I always thought that I was one of the very, very, very lucky ones
Recorded 8 years ago
About this recording
Robbie Larnach from Lybster was 20 when he plunged into the deadly confusion of Normandy in the aftermath of D-Day. As a Driver/Mechanic in the Royal Artillery, he was in charge of a four-wheel-drive vehicle towing a 25lb gun as it emerged from a barge and made its way ashore onto Sword beach. The main objective after that was to capture the town of Caen.
We were there to do a job,” he says, and it was a case of get on with it.”
Although this interview was recorded more than 74 years after the Normandy landings of June 1944, it was clear Robbie still had painful memories of that momentous episode in World War II.
He goes on to explain how in September 2017 he returned to Normandy for the first time since the war. He was back again in April 2018 and went on to pay further visits, accompanied by his son Noel.
A prolific goalscorer for Lybster FC, Robbie was not the only member of the family with a talent for football: at one point the village team had no fewer than seven Larnach brothers in its ranks. He was dedicated as well as skilful. One day, after finishing work at Wick aerodrome, he ran all the way from Wick to Lybster in time for an evening match and still managed to play a full 90 minutes.
Robbie reminisces about one of his most memorable goals, and tells how Hibs were keen to give him a trial. He also played for Wick Academy and Wick Groats, and in November 2018 Robbie was pleased to be invited to play a part in Groats 125th anniversary celebrations.
The picture shows Robbie displaying his medals, including the Légion d'Honneur on the right.
Robbie passed away in February 2023, aged 98.
Contributors
Photos
