Tribute to a Sunderland Normandy hero who became an aide to the Queen
‘Later became a brigadier and aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II’
A Sunderland hero saw action at Normandy and later became an aide to Her Majesty the Queen.
Alan Herring Parnaby was 28 when he was a part of the landings as the Allied forces launched the counter attack against the Nazis in France.
“He was born in Sunderland in 1916 and died in Camberley in 1974,” said Keith.
“He took up rugby late in life and played in the second and back row in the late 1930s. He was an outstanding cricketer and played for Sunderland, Durham, the Minor Counties, the Combined Services and the MCC and may have played at a higher level consistently if not for the war.
“His father was a ship builder working for Short Brothers and the family lived in Brookland Road near to the then General Hospital. He married at Christ Church in 1940.
“Having joined the army from Officer Cadet Training Units in 1939 and serving in Army Ordnance throughout the war, he eventually reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
“He took part in the Normandy Landings and was still active on the continent in 1946. For his services he was given an MBE. He was awarded an OBE in 1958 for post war services and later became a brigadier and aide -de -camp to Queen Elizabeth II. “
His is the latest to be profiled by Keith in the run-up to Remembrance Day.
Others have included;
Joseph Robert Kayll whose Forces achievements were nothing short of remarkable.
Harold Ashton Milburn who had not even reached his 20th birthday when he killed in 1942.
And Captain John Browning Deas who was only 25 years old when he was killed in action in May 1940.