Nairn, Adrienne First 24th Lancer on the Beach at D-Day

The Life & Legacy of Maurice Lobb

Maurice Lobb, born in Battersea in 1913, had vivid memories of London during the First World War, including the bombings and air raids, as well as the German Gothas and Zeppelins flying overhead. Life after the war was hard as the country struggled with the aftermath. As a child, Maurice grew up surrounded by a large extended family and neighbourhood, and his stories from this period are both vivid and humorous. At the age of 13, after recovering from scarlet fever, Maurice was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and an enlarged heart, which left him bedridden and with little chance of survival. Unable to attend school, he educated himself during this period. At the age of 17, frustrated by inactivity, he returned to work, but his health deteriorated again and he suffered from serious illnesses such as osteomyelitis, septicaemia and pneumonia, which kept him off work for six months. Maurice developed a passion for motorcycling and became involved in leisure riding, trials and stunts. His motorcycling experience proved valuable when he entered the Second World War in 1939. He describes his training, his experiences and his landing on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, where he was wounded. After months of recovery and repatriation, Maurice faced further financial difficulties in post-war Britain, juggling family and work. He attended the 40th anniversary of D-Day and reflected on his life journey and the challenges he had faced throughout his life.