Lieutenant David Haig-Thomas War Grave, Bavent Churchyard, Normandy

David Haig-Thomas was an explorer and naturalist before the war, taking part in Arctic and Amazon expeditions. When the Second World War began, he volunteered for the newly formed British Commandos. After training with special units, he joined No. 4 Commando, part of the 1st Special Service Brigade.

On D-Day, 6 June 1944, he came ashore with his unit on Sword Beach. Later that day, while moving inland towards the village of Bavent, he was killed in an ambush by German forces as he tried to join the troops preparing to attack the Merville Battery, a key German strongpoint.

Lieutenant Haig-Thomas is buried here in Bavent Churchyard, close to the ground where he fell.