The sixth of the sixth marked 70 years since more than 320,000 allied troops landed in Normandy.
Roy Morton was one of the first – fighting on the beaches for the initial six hours.
The 92-year-old former artillery gunner landed on Juno Beach to support the Canadians on what was one of the most defining days in the fight against fascism in Europe.
On June 6, 1944, Roy arrived in Normandy by boat to the scream of rattling machine gun fire and deafening sounds of shells.
On June 6 this year he arrived in a Rolls Royce at Newbridge Memo to a standing ovation as a special guest at their D-Day Dance.
Mr Morton was born in Pentwynmawr on September 13, 1922, and was joined at the dance by his wife Charlotte who he married on VE Day, May 7, 1945.
The wedding took place just two days after their engagement and a day before Roy was posted to India for a year.
Charlotte Morton herself was part of the war effort, working on spitfires in Birmingham from the age of 18.
A third war veteran, Memo regular Mr Dunt, who served in the Royal Navy, attended the celebration and danced every dance with his wife, including the jitterbug.
The commemorative dance was opened with speeches by Newbridge Memo Chair of Trustees, Howard Stone and Brian Evans of the British Legion.
Flowers were presented to Mrs Morton by Rebecca Gingell, Newbridge Memo’s Heritage Assistant, and then the dancing began thanks to professional organ player Byron Williams. More than 70 people packed into the newly refurbished function room for the sold out event, many in 1940s fancy dress, dancing and singing along to wartime classics.
Newbridge Co-op provided the decorations and raffle prizes were donated by Sainsbury’s and Poselco Lighting, who are restoring the Memo’s historic lighting as part of their ongoing revamp.
Another dance will be held at Newbridge Memo to coincide with the British legion’s Lights Out – 100 Candles to Remember, at Newbridge Cenotaph at 11am on August 4, to mark 100 years since Britain’s entry into World War One.
