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 was parachuted into Normandy with 4th Commando of the Royal Army Service Corps. Later that day, while moving towards the village of Bavent, he was killed in a German ambush as he tried to join the troops preparing to attack the Merville Battery, a key enemy strongpoint. He fell alongside Robert Godey, a local Frenchman acting as his guide.

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