A HEROIC Blackheath soldier who parachuted into Normandy on D-Day has been remembered today by Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Halesowen.
Sergeant Alexander Blakeway, of 7th Battalion the Parachute Regiment, was dropped into Normandy to relieve troops who had seized key bridges behind enemy lines hours into the operation.
The paratrooper fought the Germans until he was killed on August 23 in fierce fighting in the French village of Pont l'Eveque.
He was just 27 when he died.
His name is recorded on the war memorial at St Paul’s Church, Long Lane.
Labour candidate for Halesowen Alex Ballinger, who served two tours of Afghanistan while in the Royal Marines, said he would spare a thought for Alexander Blakeway during today's commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Alex said: “Many men from the Black Country were involved in the assault.
"Alexander Blakeway from the Parachute Regiment parachuted in on D-Day, before falling during fighting in the following weeks.
“He is one name from many who we owe an immense debt of gratitude to, and I would encourage everyone to spare a thought for Alexander’s sacrifice and for those who fought for us on D-Day and beyond.”
D-Day on June 6 was the largest seaborne invasion in history and saw the Allies invade Western Europe in what was seen as a turning point in the Second World War.
Alex Ballinger said his own military service makes him all the more appreciate the achievement of 80 years ago.
He served in the Royal Marines, the UK’s commando force tasked with assaulting beaches and landing troops behind enemy lines.
Alex was set to mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day at a ceremony at Shell Corner at the junction of Long Lane and Nimmings Road, Halesowen at 11am today (Thursday June 6).
The event was set to be officiated by Rev Mark Danks of nearby St Paul’s church.
Alex said: “Amphibious operations, those that involve landing ground forces onto beaches, are amongst the hardest military operations as they involve ground, naval and air forces, all working together.
“Very often the weather makes such operations extremely difficult, as the state of the sea can make landing almost impossible.
“Operation Overlord was remarkable in the scale of the landings and that the assault was conducted against entrenched positions.
"At the same time paratroopers were landing behind enemy lines.
“Over 150,000 soldiers were involved from the UK, US and other allied nations against fierce opposition. It would have required enormous bravery and determination from the men landing under intense fire.
“It is right that we remember the bravery of the soldiers, sailors and marines as their actions marked the beginning of the end of Nazi occupation of Europe."
Alex Ballinger completed two tours of Afghanistan, leading a team of marines against the Taliban in 2006, and again in 2008 where he was attached to the Gurkhas in Helmand Province.
Before becoming the Labour candidate for Halesowen he ran a mental health charity that works across Birmingham and the Black Country – inspired by mental health challenges his colleagues faced while serving.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here