invasion 50 years ago.

According to Major Albert Benjamin MBE, who served as an electrical service engineer at HM Dockyard during the Second World War, he and Major Alfred Simmons MBE provided essential repairs to the D-Day landing craft that were then making their way from the United States to Europe via Bermuda.

"The landing craft the Allies used to cross the English Channel (on D-Day) were built in America (and would join) convoys of 40 to 50 other ships in Bermuda to sail to England,'' Maj. Benjamin told said.

"Some of these craft would have motors break down on their way from the States to Bermuda, and we were commanded to work until they were repaired, as German submarines knew they were there with the other ships and several warships had to guard the fleet.'' He added: "This sometimes entailed continuously working night and day for as long as three days and two nights.'' According to Maj. Benjamin, who makes his home in Warwick, both men are "still alive, for which we thank almighty God.'' Maj. Simmons lives in Somerset.

Major Berjamin.