D Day 75th Anniversary

D Day 75th Anniversary

It has been called The Longest Day, the biggest amphibious invasion of all time, and the beginning of the end of the Second World War. However, it is described, D-Day is undoubtedly one of the most significant turning points in a six-year war that witnessed the deaths of more than 20 million people.

It brought together the military might of the US, the British Empire and a handful of other allied countries to launch a full-scale assault on Nazi-occupied France. In doing so, it would not just secure a foothold in Europe, it would open a new front against the German war machine.

Thousands died on the beaches of Normandy and in the fields beyond them. Millions now visit those beaches in memory of the sacrifice they paid and the horrors those who survived went through.

But, while countless Hollywood films have been made about those first crucial 24 hours, the day had been years in the planning and would lead on to many months more fighting before the end of the war.

On 6 June 2019, the world will come together to remember the price that was paid 75 years ago for that epoch-forming effort to defeat the Nazis.

Prime Minister Theresa May paid a fitting tribute

“It is thanks to their courage and that of other allies that today, Europe is free and at peace, we will never forget all that they gave – or the sacrifices of the fallen

The Queen will lead a host of world leaders to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day at a special event on the south coast of England.

In a message to mark the occasion, she has praised the “immense bravery, ingenuity and determination” of troops who set sail to defeat Nazi forces.

The Queen added: “At this time of reflection for veterans of the conflict and their families, I am sure that these commemorations will provide an opportunity to honour those who made extraordinary sacrifices to secure freedom in Europe. They must never be forgotten.”

She will be joined by the leaders of 15 nations, including Theresa May, Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel, and Justin Trudeau. Senior members of the Royal Family, including the Prince of Wales, will also be in attendance.

Hundreds of veterans will attend a ceremony and up to 300 aboard the cruise ship, the MV Boudicca will retrace their route to Normandy as they did 75 years ago, accompanied by a flotilla of Royal Navy vessels. A historical flotilla will sail behind a Brittany ferry transporting D-Day Veterans to Caen and the Normandy beaches where they will pay their respects to fallen comrades. Thursday 6th June is the actual 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. They will be joined by D-Day veterans and serving personnel to mark the turning point in the history of Europe when thousands of Allied Service Personnel set sail to invade occupied France.

We will remember them!

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