The Burgess Hill community gathered on Saturday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day, for the launch of “And Then There Was George”, a biography celebrating the life and legacy of Royal Navy veteran George Chandler.
The powerful new book captures George’s wartime experiences, including his service as an Able Seaman during the D-Day landings at just 19 years old, alongside the remarkable journey to uncover and preserve these memories while living with vascular dementia.
Guests gathered to honour his service through welcome drinks, a commemorative toast and reflections on the lasting impact of his story. The event also raised funds for Blind Veterans UK and the Alzheimer’s Society, two charities close to George’s heart.
The launch was hosted at Corbett Court, a McCarthy & Stone retirement living development where George lived until his passing in late 2024. McCarthy & Stone staff at Corbett Court played an integral role in helping uncover fragments of his wartime memories. Through conversations, music and reminiscence, details of his military service gradually emerged.
The staff worked alongside author & Duty Manager Amanda George and George’s family to carefully piece together and document George’s memories, resulting in a lasting record of his personal history.
The book not only chronicles George’s experiences during the war but also explores his life after military service, highlighting themes of courage, resilience and remembrance.
Among those attending the launch were representatives and fellow veterans from Haywards Heath Golf Club, where George was an honorary life member. Guests joined together to celebrate his service, his contribution to the local community and the legacy he leaves behind for future generations.
Amanda George, Author & Duty Manager at Corbett Court, says: Working with George on this book has been a truly moving journey. Through music, memories of his wartime experiences gradually emerged, allowing us to piece together and preserve an important firsthand account of history. We are delighted to have played a part in helping George transform his personal recollections into a lasting legacy for future generations and his story demonstrates the enduring power of memory, identity and storytelling in later life. George’s experiences are a reminder that every person has a unique story worth telling, and that those stories can continue to inspire, educate and connect people across generations.
Paul Chandler, George’s Son, says: As my father’s memories gradually emerged, we discovered aspects of his wartime service and life story that had never been fully shared before, making the process both fascinating and deeply meaningful. Seeing those recollections brought together in a published book is a source of great pride and ensures that his experiences will be preserved for future generations. We are immensely grateful to the McCarthy & Stone team, whose support, patience and encouragement went far beyond day-to-day care. Their dedication helped create the time, space and confidence needed to capture these important memories and turn them into a lasting legacy for our family and others to learn from.
Rob Cotterill, Military Engagement and Events Coordinator for Blind Veterans UK, says: George was a truly remarkable man who has been an inspiration to so many of us here at Blind Veterans UK. His story is a powerful reminder that the experiences of our veterans extend far beyond the history books. George played a prominent role in our D-Day 80 events and was guest of honour at our D-Day 80 Military dinner. By sharing his story, George leaves a lasting legacy that will help ensure that the sacrifices, challenges and achievements of his generation are never forgotten.
David Carter, Secretary of Coastal Forces Veterans Association, says: I’m delighted to hear that this book has been written about my old friend George who served in Coastal Forces, as did my father. Several of the veterans lost their sight in later years and were well supported by Blind Veterans UK; some also suffered from dementia. I’m therefore very grateful for the support going towards BVUK and the Alzheimer’s Society.
To get a copy of the book, please follow the link here
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