Council supports Saint Valery en Caux Battle commemorations

Copies of photographs are available at: http://www.ewclients.co.uk/stvalery/

A civic reception was held at Inverness Town House yesterday evening (Thursday 10 June 2010) hosted by members of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Saint Valery en Caux.

Provost of Inverness Councillor Jimmy Gray welcomed Veterans of the 51st Highland Division who fought alongside French forces at Saint Valery en Caux to the Town House.

He said: “We remember those of our people – Scottish and French – who served so valiantly for the cause of freedom. We remember those who fell – paying the ultimate sacrifice. We remember also those who survived and endured dreadful experiences as prisoners of war. We salute each of them.”

Attending the reception was Veteran Donnie Ross from Ardersier near Inverness. Mr Ross participated in an oral history project to capture the story of the lives of older people who live in Highland communities.

Provost Gray said: “This weekend I am representing Inverness and the Highlands at a commemorative ceremony for the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of June 1940 in Saint Valery en Caux. I am delighted that I shall be taking with me as a gift a DVD that captures Donnie Ross’s experiences in St Valery-en-Caux 70 years ago. His recording will be presented to the Mayor of Saint Valery en Caux with the hope that he will add it to the collection of historical military items relating to events in St Valery.”

Provost Gray and Ward Manager Charles Stephen will visit St Valery-en-Caux this weekend to renew and strengthen bonds of friendship with Inverness City’s French twin town.