Each year on June 6th, we commemorate D-Day, the pivotal event of World War II where Allied forces launched an invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France, in 1944. 
This day is not only a moment to remember the immense bravery and sacrifice of those who fought but also an opportunity to support and honour the surviving veterans who participated in this historic event.
The RNRMC awards various grants to ensure that all World War II veterans, including those who participated in D-Day, receive the respect and assistance they deserve. As a result, a variety of support initiatives have been implemented.
These efforts aim to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices made by the veterans and their families, provide necessary aid, and keep their stories alive for future generations. Below are some of the ways our funding contributes to the wellbeing of these veterans.
By supporting our WWII veterans, especially those who faced the harrowing events of D-Day, we not only pay tribute to their past sacrifices but also reinforce our dedication to their ongoing well-being and recognition.
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity received funding from Greenwich Hospital to promote remembrance and comradeship. This allows groups and organisations to apply for grants to support veterans and family members alongside serving personnel where appropriate to attend and participate in remembrance and comradeship events and activities around the world.
The RNRMC and Greenwich Hospital have recently awarded a grant to members of Bridgewater Royal Naval Association (RNA) who plan to travel to a Remembrance Ceremony for 46 Commando in ROTS (Caen), France, on the 11th of June 2024. The grant will fund their travel to and from the village.
This Remembrance event has taken place for several years and is attended by a cohort of Royal Marine veterans and family members from 46 CDO, who were responsible for liberating the village of ROTS (Caen) during WWII.
Every 5th year, the local French village population host a large-scale event, hosting the veterans in their houses and providing coaches to visit significant sights which led to the liberation of the village.
The RNRMC is delighted to help the Bridgewater RNA members attend the event as it will enable them to meet with old friends and comrades, reflect, and remember the success of liberating this village during WWII.
Stephen and Frances Wareing, Members of RMA Bridgewater
To find out more about these grants, click here.
Many WWII veterans face various challenges as they get older. To alleviate these burdens, the RNRMC has awarded funding to the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust (RNBT), enabling them to provide help, opportunity and care in times of need.
RNBT takes a holistic approach to help.
Although capable of a swift solution, we always look to encourage our people (where possible) to support themselves and live a better life, whether it be through financial aid, career skills and support or assisted care.
Propelled by empathy and collaboration.
We are uniquely equipped with the invaluable insights of former sailors and marines, and efficiently combine rapid response with compassionate understanding to help anyone with a genuine need, no matter how they got there. We work alongside fellow service charities and organisations to present the best solution.
You have been helping me now for around a year and have also just helped me with rent for my flat. It has made a positive impact on my life.
Former Royal Marine
You helped with funding for my mother to get her firewall and chimney repaired, thank you for helping us in our hour of need. We are forever grateful.
Widow (and daughter) of a WWII veteran
The RNRMC has also awarded funding to the Royal Naval Association (RNA), enabling them to support their WW2 veterans, including the nine D-Day veterans in its membership.
On a day-to-day basis, all these men and women are looked after by their local RNA branches, who liaise closely with families and carers to ensure they are comfortable, their welfare being the top priority. Through the funding awarded by the RNRMC, RNA endeavours to provide these veterans with all the elements of their Seven Cs – Community, Companionship, Connection, Compassion, Care, Commemoration and Celebration.
D-Day veteran Peter Seaborn
The RNA is compiling an archive of WW2 veteran’s voices to make their stories available to the generations of Shipmates to follow and are also looking forward to hosting a WW2 veteran garden party in the summer, in Portsmouth. This will be an opportunity for these veterans to connect and reminisce.
The RNA is grateful for the funding of the RNRMC, which enables all Naval veterans to have free access to the benefits of membership to the RNA. Without the funding of the RNRMC, the RNA would not be able to deliver this high level of Welfare provision to all its members.
RNA General Secretary, Bill Oliphant
By supporting our WWII veterans, especially those who faced the harrowing events of D-Day, we not only pay tribute to their past sacrifices but also reinforce our dedication to their ongoing well-being and recognition.
The RNA is compiling an archive of WW2 veteran’s voices to make their stories available to the generations of Shipmates to follow and are also looking forward to hosting a WW2 veteran garden party in the summer, in Portsmouth. This will be an opportunity for these veterans to connect and reminisce.
