A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Southampton to find the 'Lost Clickers' of the D-Day landings.

ACME Whistles is calling out to to D-Day veterans and their relatives to try and find original clickers issued to the American Airborne Division as a vital piece of survival equipment. The campaign is supported by The Royal British Legion and they intend to use the clickers to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

The clickers were used by paratroopers who were dropped behind enemy lines on the night before D-Day. If they were not alone when they landed, or detected someone close by, they were to click once. Two clicks meant friend and no response meant something else.

A number of replica and counterfeit clickers have been found, but very few of the original 7,000 clickers that were made six months before D-Day in 1945 have been discovered.

Simon Topman, managing director at ACME Whistles said: "During World War II ACME played a vital role in the war effort. There was no commercial trade as production was given over entirely to making whistles for the war effort, and of course, clickers.



Catherine Davies, head of remembrance at The Royal British Legion said: "D-Day marked a turning point in the Second World War and changed the course of history. We honour the bravery and sacrifice of our D-Day veterans and we celebrate the hard won peace, democracy, and diversity they fought for."

She added: "It's great to see organisations such as ACME find ways to thank this special generation, and we look forward to seeing what the search for the lost Clickers unveils".

Residents who believe they own an original ACME Clicker should contact Ben.McFarlane@ACMEwhistles.co.uk, 0121 554 2124 or message their Instagram: @ACME_whistles.