D-Day 80: Actor sheds tear on Portsmouth stage as he recounts heart-wrenching letter from lost soldier to wife

Jonny Weldon, 30, of Bournemouth, recited a document written by Captain Jack Lee to his wife Olive and children before he passed away on June 7, 1944. The soldier sent his best wishes to his loved ones, who he would never see again. Jack said he was the luckiest husband in the world to have someone like Olive by his side.

Mr Weldon shed a tear as he told Jack’s story in front of thousands of guests which included King Charles III, Queen Camilla and senior politicians. He said the service was incredible, powerful, celebratory and respectful.

“It was really quite something,” Mr Weldon told The News. “I’ve never done something like this before. It was a huge undertaking to perform in front of senior politicians and family members of the Royal Family. Jack was telling his family to live well and be happy. It was emotional, deep and heartfelt.

“I had to try and not think about millions of people watching across the country, and think about reading the letter and going off stage. I tried not to get in my head too much about it. It wasn’t about me it was about the letter, the words and retelling it - providing a service to someone before me.”

Mr Weldon said it was an honour to be a part of the ceremony, which involved musicians, personnel from the Royal Marines Band, children’s choirs and other performers all contributing to a show which was sombre yet celebratory on Southsea Common.

Red Arrows pilots flew their mesmerising vehicles over the stage after the ceremony, with the National Anthem ringing round the stage. Gun shots from HMS St Albans could also be heard. Veterans gave their own accounts of the trials and tribulations they faced during the landings. Singer and songwriter Zak Abel, who previously performed during the coronation of King Charles III, said: “I was trying to take in the moment.

“My intention for my performance was to express as much gratitude as possible towards the veterans and I hope that came across. I’ve never performed to that many people on stage, ever. I feel very honoured to have been asked to do this. It was a chance for me to delve a bit deeper into the events that happened, which was a learning experience. I’m so happy I did that, as it made today more special.”