Episode 5: Ron Cross

A photo of Ron Cross a blind veteran

About Ron

Ron served with the Royal Engineers during the Second World War and was one of the first soldiers to land on the beaches in the D-Day landings. In this interview Ron talks about preparing for D-Day, the experience of taking part in it and reflects on those who were lost in the war.

Ron joined Blind Veterans UK in 2013 having lost his sight as a result of age-related macular degeneration.

This interview was conducted in 2019 by our friends at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for their Voices of Liberation: Preserving our memories of the Second World War podcast and is included in Unseen Stories with their permission. Sadly, he died in 2020.

Blind veteran Ron in his living room, smiling as he holds a phone
Blind veteran Ron using a large button phone
Blind veteran Ron wearing his military badges and laughing with care worker Kirsty
Blind veteran Ron, right, with Blind Veterans UK care worker Kirsty
Blind veteran Ron pointing at his framed medals on the wall in his home
Blind veteran Ron with his medals

Episodes

Unseen Stories podcast

Unseen Stories is our podcast about personal experiences of the military, loss of sight and adjustment to life.

Four blind veterans accompanied by two nurses going for a walk at Church Stretton during World War II

Episode 1: Barbara Bell

Barbara speaks to us about her early life, her time in the war and how she lost her sight.

An archive photograph of a young blind veteran Barbara sitting on an armchair and sewing

Episode 2: Fred Bentley

Fred talks about his wartime experiences, his career after service, his late wife and his time with our charity.

Blind veteran Fred, left, wearing a poppy at a Remembrance event

Episode 3: Billy Baxter

Billy tells of the devastation of losing his sight, and working for Blind Veterans UK at our Llandudno Centre.

A close-up of blind veteran Billy, looking across the room

Episode 4: Jim Hooper

Jim gives an account of his time in the Second World War and talks about battling sight loss.

A close-up of blind veteran Jim, wearing a maroon beret with a suit and tie

Episode 6: Elizabeth Diacon

Elizabeth tells us about her wartime experiences, her time working at Bletchley Park and her life after the war.

Blind veteran Elizabeth smiling