We’re pleased to share this video of our friend, Royal Artillery veteran Joe Cattini, paying tribute to his best mate Bill Pendell, who we sadly lost in December. Joe reflects on the essential part his friend played during his service as a Despatch Rider in the Second World War.
Bill landed on Gold Beach on D-Day as a 22-year-old Despatch Rider in the Royal Signals attached to the 11th Armoured Division. He followed the front line all the way through Normandy and into Holland, where he witnessed the harrowing discovery of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Throughout his war service, Bill successfully delivered every message with which he was tasked and went above and beyond the call of duty; hiding his vehicle and creeping into enemy lines so he could report back with accurate information on the German position. He was awarded the Military Medal in June 1945 for bravery in combat and in 2016 received the Légion d’Honneur – the highest French order of merit.
Joe is looking forward to attending the ‘D-Day 75 Garden‘ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May to tell visitors and viewers across the globe all about Bill and his heroics.
