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D-Day 80th Anniversary

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The D-Day landings of 6th June 1944 was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe from Nazi occupation.

Today D-day is remembered by many as the beginning of the end of World War II, but in the predawn hours of that pivotal day, success was not assured. After years of fighting and strategic planning, the stakes were enormous for the supreme command of the allied forces and the more than 160,000 service personnel who crossed the English Channel that day.

Men and women from across Nottinghamshire played a crucial role in support the campaign, whether by working in the fields, coal mines and factories which were important in providing the supplies to keep our troops going, or indeed fighting on the front line.

Two South Notts Hussars Regiments took part in the Normandy landings and campaign, the 107th Medium Regiment RA and the 150th Field Regiment RA. The Sherwood Rangers were in the vanguard of the landings on D-Day and were the first Yeomanry Regiment to fight ashore. 

Sherwood Rangers unloading a Sherman tank at Normandy
Sherwood Rangers unloading a Sherman tank at Normandy

Many of the aircraft used on D-Day, including the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster, were powered by Merlin engines, developed in Nottinghamshire at Hucknall Rolls Royce.

Members of the United States 507th Parachute Regiment (part of the United States 82nd Airborne Division) were billeted in the grounds of Tollerton Hall when preparing for combat in Normandy.

The 507th Regiment sustained 200 casualties in the first two days of the campaign. A memorial to those lost in World War II lies in the grounds of St Peter’s Church Tollerton.

It reads “Their devotion to duty and selfless sacrifices in helping to end tyranny in Europe will never be forgotten. Through the passage of time their memory is still cherished.”

Local and National Commemorations

Poem for Schools

Thursday 6th June | Various Locations | 11am

Download and share the official poem written by Roy Palmer, Chelsea Pensioner and Herald

For further information visit Official D-Day 80th Anniversary Guidance Pack

Beacons & Lamps of Peace

Thursday 6th June | Various Locations | 9.15pm

Beacons and Lamps of Peace will be lit across the UK and a tribute can be read:

“Let us remember those who gave their lives at home and abroad during the D-Day landings, whose sacrifice enables us all to enjoy the peace and freedom we have today. Let us remember those who came home wounded, physically and mentally, and the friends and family who cared for them. Let us remember those who returned to restore their relationships and rebuild their working lives after years of conflict and turmoil. Let us remember the families that lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters and sweethearts. Let us remember the servicemen and women and merchant seafarers of all nationalities - from all countries - who fought, suffered and died during the D-Day landings and six years of war. Let us all remember those in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and our Allies - the brave people who kept us safe on the home front and abroad and those in reserved occupations during the difficult time of war. Let us remember the brave doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded, the men and women who toiled in the fields, the coal mines, the factories and the air raid wardens, police officers, firemen, ambulance drivers and the young people of the Scouts and Guides who all played such a vital role in the war.” For further information visit Official D-Day 80th Anniversary Guidance Pack

Plumtree Parish Council D-Day 80 Commemorations

Thursday 6th June | St Mary's Church, Plumtree | From 8pm

Plumtree Parish Council invite residents to join the commemorations from 8pm at
St Mary’s Church, Plumtree.

The evening will include:
• Music from the 1940s
• Refreshments - tea/coffee/juice and cake, or wine and nibbles
• Bell ringing

The event will culminate with the nationwide lighting of the beacon at 9.15pm by Mrs Christine Goldstraw OBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire.

A musical programme will take place outside the West door of the church and attendees will be welcome to join in, concluding with the National Anthem.

Tickets are not required but donations will be gratefully received.

Mark your calendars and spread the word. Let us come together as a community to remember, reflect, and rejoice in the indomitable human spirit.

Beacon lighting along Spring Lane, Flintham

Thursday 6th June | Spring Lane, Flintham | 9.15pm

The UK will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings with a series of major commemorations and events across the UK and in France.

National Fish and Chip day has been declared throughout the country to coincide with this special day. In Flintham, The Boot & Shoe Inn will be taking orders for Eat in or Take Away Fish and chips from 7pm till 8.30pm.

To avoid disappointment please place your orders on 01636 525120.

To follow there will be the lighting of The Beacon at 9.15pm along Spring Lane, just a short stroll from the pub, with the international tribute being read.

Beacon lighting at the War Memorial on Church Street, Ruddington

Thursday 6th June | Ruddington | 8.50pm

Ruddington Parish Council is inviting all residents along to the War Memorial on Church Street for 8.50pm as the countdown to the synchronised national beacon lighting gets underway.

History highlighting D-Day event by Keyworth & District Local History Society

Thursday 6th June | Centenary Lounge, Keyworth | 4pm to 8pm

There is a Keyworth & District Local History Society event at the Centenary Lounge from 4pm to 8pm tomorrow where they will be presenting the history highlighting D-Day. This will incorporate information boards, maps and photographs. Refreshments will be available, so please do come along and get involved.

The Key Notes are also staging an event next door in the Village Hall from 7pm-9pm, so be sure to check both out if you can. Both events are completely free of charge.

Nottinghamshire Rededication & D-Day Service at Southwell Minster

Sunday 2nd June | Southwell Minster | 2:30pm

The Royal British Legion are hosting this Nottinghamshire rededication & D-Day service at Southwell Minster. Guests are asked to arrive and be seated before 2pm. Medals and Decorations may be worn.

Evening Sunset Parade & Open Air Service

Tuesday 11th June | Victoria Embankment | 6:30pm

Guests are asked to arrive before 6pm. Medals and Decorations may be worn. Units and veterans are requested to form up for a march.

Afternoon Tea at County Hall

Wednesday 12th June | County Hall | 1.30pm

Are your mum, dad, or grandparents over 90? D-Day 80 Capture and Record project to highlight the memories of those that lived through the Second World War. In particular, the individual experiences of the Normandy Landings.

Nottinghamshire residents over 90 with a family member or carer/friend are invited for afternoon tea at County Hall on Wednesday 12 June, 1:30pm to 4pm. Attendees from all walks of life and work are encouraged to bring along medals, photos and memorabilia from that era. To reserve a place contact Communities.Team@nottscc.gov.uk by Friday 31st May 2024.

Find out more about D-Day and World War II