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Douglas Baldwin, a World War Two veteran who took part in the Normandy campaign as a teenager and endured captivity as a prisoner of war, has passed away at the age of 100. Originating from Caddington, Bedfordshire, Baldwin served with the 6th Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB). At just 18 years old, he landed in northern France in June 1944, three weeks following D-Day. His wartime experience later included being captured by German troops and spending nine months working in coal mines across several Stalag camps.
The Taxi Charity For Military Veterans, which had supported Baldwin on many trips to Normandy, expressed their sorrow upon his passing. In a statement, they said, “We honour Doug’s remarkable life, courage, and sacrifice, and we remember him with gratitude and respect.” The charity’s tribute highlights the lasting impact of his bravery and contribution to the war effort.
Baldwin, one of seven siblings, was raised in Sheerness, Kent, and celebrated his 100th birthday in November prior to his death. Recalling his early days of service during a 2024 interview, he remembered “the drone of engines” as enemy bombers passed over the Thames estuary. After army training in Colchester and a period of reserve duty, he set off for Normandy on 25 June 1944, travelling aboard a landing craft. He described feeling calm and adventurous during the crossing and recalled the warm support from people waving and blowing kisses as he left Britain, saying, “I felt like a hero before I even landed in Normandy.”
Following the landing, Baldwin advanced with his regiment through northern France. He recounted moments of uncertainty where soldiers had to rely on their own initiative, stating, “There was very little difference between being brave or stupidity.” On 8 August 1944, he was captured alone in the village of Estry after taking shelter in a deserted house and being stunned by an explosion nearby. After capture, he faced the threat of a gun at his head before transport via railway truck to Stalag XII-A in Germany, arriving on 28 August. Baldwin spent time in multiple camps until his liberation by Allied forces. He eventually returned home via Paris on 1 May 1945, just days before Victory in Europe Day.
After the war, Mr. Baldwin continued his military involvement by serving with the Royal Scots Fusiliers in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation. Later, he moved to the Luton area where he worked in various roles, describing himself humorously as a “jack of all trades, master of none,” including jobs at Vauxhall and Luton Airport. His connection to Normandy remained strong, and through the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, Baldwin visited the region numerous times. In 2021, his wartime service was formally recognized with the French Légion d’honneur, the nation’s highest military decoration. Reflecting on life in 2024, Baldwin attributed the secret to a good life to having “Freedom to do what you want.
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