbelievable cruelties and we will make sure that something like this never ever happened again. From germany
@@a.d.1563 Dear Charlotte, thank you for coming back to us. Far too many innocent lives are lost in war, every nation has made mistakes but the worlds future lays with you and the rest of the young people in the world, we must all learn from the past but not dwell in it 😊 take care with best wishes.. Alan Rowe founder of 'the Baton'
A. D. My sincere apologies, yes to you I was multi tasking at the time and obviously not that well 😊 the sentiment is basically the same, lets hope the youth of the world as well as the rest of us learn from the past
What a man & what a song.Going back & seeing children playing on a beach where there was so much bloodshed, must have been really hard.God bless you Jim.
I saw this incredible man on TV this morning. A man of courage and good humour. Why do these brave men not warrant knighthoods rather than the ridiculous array of so called celebrities who are bestowed with these honours. As for the pathetic idiots who gave this the thumbs down, they are sadly ignorant and devoid of any kind of decency.
Who in their right mind would give this song a thumbs down? My grandfather served in north Africa Sicily and France Not a day goes by that I don’t think about his sacrifice and all the others like him
These brave men fought and gave their lives to stop the tyranny in Europe. To think of this with anything but gratitude is abhorrent! Shame on all that gave a thumbs down!!! Please be respectful to and remember the sacrifices that these people gave you, that you may sit and give an opinion on anything in this world!! As if these men had not stormed the beaches at Normandy, took the planes out of the sky above our heads and kept our country fed and watered through these unbelievably tough times then you wouldn’t be able to press one single button to pass an opinion! Don’t be a keyboard warrior! Go make a difference for the good of your country! God bless Jim Radford! R.I.P. and all those lost in WW2!
Never visited Normandy. But I visited the Meuse/Argonne cemetary because my Great Grandfather is buried there. The two biggest things that made me breakdown while visiting it was knowing that I was standing in field that was apart of a war that claimed an entire generation. The second was how the French would treat you like gold if you're British or American. While I can't speak for the U.K., here in America there's this stigma for being proud of America's History.
In the cold grey light of the sixth of June, In the year of forty-four, The Empire Larch sailed out from Poole to join with thousands more. The largest fleet the world had seen, we sailed in close array, And we set our course for Normandy at the dawning of the day. There was not one man in all our crew but knew what lay in store, For we had waited for that day through five long years of war. We knew that many would not return, but all our hearts were true, For we were bound for Normandy, where we had a job to do. Now the Empire Larch was a deep-sea tug with a crew of thirty-three, And I was just the galley-boy on my first trip to sea. I little thought when I left home of the dreadful sights I'd see, But I came to manhood on the day that I first saw Normandy. At Arromanches, off the Beach of Gold, 'Neath the rockets' deadly glare, We towed our blockships into place and we built a harbour there. 'Mid shot and shell we built it well, as history does agree, While brave men died in the swirling tide on the shores of Normandy. For every hero's name that's known, a thousand died as well. On stakes and wires their bodies hung, rocked in the ocean swell; And many a mother wept that day for the sons they loved so well, Men who cracked a joke and cadged a smoke As they stormed the gates of hell. As the years pass by, I can still recall the men I saw that day Who died upon that blood-soaked sand where now sweet children play; And those of you who were unborn, who've lived in liberty, Remember those who made it so on the shores of Normandy.
Heard this for the first time on the BBC Remembrance Day commemoration this morning: absolutely brilliant, and utmost respect to Jim and his comrades for fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today.
What a great man for this unforgettable song. He is a true hero as are those who couldn’t come home. God bless them all. To those who gave a thumbs down you don’t deserve what you have today. Yes hang your head in shame.
To those who gave this a thumbs down.
Hang your heads in shame.
You lot will never be the men.
That these men were.
Respect to you Jim.
To all those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.
I salute you.
Your likes will in both WW1/WW2.
Will" NEVER" come again.
R.I.P.
Lest we forget.
Thank all of you for your sacrifice.
💖💕💟💞💓💝💗👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Patricia Bracken the likes of those men and women are still in our armed forces. They gave their lives on more than those battlefields, Northern Ireland, The Falklands and Afghanistan being just three examples.
@@Justjayne01
Jayne.
Yes I'm aware of that.
I was referring to the WW 2./ WW1 wars.
That was what Jim's song.
Normandy.
No disrespect to those soldiers that fought in later battles.
Amen....
Spot on, PB. D-Day is the day shade tree mechanics and short order cooks stood for freedom and saved the world from absolute tyranny. Thank God there were men of integrity that day.
I have tears running down my cheeks, and I'm couldn't give a damn who sees cos I've just heard one of the best lulabys of a war that set us up to be free.
To the 33 people that gave this a thumbs down remember this...it was people like Jim Radford that gave you that right of free speech !
I agree..
the 33 idiots who gave the thumbs down are in my opinion just scum,i dare any of you to answer my reply and explain why the thumbs down
@@barrycaldwell5461 They won't, they are cowardly shite bags.
Couldn't of put it better myself mate
Researching me grandad at the mo,Coldstream Guards,Armoured Division, never forgotten
He is actually my grandad but he passed away because of covid and I tried to sing along with this song so maybe he could hear me and be proud.
What a man your grandad was I would of loved to of met him be proud of your grandad I’m so sorry that you lost him to Covid god bless
A beautiful song sang by a good man❤
What a wonderful man! You must be so proud of your wonderful grandad! May he and all the other D - Day vets rest in peace, comfort and eternal respect. Lest we forget.
One word Legend
How dare anybody give this a thumbs down. Disgraceful. Profound thanks to those who died for our freedom.
David Dews They are probably liberals
@@mollycasas3101 - It depends on how you define liberal. There are many shades, not just black & white. I'm a Liberal and I love this guy and what he stands for. My father landed with the first wave at Omaha and later nearly died attacking St. Lo. He told me about the guy who risked his own life to save him. Do you think they were considering politics when they were on the battlefield? Please consider that next time you try to paint others with a broad brush.
You are so right in your view
@DH -Who typed "shame on you? " It wasn't me and it wasn't David Dews. Anyway, you are just calling someone names and not really explaining anything. What is your opinion? I'd be interested to hear it.
R.I.P. Jim 😢 Passed away 6th November 2020 from Covid 19. Will always remember. 💔
I HATE COVID!!!! NOW ITS KILLING OUR VETERANS!!!!!!!! UGH 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡🤬🤬🤬
Chill he died leave it at that you rat
😨
Nothing to do with his age right?
It was Covid.....are you trying to make a point? What do you mean by "it was nothing to do with his age then " This man was one of the heroes .
Well done Sir!
Anyone else with tears in their eyes?!
My eyes feel sore i can,t stop sobbing
definatly makes you well up thats for sure,lest we forget
Almost
Oh yes. Whilst realising just how lucky I was to have been in the Andrew (64-72) and not called to any major nastiness.
In brings it all into light doesn’t it. My grandfather was there that day and took a bullet to the leg. He never spoke of the war and refused to take a pension. This song has helped me to understand why. It wasn’t his choice to go to war, he was drafted, but he did what he had to do. May he Rest In Peace.
Steve Flynn here, I very stupidly hit thumbs down by mistake, should of pressed thumbs up 1 million times.THis wonderful man is a proper hero to us all today.the absolute most important man alive and with us. the reason we are able to be here with friends and family.the reason we can live today.its such a slap in the face to all the heroes past and present the Jim's of this world 🌎 that sum persist in ,,, still fighting for the good coz... Thanks to all the heroes but most of all massive thank you to Jim Radcliffe and best wishes to all his family and friends....
Sadly he left us almost four years ago.
'men who cracked a joke, and cadged a smoke, as they stormed the gates of hell'. That line always gets me. I like to think that what sums up the British character, but in truth its simply a tribute to the men who fought that day. I'm young, I pray to God that if i were ever in their position, i could be half as brave as they were.
The line that gets me is, “where we had a job to do”. They didn’t have to do that job, but they did it anyways.
I played this at my grandpa's funeral. He was a Normandy Vet, liberation of Belsen, Operation Market Garden....and until he was 91 he said he didnt fight Germany, he fought Nazi's. So proud.xx
As a german i can tell you we respected the brits and the ones from the commonwealth way more than the americans that claimed all victory to themselves.
Also when people talk about the horrible bombing of Dresden.
Dresden was the answer to Coventry and many germans knew that.
As a german i ALWAYS enjoy to be at the Isle.
Fine people.
Hope to be there soon again. 😊👍
Btw beautiful name
As we hit 75 years since D-Day my thoughts go to those men who didn't return.
To the thumbs down - Give thanks you weren't there on the 6th June 1944.
My Dad was a 21 year old Royal Marines Commando who went in with the first wave at Gold beach - his best mate going down to machine gun fire before he even got down the ramp.
Whity 54, I know you wrote this a few years ago. My Uncles were Army and Merchant. They survived, ill health and bronchial their whole lives.
They never lost a days work, always kindness, very caring parents.
I wish Jim had sung this song earlier, while my Uncles and Grandad were alive. We would have poignantly listened every Hogmany and raised a glass.
I never hang my head at loved ones funerals. I feel like crumpling but I stand tall. I'm proud of them. I'm proud of your Dad and his friend too. Thank you Whity 54.💞
I was fortunate to be in the audience 10 years ago tonight. Not a dry eye in house RIP Jim
Do those who have voted a 'thumbs down' have a heart? Probably mindless, selfish, gimme-gimme-gimmes, who think life should be handed to them on a plate for zero effort or thought for others.
227kas I don’t see any thumbs down ?
227kas Sorry your right, probably millennials.
Thanks to the men like Jim and my grandfather's we have a beautiful free life and those who fell may they forever rest in peace this song is the best in my opinion. May we never forget Jun 6th 1944 and the brave men who fought and died
Thanks to all the heroes who fight for freedom, who fight for a place they never been. We will always remember what britains, americans, canadians, australians did there.
From a french citizen proud of our ancestors 🙏
Dont forget the Scots and Irish who were there also.
@@jamesstuart7575 Scots are Brits
This is a truly beautiful song composed and sung by an extraordinary man. It is haunting and touches your soul. Will never ever forget. Thank you Jim.
While he may gave written the words the tune is Raglan Road written a long time ago. Still it's a very moving song
@@anthonymcloughlin5128 wanker
Is Jim's song available on CD yet?
Bravo Jim. Very well done, indeed ! God Bless you and all Allied Vets. LEST WE FORGET.
The 53 thumbs down can be the first out of the landing craft.
@DH I was being somewhat facetious, but if it makes you get your rocks off to call people names in the comment section, you must feel a whole lot better. However, having worked 16 years in Veterans' Long Term Care, I suspect I have a much better idea of the lasting effects of War/PTSD on these guys than you. Now...go back down to Mommy's basement and your COD Game. Leave the grown-up discussions to the grown-ups.
Don't kid yourself. They would NEVER have left the boat- they would have been cowering under their benches.
@@PatIreland You disrespectful little troll. It's because of them you've got the freedom you've got. Show a bit of respect, if you even know the meaning of the word, which you obviously don't.
To the 56 who gave this a 👎🏻 May you never know the heartache and terror of war, shame on you!
To the men and women who gave their lives in the name of war, I thank you.
To the men and women who, like Jim, survived the horrors to keep us free from more war, I thank you, your heroism makes me proud to be British.
A class example of why we should never "just leave it in the past" and we should always remember!
R.I.P Jim. May your sea shanties be sung evermore 🧜 x
A real treasure. Sung with such dignity and with a beautiful calm voice. Hope we will never ever fight each other again (At a war). From a german
Edit: a big thank you to everyone that upvoted this comment. Thanks a lot 😊
Please make your leader Merkel understand that we won't tolerate this nuevo German fascism. You have to get rid of her if you want peace. She is a dangerous maniac
@@TheParachute9 ---- with all due respect my dear friend. What she is doing is the total oposite of fascism. Well she is kind of bossy i give you that. But even to germans her actions are often the reason of big anger. The german people wanna have a peacefully and good life with our friends all over europe. We are a part of something bigger. Europe is the way. Europe is the answer. Please our dear friends never forget this point 😊
@@a.d.1563 The EU wants a single state, a single currency, a single border, a single economy a hybrid Eurasian man through mass immigration, an un-elected President, an un-elected Executive and an impotent legislature, a single military and a security council answerable to no one. This is Fascism, this is totalitarianism . If you can't see you are either blind or stupid. Its that simple.
Me too....
@@TheParachute9 ---- you voted out and now the UK is more divided than ever. Just a little example. NI voted STAY in the majority (same Scotland). Maybe your vote Itself make happening what the IRA and the unbelievable violence never achieved. NI wants a reunification with the ROI. Also Scotland is planning a new independece vote. If the EU is that bad please explain why half of your country voted STAY why the LEAVE-voters are now fearing and facing the troubles that about to come. Just yesterday they said the government is fearing a shortage of so many basic things like food and medicine if they can't sign a contract with the EU. Is this the better world you dreamed about when you walk to the voting centers? I am neither blind or stupid. I just can see clearly that a Europe of the borders and boundaries (to the inside) is about to fail. Just ask any business man what a hard BREXIT means to his Business. Just ask any soldier what a custom Office at the ROI/NI-border would mean and ask also who volutarely would like to guard them. I quote a NI citizen "every Office was been shot at im the past and will be shot at the future! So we been very happy when the borders been opened and the violence stopped!"
Yeah i guess its me who can't See clearly....
Sitting in a coffee shop with tears unashamedly rolling down my face. It's just such a moving tribute to all our hero's who fought with so much gallantry. To those who made the ultimate sacrifice, May you all rest in peace, we will remember you. To all those who survived, you have my undying gratitude. Thank you.
my father Jack was on a merchant ship at Normandy aged 19 , he had already survived two years' of the deadly Atlantic Convoys on ships that were sitting ducks for the German U Boats, such a brave young man , one of the lucky ones as merchant seaman had the highest death rate of any service in WW2.
They were the unsung heroes my Grandfather was Merchant shipman it took great courage supplying Britain with the much-needed supplies as well as helping the troops to their destinations God bless them and all the heroes that gave us our freedom!
If this doesn't bring a tear to your eyes, you're not human
DH how?
Haunting tribute to many brave men. Thankyou Jim for my Liberty. I am forever grateful sir.
To a true friend so sad I couldnt say good bye your never be forgotten PIP jim xx
I write these words freely today because of the magnificent soldiers who fought on the shores of Normandy.
We owe these men everything! Lets never forget them & the sacrifice they made for us !
A few days ago, I discovered a Vietnam POW/Mia veteran living in my tiny, rural Alabama town. I stopped, at a small home, with feral cats this gentle man couldn't help but feed. For several minutes we spoke about the war, as I apologized for the uncalled for, savage mistreatment many received on their return. I couldn't hold back tears and gave him a heart felt hug, of gratitude, as I departed. As well, I am trying to instill, in my only child, a deep, abiding, genuine love of and appreciation for the SOLDIER.
One of the most emotional songs I have ever heard. I had tears in my eyes when I heard it for the first time today.
Thank you Sir for this beautifull song.
"And those of you who were unborn, who've lived in liberty...remember those who made it so on the shores of Normandy." Wow that got me.
Sy Fortune Liberty they fought so bravely for and we are fighting for that very same freedom that they gave to us and our rotten conniving politicians gave it away.....ratbags, they dishonour their memory.
I know Jm, and I know his beautiful song, but I still cried afterwards. God bless the Normandy Vets.
Amazing man.Jim thank you for what you and your crew did.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Lovely words.
@@alanforster9065 Thank you.🇬🇧
We will always remember those men who fought for our lives. They all gave the ultimate sacrifices. Thank you, for all you did so long ago.
@Cray Fishe stop
@Cray Fishe its our moment
@Cray Fishe I agree war is pointless but don't go that far
A fitting use of the tune of 'Raglan Road' I feel. Jim has been a peace activist for most of his life. Thanks Jim, and God bless.
Thank you! I knew the tune was Irish :-)
Boys one day and Men the next forever.
Must be Jeremy corbynites
Pure Class and the greatest generation ❤️
Certainly better than the mindless scum we have now!
To my fellow human, this is humanity at its purest, these words and true beauty, we and all should never ever forget, this is true lifes lessons within words ❤❤❤❤
RIP Jim Radford - died aged 92.
My grandad was a D Day veteran (RN), and im so proud of what him and all his mates did back then . Lest we forget 🇬🇧
You couldn't write a song with such emotions without seeing it first hand. I'm in awe of Jims descriptive account of that day, so sad but masterfully written to give such a vivid verbal picture. LEST WE FORGET.
RIP to Jim Radford thank you for your service to this nation during the D Day landings your a true hero!
Jim Radford died from Covid19 in 2020
I was lucky enough to have many hours of convocation with Jim, he was a great man!
My dad was fortunate enough to know this amazing man, they attended the same folk club
Crazy: I knew Jim as well, for more than 20 years ... this brings tears to my eyes, not only because it is such a moving song, but because he survived, and I was privileged to know him and his wife Jenny. RIP Jim, my friend, you are missed 💖
My father was at sword beach with the navy, he's 94 now and as bright as a button. He's also a Yorkshire lad, I'm sure he'd love to meet Jim.
Hope he does
Make it happen. Do it before it's too late.
God bless him and all those who gave their lives for freedom.
Jun 2014
Shores of Normandy by Jim Radford
In the cold grey light of the sixth of June, in the year of forty-four,
The Empire Larch sailed out from Poole to join with thousands more.
The largest fleet the world had seen, we sailed in close array,
And we set our course for Normandy at the dawning of the day.
There was not one man in all our crew but knew what lay in store,
For we had waited for that day through five long years of war.
We knew that many would not return, yet all our hearts were true,
For we were bound for Normandy, where we had a job to do.
Now the Empire Larch was a deep-sea tug with a crew of thirty-three,
And I was just the galley-boy on my first trip to sea.
I little thought when I left home of the dreadful sights I'd see,
But I came to manhood on the day that I first saw Normandy.
At the Beach of Gold off Arromanches, 'neath the rockets' deadly glare,
We towed our blockships into place and we built a harbour there.
'Mid shot and shell we built it well, as history does agree,
While brave men died in the swirling tide on the shores of Normandy.
Like the Rodney and the Nelson, there were ships of great renown,
But rescue tugs all did their share as many a ship went down.
We ran our pontoons to the shore within the Mulberry's lee,
And we made safe berth for the tanks and guns that would set all Europe free.
For every hero's name that's known, a thousand died as well.
On stakes and wire their bodies hung, rocked in the ocean swell;
And many a mother wept that day for the sons they loved so well,
Men who cracked a joke and cadged a smoke as they stormed the gates of hell.
As the years pass by, I can still recall the men I saw that day
Who died upon that blood-soaked sand where now sweet children play;
And those of you who were unborn, who've lived in liberty,
Remember those who made it so on the shores of Normandy.
Beautiful
Beautiful beyond words. Thank you for the lyrics.
Quality 👍🏻
I get goosebumps and a lump in my throat every time I hear this.
seems to be alot of dust in the air when this is played
Incredible should always play this and remember the brave men that died fighting for our nation.
For our right to liberty.
We will NEVER forget the the loss of our fathers, sons, husbands, brothers & true loves. ALL FOR US, in the name of FREEDOM. You ALL have our profound gratitude. May God bless each of you with His love, His eternal grace & His infinite mercy. And to those who gave their lives FOR US, may you rest peacefully in God's loving arms forever. You will never, EVER be forgotten.🙏💕🇺🇸✌
My father,god bless him,was on FDT 216 off Omaha and Utah on D Day and told me of the hell that day.Respect to every man who gave their life and those who survived,this is a lovely tribute.
Than you for loading this, my grandad was at d day with the Royal Navy and other battle campaigns, he never told anyone except me about the things he see, I happened to be their when the first series of the world at war was aired in 1974 and he had tears and was very shaken by the programme, I was privileged as he relaid some events and it has never left me, I feel it is a duty to remember all those that served their country. This song brings it home.
TEARS TEARS TEARS - WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. WE SHALL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL
Rest In Peace Jim Radford (1 October 1928 - 6 November 2020) . Born in 1928 in Hull, Jim became the youngest known Allied veteran of the D-Day landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944. Aged just 15,
he was a galley boy in the Merchant Navy, working aboard a vessel which was responsible for building the temporary Mulberry Harbours to assist the landings at Gold Beach in Arromanches-les-Bains.
The sights that the veteran saw that day would stay with him forever. His experiences would lead him to become a prominent activist in various political and peace campaigns,
although it would be a return to the French coast in 1969 which “moved him to tears” and inspired him to pen the tune in tribute to his comrades “who stormed the gates of hell” and “died upon that blood-soaked land”
So sad, so beautiful. A lovely song in memory of all those good men gave up their lives so we would be free. Never to be forgotten. 🇺🇸🥰❤️🙏
I saw him sing this on Breakfast TV today. I freely admit to many tears rolling down my cheeks. What an amazing song and man. Thank you Sir, thank you.
Many of the videos on here for new or new-ish songs have sycophantic comments sections full of praise for the message a song is supposedly conveying,often with little to support the claim and concerning the most ephemeral of issues. Now,this is what I call a song with message.
And we're giving it all away 😢😢
my late father in law was there RIP to all who served
Rest in Peace Jim. A campaigner with Veterans for Peace UK against all wars and senseless conflicts. Your brothers and sisters there will miss you so much. Condolences to your family and friends and all you loved and who loved you
To all the Armies and Men that served in WW2 June-05-06 up to V-DAY. Thank you for your Great crusade.
I will always be very proud to have known this man and to have shared a glass with him.
He was such a humble hero that at the time I did not know that he was a national treasure.
We will remember.
A giant thanks to Jim and all the men who gave their lives for the defence of liberty.
Fortunately all my relatives from WW1 and WW2 who were fighting at the front survived the bullets and the shells, although having many close shaves.
I am 83 and can remember those times. An amazing tribute from a true hero...those who gave a thumbs down should be ashamed of themselves. But for people like Jim they would not have the priviledge or freedom to behave as they do ....
This song is so brilliant should go to the top Please please put it on face book and see how many likes it will get
Beautiful and very touching. Well done, Mr. Redford, and all the lads that sailed with you into Hell that day. We are forever grateful.
To the D day veterans . A debt we can not repaid a sacrifice that will never be forgotten god Bless them all
God bless the brave men of Normandy. Big salute.
You lot who thumbs down are ignorant and no respect.
This - for me - was the most powerful thing I've seen or heard at any remembrance service. Sometimes the media go so over the top it becomes a tad insincere but this, sung by a man who saw hell that day, speaks volumes.
How great if we could make it the Christmas number one in this special year of remembrance. Can we make it so?
May we never forget this price that was paid for us to live in freedom.
RIP Jim a tot is waiting for you.
number 1 without a shadow of doubt !!! well done JIM
This should get to number 1
Thom Hanson wouldn’t that be fabulous if it got to number 1
This person predicted the future
And shame to those who leave a thumbs down!!
Thanks to all our brave men and women past and present. Big salute. You people who press thumbs down can thank these men for your freedom
My dad came ashore there as well! God bless this man for reminding the world why that day still rings in our hearts.
Beautiful song lovely words respect to those who died for all our freedoms we have today well done Jim👏👏👏
My history teacher showed me this, it's stunningly beautiful. It just makes my heart swell
Well done your teacher, many aren't being taught about our history
@@thebastionbaton ---- up here they do. Er get reminded of what we did. Its a dark and cruel part of our history.
Germans are responsible dir unbelievable cruelties and we will make sure that something like this never ever happened again.
From germany
@@a.d.1563 Dear Charlotte, thank you for coming back to us. Far too many innocent lives are lost in war, every nation has made mistakes but the worlds future lays with you and the rest of the young people in the world, we must all learn from the past but not dwell in it 😊 take care with best wishes.. Alan Rowe founder of 'the Baton'
@@thebastionbaton ---- Sorry but i am confused. Was this for Charlotte or me? You tagged me but begun with "dear charlotte" 😊
A. D. My sincere apologies, yes to you I was multi tasking at the time and obviously not that well 😊 the sentiment is basically the same, lets hope the youth of the world as well as the rest of us learn from the past
What a man & what a song.Going back & seeing children playing on a beach where there was so much bloodshed, must have been really hard.God bless you Jim.
RIP Jim.
I saw this incredible man on TV this morning. A man of courage and good humour. Why do these brave men not warrant knighthoods rather than the ridiculous array of so called celebrities who are bestowed with these honours. As for the pathetic idiots who gave this the thumbs down, they are sadly ignorant and devoid of any kind of decency.
Who in their right mind would give this song a thumbs down?
My grandfather served in north Africa Sicily and France
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about his sacrifice and all the others like him
The shores of Normandy,both the lyrics and the likes of MEN LIKE YOU JIM WERE AND ARE TRULY OUTSTANDING.Godbless you all now and always.
These brave men fought and gave their lives to stop the tyranny in Europe. To think of this with anything but gratitude is abhorrent! Shame on all that gave a thumbs down!!! Please be respectful to and remember the sacrifices that these people gave you, that you may sit and give an opinion on anything in this world!! As if these men had not stormed the beaches at Normandy, took the planes out of the sky above our heads and kept our country fed and watered through these unbelievably tough times then you wouldn’t be able to press one single button to pass an opinion! Don’t be a keyboard warrior! Go make a difference for the good of your country! God bless Jim Radford! R.I.P. and all those lost in WW2!
To those whom put thumbs down you are a disgrace to society. You are not human.
To all the men and women who served their nation a thank you for all they have done .
Never visited Normandy. But I visited the Meuse/Argonne cemetary because my Great Grandfather is buried there. The two biggest things that made me breakdown while visiting it was knowing that I was standing in field that was apart of a war that claimed an entire generation. The second was how the French would treat you like gold if you're British or American. While I can't speak for the U.K., here in America there's this stigma for being proud of America's History.
GODSPEED MR. RADFORD THANK YOU AND ALL THOSE AS YOU SAY MADE IT SO FOR OUR FREEDOM! TY THOMAS
We will remember Jim we will remember.
To those who gave this a thumbs down, why?
Because they're all losers!
Because the world contains morons unfortunately
DH is about respect not about the music or are you a snowflake?
@DH self important snowflakes? Is this how you describe your self? Explains a lot.
@DH I would say you have.
Thanks for your service,Sir!
In the cold grey light of the sixth of June,
In the year of forty-four,
The Empire Larch sailed out from Poole to join with thousands more.
The largest fleet the world had seen, we sailed in close array,
And we set our course for Normandy at the dawning of the day.
There was not one man in all our crew but knew what lay in store,
For we had waited for that day through five long years of war.
We knew that many would not return, but all our hearts were true,
For we were bound for Normandy, where we had a job to do.
Now the Empire Larch was a deep-sea tug with a crew of thirty-three,
And I was just the galley-boy on my first trip to sea.
I little thought when I left home of the dreadful sights I'd see,
But I came to manhood on the day that I first saw Normandy.
At Arromanches, off the Beach of Gold,
'Neath the rockets' deadly glare,
We towed our blockships into place and we built a harbour there.
'Mid shot and shell we built it well, as history does agree,
While brave men died in the swirling tide on the shores of Normandy.
For every hero's name that's known, a thousand died as well.
On stakes and wires their bodies hung, rocked in the ocean swell;
And many a mother wept that day for the sons they loved so well,
Men who cracked a joke and cadged a smoke
As they stormed the gates of hell.
As the years pass by, I can still recall the men I saw that day
Who died upon that blood-soaked sand where now sweet children play;
And those of you who were unborn, who've lived in liberty,
Remember those who made it so on the shores of Normandy.
I find myself listening to this every few months. I don't know why.
RIP Jim, a true hero, thank you for my freedom.
Heard this for the first time on the BBC Remembrance Day commemoration this morning: absolutely brilliant, and utmost respect to Jim and his comrades for fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today.
PRECIOSA!!!
Wonderful! Heartbreaking thinking of what our soldiers had to go through to keep us free! A true hero.
Beautiful and moving. So sad that so many more wars still continue on. God Bless your Sir!
heard it on radio 2 ,beautiful ,gives me chills
RIP Jim. Lovely tribute to your comrades. Moved to tears.
Surely only 65 not 95 years old! Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Sir.
We will remember them! Lest we forget!
What a great man for this unforgettable song. He is a true hero as are those who couldn’t come home. God bless them all. To those who gave a thumbs down you don’t deserve what you have today. Yes hang your head in shame.