Introduction

In this one-off special to mark the anniversary of D-Day, the actress Vicky McClure embarks on an emotional journey with her 97-year-old grandfather, Ralph, to learn about his role in the most extraordinary single day of the Second World War.

Outline

Nobody can describe an event better than someone who was there so Vicky McClure wants to find out about the role her beloved 97-year-old grandfather Ralph played as a ship’s signaller in the Royal Navy on D-Day.

He is a lovely man and their relationship is a delight to see as she takes him on a tour of one of the landing vessels used during the invasion and then over to the Normandy beaches, which Ralph says were “like hell had been let loose” on the 04 June 1944. Like many of his generation did, he plays down the experience, but he does tell a brilliant and funny story about when Sir Winston Churchill visited.

Vicky also talks to historians who supply details and even aerial photos of her grandad’s flotilla on D-Day but there are many poignant moments, notably when several grateful people – French and British – ask to shake his hand. There are not many people left to thank, as Vicky points out, before emotion completely floors her.

Production & Filming Details

• Narrator(s):
  • Neil Morrissey
• Director(s):
  • Ewan Keil
• Producer(s):
  • Neil Duncanson … executive producer
  • Steve Gowans … executive producer
  • Jonny Owen … executive producer
• Writer(s):
  • Ewan Keil
• Music:
• Production:
• Distributor(s):
  • ITV One
• Release Date: 05 June 2023.
• Running time: 60 minutes.
• Rating: Unknown.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.

Video Link(s)

Currently unavailable.