War veteran, 90, hopes to knock Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber off Official Charts

By Deputy Chief EditorMay 31, 2019

169 1 minute read

Jim Radford and justin Bieber — 90-year-old D-Day veteran hopes to knock Justin Bieber from top of UK singles chart (Picture: PA/Getty)

This 90-year-old Second World War veteran hopes to knock out Justin Bieber from the top of UK singles chart.

A campaign has been launched to get Jim Radfords single to number one after the unlikely success his song.

The D-Day fighters chilling ballad, The Shores Of Normandy, is inspired by his memories of comrades who stormed the gates of hell on 6 June 1944.

Two weeks after its release, the folk song briefly stormed ahead of Ed Sheeran and Justin Biebers collaboration I Dont Care on Amazon music chart.

Mr Radford, who is donating the profits towards a sculpture honouring those who died upon that blood-soaked sand, said reaching the top spot was beyond his wildest dreams.

As of today, Ed and JBs track sits at number one in the Official Charts for the third week.

Although he has now been thrust into the limelight, Mr Radford does not seem to care much about the glitz and the glamour.

Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/ITV/REX (10265086bp) Jim Radford 'Good Morning Britain' TV show, London, UK - 31 May 2019 D-DAY HERO Jim Radford is 90 and leaves this weekend for Normandy to be part of next week's 75 year commemorations. He was the youngest person to take part in the D Day landings. He gained renewed prominence in 2014 when it was discovered he had written a memorable song called The Shores of Normandy about his experiences, now riding high in the download charts. Desk: Jim Radford. — Mr Jim Radford single hopes to top the charts (Picture: Rex Features)

D-Day veteran Jim Radford pictured on board HMS Belfast on the Thames in London, where he launched the release of his new recording of The Shores of Normandy in support of the British Normandy Memorial which is to be inaugurated on the 6th June by the British Prime Minister and French President. In 1944 Jim was a 15 year old galley boy serving with the Merchant Navy. His first deep sea voyage took him to Normandy to help build the Mulberry Harbour. He remembers seeing HMS Belfast in action at the time. He is pictured here as an 18 year old with the tug Empire Larch on which he served. See David Wilkes Story. — D-Day veteran Jim Radford pictured on board HMS Belfast (Picture: Unknown)

I dont follow pop music much, said Mr Radford, who was born in Hull and now lives in Lewisham, southeast London.

These stars like this Bieber, Im not sure Id recognise his songs. He probably doesnt listen to me.

Money raised by the single will go towards a memorial to the 22,442 men and women under British command who passed away during the Allied landings and the Battle of Normandy.