The family of a D-Day veteran has donated his diary to a military museum in Dorset, revealing the raw experiences he faced as a solider.

Terry Parker’s family have donated his D-Day Diary to the Keep Museum on Bridport Road in Dorchester.

Offering a rare and emotive account of the experiences endured by soldiers in the lead-up to, during and after the historic D-Day landings, the private’s diary will be on view in the museum.

Soldiers were not meant to write down anything about D-Day for security reasons, and therefore the diary was concealed in Private Parker’s chest pocket, and was hidden from view.

The contents offer a raw and rare insight into the harrowing experiences of the day, with the diary describing the day as 'What a day- Just Hell'.

Dorset Echo: Terry Parker’s diaryElliott Metcalfe, director at the Keep Military Museum, said: “We are delighted to add Terry Parker’s diary to the museum collection.

“It’s an important piece of Dorset Regiment history, narrating one of their most famous battles from the private soldier’s perspective. The diary and Terry’s touching story is available for all to see at The Keep Military Museum.”

Dorset Echo: Terry ParkerAn excerpt from the diary will be read aloud during Dorchester’s lighting of the beacon, a commemorative event marking the eightieth anniversary of D-Day. The event is set to start at 8pm on Thursday, June 6, with the beacon lighting set for 9.15pm.

All are attended to the event to hear the reading, along with songs from local school children. The event is being co-ordinated by Dorchester Town Council.

Dorset Echo: Terry Parker’s sons making the donation of the diary at The Keep Military MuseumThemes from Private Parker’s diary, along with other local memories and recollections of D-Day and the build up to D-Day in Dorchester are being transformed into an immersive theatre trail which will be available on Saturday, June 8 in Dorchester town centre from 1 pm. 

Those in Dorchester can wander through seven different locations in the town centre to witness captivating performances that look to bring history to life. Each account will be based off of real memories and historical accounts of the town during wartime. Maps and performance times will be provided. 

For more information on the 80 D-Day events in the county town, visit www.discoverdorchester.co.uk