York Normandy veteran Ken Cooke presented with a model of 'his' Hornby Rowntree 88DS

On Thursday 11 April, we were delighted and honoured to present to York Normandy veteran, Ken Cooke, with a Hornby model of ‘his’ locomotive, the Rowntree & Co. No. 3 ‘Ken Cooke’ 88DS, at the Derwent Valley Light Railway in Murton.

Glynnis and Tony Frith, the owners of the preserved locomotive, also received their own models. It was a wonderful and memorable day for all in attendance, including the civic party, friends, family and DVLR volunteers.

At the tender age of 16, Ken lied about his age to fight for his country in the Second World War. Now at 98 years old, he is York's sole surviving Normandy veteran, who at the age of 18 years old stormed Gold Beach on 6 June 1944 in the first wave of landings on D-Day. His involvement in the Normandy D-Day landings and bravery during his service led to him receiving France’s highest military honour, Legion d'Honneur.

Later in his life, Ken worked at the Rowntree Cocoa Works in York, where he would hitch a ride in the Rowntree & Co. No. 3 88DS locomotive to navigate the factory site.

The locomotive was later acquired by North York Moors Railway for preservation and moved between several different heritage railways over the years, until 2013 when the locomotive found its home at the Derwent Valley Light Railway.

In 2016, it was purchased by Glynnis and Tony Frith (two DVLR members), who after an annual event of York Normandy Veterans, they thought it only fitting that No. 3 should be named ‘Ken Cooke’ as a tribute to the esteemed veteran and ex-employee of Rowntree.

Find out more about the Rowntree & Co., Ruston & Hornsby 88DS, 0-4-0, No. 3 - Era 6 and pick up yours today.