War Veteran's Extraordinary Life Honored at 100
A Life of Courage and Sacrifice
A Second World War veteran who fought in Normandy 80 years ago before becoming a prisoner of war has passed away at the age of 100. His life, marked by bravery and resilience, has left an indelible mark on history.
Doug Baldwin served with the 6th Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) and landed in northern France at just 18 years old, three weeks after D-Day in June 1944. He was later captured by German forces and made to work in coal mines while spending nine months in multiple Stalag camps.
The Taxi Charity For Military Veterans expressed their deep sorrow over his passing, stating: “We honour Doug’s remarkable life, courage, and sacrifice, and we remember him with gratitude and respect. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Early Life and Enlistment
Mr Baldwin grew up in Sheerness, Kent, as one of seven children. In an interview with the Press Association in 2024, he recalled the "drone of engines" as enemy bombers flew up the nearby Thames estuary. He enlisted for army training at Colchester and remained in reserve before being sent to Normandy on a landing craft on June 25, 1944.
Speaking about his experience, he told PA: “All the way over I was quite calm. It was still an adventure to me.” He mentioned that many people waved and blew him kisses as he left British shores, adding: “I felt like a hero before I even landed in Normandy.”
Life on the Front Line
After landing, Mr Baldwin moved with his regiment through northern France, recalling the chaotic and precarious nature of life on the front line. “There were many occasions where there was nobody to tell you what to do. You had to think for yourself,” he told PA. “There was very little difference between being brave or stupidity.”
Mr Baldwin was captured alone in the small village of Estry on August 8 that year, after taking cover from German fire in a disused house and being stunned by a nearby explosion. He said he was taken to a car with a gun pointed at his head before eventually being transported to Germany in a railway truck, reported as arriving at Stalag 12A on August 28.
He spent time in several camps before liberation by Allied forces. He returned home via Paris on May 1, 1945 – one week before VE Day – and said he remembered the sun rising as he came across the cliffs of Dover on the journey back.
Post-War Life and Legacy
Despite his previous hardships, Mr Baldwin went back to Germany after the war ended with the Royal Scots Fusiliers to serve in the Army of Occupation. He relocated to the Luton area for work and described himself as a “jack of all trades, master of none”, working in a variety of jobs including at Vauxhall and Luton Airport.
Mr Baldwin, who married his second wife, Sheena, in 1953, lived in Caddington, Bedfordshire, for many years. He visited Normandy many times through trips organised by the Taxi Charity For Military Veterans.
He received the Legion d’honneur, France’s highest military honour, in 2021 in recognition of his service during the war.
Honoring a Hero
Doug Baldwin's story is one of courage, resilience, and dedication. His experiences during the Second World War, from the beaches of Normandy to the harsh conditions of captivity, highlight the sacrifices made by those who served. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of remembering and honoring those who have given so much for our freedom.
