The D Day Story hosts exhibition featuring D Day 80 veteran portraits

The D-Day Story museum is to host a new exhibition featuring a series of striking photographs of Second World War veterans.

'The Lucky Ones Grow Old' features images of nine veterans alongside their stories of war time service and their lives after the war.

The stunning portraits were taken by Matt Sills, a Portsmouth-based photographer, at a special event held at the museum on Monday 3 June 2024 during the commemorations for the 80^th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Matt said: "On D-Day thousands of young men made the ultimate sacrifice. The nine veterans who I have photographed were there on that day. They did their duty and they fought for freedom. They don't think of themselves as heroes, they say the heroes are those who died. They simply consider themselves to be the lucky ones, the ones who made it home.

"80 years have passed since D-Day and each one of these men have lived every moment of it. Whilst D-Day was a hugely significant event, this exhibition is about celebrating lives since that day. When you look at these portraits, I want you to think about everything they have achieved but also take a moment to think of the ones who never had the chance. It's the lucky ones who grow old."

The exhibition invites you to celebrate these well-lived lives while also remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice - the ones who weren't so fortunate.

Matt has travelled the globe creating work for some of the world's most recognised brands, from drinks companies to Formula One teams, and has photographed many famous faces.

Alongside his passion for portraiture Matt's other great passion is history, particularly Second World War history. As a Portsmouth local, he has long been interested in the city's role during the war and D-Day.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

"In the summer we had the honour of hosting veterans at the D-Day 80 event held in Southsea. It is so important that we continue to share their experiences with a new generation, and this exhibition is another chance for us to pay our respects to those heroes who were part of D-Day.

"It's great to see a local photographer capturing such poignant and important photographs, which open up conversations and commemorate everything they have done and achieved since that day."

The exhibition opens on Thursday 19 December 2024 until Saturday 18 January 2025.

Free admission to the exhibition, no museum ticket required.

For more information on the museum, visit theddaystory.com

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