James Combe, Highlanders of Canada, aged 23, from Great Stukeley.

James Combe had only been at General Montgomery’s headquarters for one day when it was announced that Monty would command the 21st army group as part of the invasion of Europe.

James was an NCO and he left for Normandy with Monty’s two caravans and his map wagon.

“When we arrived, the caravans had to be pulled across the beach by a bulldozer, he told The Hunts Post in an interview in 1994.

“You couldn’t see the sky for planes or the sea for ships. It was our job to find a suitable place for Monty’s headquarters. He arrived on June 7. We found a chateau near Cruilly and asked the owner if there were any German soldiers around.

“She pointed to the stables and three German soldiers came out with their hands above their heads shouting ‘comrade’.”

In late June, there was a bloody battle to close the gap between Falasie and Caen where many German soldiers were trapped.

James described the scene when he arrived in Falasie after the town had fallen.

“There were tanks, artillery, soldiers and horses everywhere – the stench was unforgettable.”