Uncovering History: Lyra's D-Day Experience with the BBC
Introduction: A Journey Back in Time
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a BBC programme brings the historical events of this pivotal day to life. One of the young stars of this programme, Lyra, a pupil from Aberystwyth, shares her personal experiences, insights, and reflections from the filming process. Through her eyes, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of D-Day and the lasting impact it has on our world today.
From Excitement to Learning: Lyra's Initial Thoughts
"I was so excited to be chosen to be a part of the BBC Newsround documentary on D-Day. I was a little nervous about the first day of filming and meeting the first veteran, Arthur Oborne. I soon got used to what it was like, though, and really enjoyed it. Before the documentary, I knew that D-Day was 'the beginning of the end' of the Second World War and knew about the participation of the Allies. During lockdown, I learned a lot about history, particularly about Anne Frank. So, I knew a little about the Second World War but was excited to learn more about D-Day in more detail."
Stepping into History: Visiting Normandy
"Visiting the actual location of where the invasion happened made it so real to me. I was surprised by how much still exists in Normandy from the Second World War. It seemed to me that France is really respectful and grateful to the soldiers for the liberation of France even today. It felt like it was still very much in their minds. The cemeteries were so beautiful; they keep them so well, and it really is very meaningful to be stood there."
A Touching Tribute: Memorable Moments with Veterans
"The veteran who visited Normandy with me, Arthur Oborne, had told me about his friend 'Gummy,' who was a soldier with him during the invasion and had saved his life. He died the day after saving Arthur. We found his grave, and I placed a white rose on it. I felt very moved by it but also so sad for Arthur. It shows the reality of what really happened and how it affected people's lives."
Uncovering the Past: Insights from Historians
"My own Gampi is a historian and helped me find out more about what I was seeing in Normandy. I sent him a photo of me touching a plane propeller in Tilly. He managed to track down the story of what happened and found an interview with the pilot. I loved that. It shows how you can discover so much about the past as long as you're willing to look for it."
Lessons from History: A New Perspective
"This experience has shown me how important it is that we learn from history. We are at an important stage with it being 80 years since D-Day. The veterans are aging now. Arthur Oborne is 100 years old, and the lady veteran I interviewed who was a Wren, Marie Scott, is 97! I feel so lucky that I was a part of sharing their stories. Both are stories I will remember forever and be able to tell my friends and future generations so their stories aren't lost. I hope to discover more stories so that they are remembered, and I think it's really important that children like me look for them, too."
The Enduring Impact of D-Day
"I hope viewers, especially young people, will learn more about D-Day and understand the consequences of war and how it had an impact on everyone at that time. In the words of Marie Scott, who I interviewed, "War is futile but sometimes, just sometimes, a war needs to happen... and this was one of those wars." World War II had a massive impact on everyone for years to come, but without it, the world would look very different to how it does now.”
Conclusion: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future
Lyra Morgan's journey with the BBC D-Day programme offers a profound glimpse into the history of D-Day through the eyes of a young learner. Her experiences remind us of the importance of remembering and honouring the sacrifices made by those who lived through these pivotal moments. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, let us be inspired by Lyra's enthusiasm for history and her dedication to keeping these stories alive for future generations.
Don't miss the chance to watch the BBC D-Day programme. Tune in to CBBC at 18:30 on Thursday, the 6th of June, or watch it now on iPlayer.
