First 24th Lancer on the Beach at D-Day

Maurice Lobb, born in Battersea in 1913, had vivid memories of London during World War I, including the bombings and air raids, as well as witnessing German Gothas and Zeppelins flying overhead. Life after the war was tough, as the country dealt with the aftermath. As a child, Maurice grew up surrounded by a large extended family and neighbours, and his stories from this time are both descriptive and humorous. At the age of 13, after recovering from scarlet fever, Maurice was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and an enlarged heart, leaving him bedridden and with little expectation of survival. He was unable to attend school and educated himself during this period. At 17, frustrated with the inactivity, he returned to work, but his health deteriorated again, and he faced serious illness, including osteo-myelitis, septicaemia, and pneumonia, which kept him away from work for six months. Maurice developed a passion for motorcycling, engaging in leisure riding, trials, and stunts. His motorcycling experience proved valuable when he enlisted in WWII in 1939. He describes his training, experiences, and his landing on the Normandy Beaches during D-Day, where he was wounded. After months of recovery and repatriation, Maurice faced further financial struggles in post-war Britain, juggling family responsibilities and work. He attended the 40th anniversary commemoration of D-Day, reflecting on his journey and the challenges he had faced throughout his life.