70TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY 1944-2014

OFFICIAL BROCHURE Photograph by SNOWDON D-DAY 70

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LE PRÉSIDENT DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE

For and her Allies, 2014 is the commemorative year of the 100th Anniversary of entry into the First World and of the 70th Anniversary of the Allies’ Landing in . Our country is aware of the International Community’s keenness to commemorate this day, D-Day, with the greatest respect. On the morning of the 6th 1944, our veterans entered into a merciless fight against the occupation, in which soldiers from the and the Commonwealth played a great part. They helped to liberate this country, and France is always delighted and proud to welcome them. The ceremonies, which will be held throughout the month of June, will mark our gratitude to all who defeated Nazism. I express the hope that they take place within a union of now at peace. May your veterans know that they and their families will be always be welcome here.

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X X X X X X Felixstowe Rotterdam Br. 7 BR. BOMB COM. X X X X SHAEF OTHER BUILD-UP FORCES X X X X X Br. 49 2 X X X X Headquarters: Swansea X X X X X USSTAF 1 - Army Group (1st) EIGHTH 2 - Army (US Third, Can. First X X AEAF ARMED FORCES 8 - Corps 90 X X NETHERLANDS Divisions: Br. 51 X X X X X X X X 18 - X X X X 10 - Armoured FIFTEENTH NINTH BR. Flushing X X SECOND 1 - Airborne X X X X X Breskens 21 X X X X Ramsgate X X BR. SECOND Ostend Antwerp X X X X X X Bruges X X X X X X XXXIX 1 SS X X X X X X X X X X BR. Dunkirk FIRST 9 LXXXIII BR. XXX BR. I X X X X X X X X X X V X X Con. 3 X X X X TAC 2 X X Br. X X X IX Shoreham Br. 50 Hastings X X VII X X X X Isle of Boulogne X X X 1 Brussels Wight LXXXII Portland X X Force S Force L X X Lille 4 Force O Force J (Follow-up) X X X X X X Charleroi Force G Force U FIFTEENTH X X X X Dartmouth Mons 29 X X SALMUTH (Follow-up) X X X X X LXVII Cambrai Glider Route Abbeville X X

Dieppe Amiens St. X X Quentin 82nd Abn Div Cherbourg X X 101st Abn Div X X 2 Guernsey X X X X X Laon X X 709 X X LXXXI 243 UTAH CHANNEL X X OMAHA Le Harve Rouen ISLANDS X X 91 X X Compiègne GOLD JUNO 116 Gandcamp-X X X X les-Bains 352 SWORD Soissons X X 711 Reims 716 Elbeuf X X X Louviers St.X Lo X X Vernon LXXXIV X X XLVII 21 X X Évreux Pontoise 12 SS Chateau Falaise Thierry Chalons Vire X X X X X X X OB WEST B SS X X X X St. Malo X X Dreux X ROMMEL

Mortain X RUNDSTEDT

X X X X X X X X Domfront X X X X X LXXIV St. Hilaire du Harcouët Melun THIRD X X Alençon Chartres SPERRLE Romilly 3 Fougeres X X Mayenne X X EtampsLEGEND Fontainebleau 5(-) Lehr Troyes X X X Loudeac FORTRESS VII PRCHT Vitré X X X X Pithiviers Sens SEVENTH WIDELY DISPERSED X X Laval Châteaudun ARMOURED FORMATION 2 X X DOLLMANN Le Mans Orleans X X X NORTHWESTERN FRANCE, 1944 XXV Château Vannes Gontier X X ALLIED INVASION FORCE AND GERMAN DISPOSITIONS, 6 JUNE 1944 Angers 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 St. SEVENTH Nazaire SCALE IN MILES X X X X FIRST X X 1739

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D-DAY AND Th e defeat of Germany was until after the in late acknowledged as the western Allies’ 1943. A command team led by American THE BATTLE OF principal war aim as early as December Dwight D. Eisenhower was 1941. Opening a second front would formed in December 1943 to plan the NORMANDY relieve on the naval, air and land operations. Deception in the east and the of France campaigns were developed to draw would weaken Germany’s overall German attention - and strength - away On D-Day, 6 June 1944, Allied position in western Europe. Th e from Normandy. To build up resources Forces launched a combined invasion, if successful, would drain for the invasion, British factories German resources and block access to increased production and in the fi rst half naval, air and land assault key military sites. Securing a bridgehead of 1944 approximately 9 million tonnes on Nazi-occupied France. in Normandy would allow the Allies to of supplies and equipment crossed the establish a viable presence in northern Atlantic from North America to Britain. Codenamed Operation Europe for the fi rst time since 1940. A substantial Canadian force had been ‘Overlord’, the Allied landings Lieutenant General Frederick Morgan building up in Britain since December and his team of British, American and 1939 and over 1.4 million American on the Normandy beaches Canadian offi cers submitted plans for the Servicemen arrived during 1943 and marked the start of a long and invasion in July 1943. Although limited 1944 to take part in the landings. planning for an invasion of Europe costly campaign to liberate began soon after the evacuation of D-Day required unprecedented north-west Europe from Dunkirk in 1940, detailed preparations cooperation between international Armed for did not begin Forces. Th e Supreme Headquarters Allied German occupation. Early on 6 June, Allied airborne 1 forces parachuted into drop zones across northern France. Ground troops then landed across fi ve assault beaches - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. By the end of the day, the Allies had established a foothold along the coast and could begin their advance into France.

1. Richard Ernst Eurich’s enigmatic composite painting of land and naval forces massing off the South Coast before D-Day. Copyright IWM

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Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) was an to the invasion, many of these fl ights were the Germans as late as July 1944 that international coalition and although the unchallenged by the Luftwaff e. Nearly the main invasion force would still Allies were united against Germany, 7,000 naval vessels, including battleships, land elsewhere. Th e threat of this the military leadership responsible for , , escorts and larger, second invasion kept German Overlord had to overcome political, assault craft took part in Operation reinforcements tied down away from cultural and personal tensions. By ‘Neptune’, the naval component of Normandy. Defence also suff ered 1944, over 2 million troops from over Overlord. Naval forces were responsible for from the complex and often confused 12 countries were in Britain preparing escorting and landing over 132,000 ground command structure of the German for the invasion. On D-Day, Allied troops on the beaches. Th ey also carried Army as well as the constant interference forces consisted primarily of American, out bombardments on German coastal of in military matters. British and Canadian troops but also defences before and during the landings However, the Allies faced a number included Australian, Belgian, Czech, and provided artillery support for the of setbacks both on 6 June and in the Dutch, French, Greek, , invading troops. months that followed. On D-Day, the Norwegian, Rhodesian and Polish naval, Americans came close to defeat on air or ground support. Germany tried to defend the northern Omaha partially because the preliminary coast of France with a series of air and naval bombardment failed to Th e invasion was conducted in two main fortifi cations known as the ‘Atlantic knock out strong defence points, but phases: an airborne assault and amphibious Wall’. However, German defences were also because they faced highly eff ective landings. Shortly after midnight on 6 often incomplete and insuffi ciently German troops who had gained hard- June, over 18,000 Allied were manned. Members of the French earned experience on the Eastern Front. dropped into the invasion area to provide Resistance and the British Special Th roughout the Battle of Normandy, tactical support for infantry divisions on Operations Executive (SOE) provided the technical superiority of their tanks the beaches. Allied air forces fl ew over intelligence and helped weaken defences and anti-tank weapons, as well as the 14,000 sorties in support of the landings through . Th e Allied deception tactical skill of their commanders, gave and, having secured prior campaigns succeeded in convincing German forces an advantage over the

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2. A Sherman tank of the 13th/18th Hussars, 27th Armoured Brigade, reverses aboard an LST (Landing Ship Tank) at Gosport, 1 June 1944. Copyright IWM

3. Members of the Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) repair and pack parachutes for use by airborne troops during the Normandy invasion, 31 May 1944. Copyright IWM

4. Troops of 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade disembarking with bicycles from LCI(L) s ( Infantry Large) onto Nan White beach, Juno area, at Bernieres-sur- Mer, shortly before midday, 6 June 1944. Copyright IWM

5. of HQ 4th Special Service Brigade, coming ashore from LCI(S) landing craft on Nan Red beach, Juno area, at St 5 Aubin-sur-Mer, 6 June 1944. Copyright IWM

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Allies. However, the Germans were never second invasion on the southern coast of able to fully exploit their successes or the France and began a simultaneous advance weaknesses of the Allies in a decisive way. towards Germany.

D-Day was made possible because of The importance of D-Day often Allied efforts across all fronts, both overshadows the overall significance of the before and after June 1944. In planning entire Normandy campaign. Establishing a D-Day, Allied commanders drew bridgehead was critical, but it was just the important lessons from previous failures first step. In the three months after D-Day, at in France and Anzio in . the Allies launched a series of additional The Allied campaign, offensives to try and advance further inland. which began in 1942, weakened German These operations varied in success and the industry and forced Germany to commit Allies faced strong and determined German 8 manpower and resources away from resistance. The - a peculiarity of Normandy to home defence. Securing the Normandy landscape characterised air superiority allowed the Allies to carry by sunken lanes bordered by high, thick out , giving them hedgerows - was difficult to penetrate and 6. Poster from the time of the invasion. ‘All vital intelligence on German coastal placed the advantage with the German defences. D-Day also depended on Allied together, for a single victory. Union creates defenders. Yet the bloody and protracted strength. The aggression of the . control of the Atlantic, which was finally Battle of Normandy was a decisive victory achieved in 1943 through victory in the Two thirds of the world’s nations are working for the Allies and paved the way for the and fighting alongside the for . The campaign liberation of much of north-west Europe. in Italy directed German troops away victory’. Copyright IWM from the Western and Eastern Fronts. In total, British and Commonwealth 7. Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade The Soviet Belorussian offensive, casualties (killed, wounded or missing) crouch on Queen beach, Sword area, before , was launched just on D-Day numbered approximately moving inland, 6 June 1944. Copyright IWM after Overlord and destroyed the entire 4,300. Today, 70 years on, surviving th German Army Group Centre. It also kept veterans, families, and those supporting 8. A 6-pounder anti-tank gun of 50 German forces tied down in the east. Ten them are gathering here in Normandy, to covers a lane in the Lingevres area, 16 June weeks after D-Day, the Allies launched a remember, and to reflect on these losses 1944. Copyright IWM

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5 JUNE CEREMONIES: PORTSMOUTH AND NORMANDY

PORTSMOUTH NORMANDY n 6 June 1944, Portsmouth was one of the key strategic Airborne commemorations on 5 June in Normandy locations for D-Day. From the city and from the range of events took place on 5 June to commemorate the Osurrounding south coast, thousands of troops left for the beaches involvement of 6th Airborne Division on D-Day, when of Normandy, in an operation planned from , 7,900A troops landed by parachute and glider ahead of the seaborne just to the north of Portsmouth. invasion fleet. This year the city is the focus for the country once more, as it Troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade – the ’s commemorates the epic operation to liberate France. A veterans’ rapid reaction force and the successor to the proud traditions centre has been set up on Common and an impressive of – joined veterans and dignitaries for series of events have been taking place for the days leading up to commemorative events across the area. D-Day and beyond. The day began with a memorial service at Bridge, Caen, On 5 June, in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess where troops landed by glider to capture key bridges across the Royal, Normandy veterans and their families, major celebrations River and Caen Canal, the first action of the invasion. began with a Drumhead Service and military parade made up of personnel from the , the Army and the Airborne veterans were then joined by Their Royal Highnesses on Southsea Common. After, Her Majesty’s mounted The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall for lunch at an impressive amphibious landing display from HMS Bulwark along , the first French village to be liberated. Southsea seafront together with members of the Royal Netherlands In the afternoon, some 300 British, Canadian, American and French Marines Corps from the Dutch vessel HNLMS Johan de Witt. paratroopers jumped onto Drop Zone ‘N’ near Ranville, which The world famous Red Arrows then followed with a display over was used on D-Day. The mass drop was lead by The Parachute the Solent. Concluding the festivities were a flotilla of Royal Regiment’s Red Devils freefall display team, and included a tandem Navy and allied nation ships sailing from Portsmouth to the jump by 89 year-old D-Day veteran Jock Hutton. A dozen 16 Air Normandy coast, led by HMS Bulwark and HMS Richmond. Assault Brigade troops also jumped from a Dakota of the Royal Air Force Memorial Flight, the transport aircraft Portsmouth-based Type 23 HMS Richmond joined the used on D-Day. A Spitfire and Lancaster of the Battle of Britain flotilla of ships that sailed to Normandy for the commemorations. Memorial Flight also flew over the zone in salute. Memorial services were held at Les Mesnils Bavent, to mark the involvement of Canadian paratroopers; Breville Crossroads, where airborne troops fought tough defensive battles to defend key high ground overlooking the invasion beaches; and at Merville Battery, where a much depleted force captured a German gun position that could have shelled invasion landing craft. As midnight approached, a vigil was held at to mark the moment when the gliders landed to begin the .

Able Seaman Sarah George, with Frank Rosier, 88, who served as an infantryman in 2nd Battalion, The , pose at Southsea Beach, Portsmouth. Aged 18 he landed in the second wave on on D-Day

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THE ROYAL HMS Bulwark HMS Richmond formed part of the flotilla that sailed from Portsmouth on 5 NAVY AT THE HMS Bulwark was launched at the BAE June, and is alongside for the Systems shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness, D-Day events, hosting several dignitaries COMMEMORATIONS Cumbria, on 15 November 2001. She is and high profile events. now the Fleet Flagship of the Royal Navy. Maintained at high readiness to deploy Alongside the many Royal Naval worldwide, she is the Royal Navy’s most HMS Ledbury advanced Command and Control platform and Royal Marines personnel Minehunter HMS Ledbury is the and is the hub from which the Commander oldest of the eight Hunt-class mine you will see in Normandy and Battle Staff of the UK Task Group countermeasures vessels operated by the and 3 Brigade Royal Marines undertaking ceremonial duties Royal Navy and based in Portsmouth. can project the Royal Navy and the United The ship was built by Vosper Thornycroft and supporting veterans for Kingdom around the world. After spending in Southampton and commissioned in the last few months conducting several the commemorations, the June 1981. training exercises, HMS Bulwark will Royal Navy has a number lead the UK’s Response Force Task Group The Hunt-class live up to their name of Her Majesty’s Ships through the Mediterranean and East of – minehunters. Using high-definition Suez later in the Autumn. sonar, they hunt the world’s seabeds for sailing across the English mines and lost explosives, which are then HMS Bulwark led the flotilla as it sailed for destroyed by the Hunt-class ship’s own Channel to mark D-Day 70. Normandy on the 5 June from Portsmouth. clearance diving teams or the Seafox mine- She will also provide the backdrop to main disposal system. These ships clear the way events along the invasion beaches. of mines to allow safe passage for larger forces, swiftly detecting and destroying HMS Richmond any hidden dangers from sea lanes. This has recently been put into practice as The seventh and current HMS Richmond th HMS Ledbury completed Exercise Joint (F239) is the 10 of 16 Type 23 Duke Warrior which saw her honing her core Class to join the Royal Navy. She skills as a minehunting vessel. was built at Shipbuilders on the Tyne, laid down on 16 February HMS Ledbury, together with HMS 1992, launched 6 April 1993, and Ranger and HMS Express arrived in commissioned into the Royal Navy on 22 Normandy on 5 June, and sailed up the June 1995. Caen Canal passing Pegasus Bridge on transit. The ship will be alongside Caen The ship has recently completed a until 9 June. successful £12million refit in Her 1&2. 42 Royal Marines Commando training Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport in in preparation to become lead Commando 2012, which saw upgrades to a number HMS Ranger Group in May 2013 of capabilities including Automatic 3. HMS Ranger (left) and HMS Trumpeter Small Calibre Gun and Mid HMS Ranger is a P2000 Archer Class (right) act as an escort for the Royal Barge Life Update, there then followed a seven Patrol Vessel tendered to University during the weekend celebrations of the month Atlantic Patrol (South) operational Royal Naval Unit (URNU). She served Queen’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant deployment which included operations for 13 years in the Gibraltar Squadron off Europe, Africa, the Antarctic, South before returning to the UK in 2004 4. HMS Bulwark America and in the . to be allocated to the Sussex URNU.

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Now forming part of the 1st and flexible units providing support to the units which deliver the vast spectrum Squadron, HMS Ranger provides practical Fleet and a unique insight to the Royal of training and operations required seamanship and navigation training to Navy for university students. in delivering amphibious and surface undergraduates from the Universities of assault capability of the Royal Navy and Sussex and Brighton. Royal Marines. 1 Assault Group Royal 1 Assault Group Royal Marines HMS Express Marines supported the UK D-Day 70 commemorations in Portsmouth on 5 HMS Express is a P2000 Archer Class 1 Assault Group Royal Marines is June. They are represented at Pegasus Patrol Vessel, based at Penarth Marina the lead for amphibious warfare and Museum, Ouistreham and Arromanches in Cardiff Bay. The ship provides Royal Navy board and search training. and are coordinating events at Port en sea training and an insight into the The group is tasked with training and Bessin on 7 June. modern Royal Navy for Wales URNU developing core amphibious and surface undergraduates drawn from Cardiff, assault skills and equipment, including Swansea and Glamorgan Universities, the provision of operational support for and University of Wales Institute Cardiff. the Ministry of Defence. The Group The smaller inshore patrol boats are adept is responsible for four subordinate

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FORCE TROOPS COMMAND SUPPORT TO D-DAY 70

very serving Regular and Reserve Artillery at Bayeux Cathedral, 2 Signal Parachute Regiment; 13 Air Assault member of Force Troops Command Regiment at , and 39 Support Regiment RLC; 16 Close Erecognises the bravery, commitment Engineer Regiment supporting the events Support Medical Regiment; 3rd and and sacrifice of all Allied personnel at Arromanche-les-Bains. 4th Regiment Army Air Corps; 7 Air who took part in the decisive actions of Assault Battalion Royal Electrical and Adding a musical flourish to the D-Day and the Normandy Campaign. Mechanical Engineers; 156 Provost commemorations across Normandy will Under the command of Major General Company and 216 be the Band of the Parachute Regiment, Tim Radford DSO OBE, Force Troops Parachute Signals Squadron. the Pipes and Drums from The Royal Command is the United Kingdom’s nd Highland Fusiliers, 2 Battalion The In support of the Commemorations Defence lead, working in partnership Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the in France, there will be representation with all the agencies involved in the Band of the Royal Yeomanry. Leading from across the Command provided D-Day 70 commemorations, to provide the tri-Service Honour Guard for Her by distinct units bringing their own command and logistics support to ensure Majesty The Queen and the Prime specialist skills. In addition to elements the successful delivery of the events in Minister of France at Bayeux Cemetery of the Force Troops Command France. will be the Guidon – or ceremonial flag Headquarters, 104 Logistic Support Force Troops Command provides – of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry. Brigade and 17 Port & Maritime the Combat Support, Command The Royal Yeomanry’s Nottingham- Regiment will provide real life support. Support, Combat Service Support and based squadron was the only Reserve Medical services will come from Specialist Support required by the unit to have served on D-Day and is still 256 Field Hospital; communications Joint, Reaction and Adaptable Forces. in existence. infrastructure will be provided by 2 It is the first fully integrated Regular Signal Regiment and 3 Royal Military Working with Force Troops Command and Reserve Command and is the first rd Police will support the Gendarmerie. in Normandy will be members of 3 major formation to be created under the (UK) Division, the division that led the Major General Radford and all directive of . By the end of st assault onto Sword Beach on D-Day; 1 officers and soldiers from Force Troops 2015 it will be the largest of the Army’s th and 4 Battalion at Pegasus Command and attached units are 2-Star Commands comprising a quarter Bridge; 16 Air Assault Brigade at the personally committed to supporting the of the Regular Army and almost half of Ranville and Merville events led by 7 Normandy veterans. By supporting the the Reserves. Parachute Royal Horse Artillery with events at key locations, Force Troops At each of the events there will be a 23 Engineer (Air Assault) Regiment Command will ensure the smooth military presence. On 6 June, visitors ; The running of the commemorations in will see members 32 Regiment Royal Platoon; 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions The honour of those who served before us.

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THE ROYAL AIR other British combat aircraft before or since World War II, it played a key and FORCE AT THE important part in the victory in WWII and has earned its place as one of the COMMEMORATIONS most successful fighter designs ever. Lancaster Popular aircraft from the Royal The famous Avro Lancaster was the Royal Air Force’s Battle of Britain Air Force’s most successful Memorial Flight (BBMF), of World War II. Its legend lives on today and the contribution of the aircraft and including two Spitfires, a its crews to our nation’s freedom will, DC3 Dakota and a Lancaster, hopefully, never be forgotten. will be taking part in a The Lancaster’s performance was simply outstanding, capable of carrying number of key events across a maximum bomb load of 22,000lb. Normandy between Thursday Its maximum level speed with a full load at 15,000 feet was 275mph and it 5 and Saturday 7 June. could cruise routinely at altitudes above 20,000ft at a range speed of 200mph. The Based at Octeville Aéroport during Lancaster’s performance, its ruggedness, the commemorations, the BBMF elements, reliability and to many its sheer charisma complete with D-Day invasion stripes, endeared it to its crews, who were proud will conduct over Pegasus Bridge, to fly this famous thoroughbred. Colleville-Montgomery, Arromanches, Périers-sur-le-Dan and Sannerville. Dakota In addition, in a nod to the airborne The Dakota was a tactical transport aircraft elements of D-Day, some of the 300 used to carry troops and freight, air- parachutists involved in the mass dropping paratroops and supplies, towing parachute drop led by 16 Air Assault gliders and casualty evacuation. Brigade at Ranville on 5 June jumped The Dakota’s amazing ruggedness from the DC3 Dakota, while others became legendary and under the demands jumped from RAF C-130 Hercules and of war its limits were often exceeded. The aircraft from other allied air forces. Dakota was actually overbuilt, making BBMF aircraft you will see in the it almost indestructible. As one Dakota Normandy skies will include: pilot put it: “You can wreck a Dak, but you can’t wear it out!” Spitfire The vital and dangerous part played by these transport aircraft during the assault Built in 22 variants over 12 years, the phase of the great D-Day invasion cannot Spitfire’s first flight was in 1936, with be underestimated. Its work was, perhaps, Mk1 Spitfires entering service with the unglamorous and unsung but the Dakota RAF in August 1938. and its crews played a crucial part in the Produced in greater numbers than any final Allied victory of World War II.

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THE ROYAL BRITISH We would like to extend a warm welcome to all Normandy veterans, their families LEGION and friends, Her Majesty The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family, and the many international representatives he Royal British Legion is the joining us for today’s commemorations. United Kingdom’s custodian of The Legion helps the Armed Forces RemembranceT and its largest Armed community all year round. We provide Forces charity. practical, emotional and financial We are honoured to be organising the support; we campaign to improve the Service of Remembrance at Bayeux lives of Service people; we bring the Cathedral and, in collaboration with Armed Forces community and supporters the Normandy Veterans Association, together as one of the UK’s largest the Service of Remembrance at membership organisations and we honour the Commonwealth War Graves the sacrifices of the fallen as the national Commission Cemetery in Bayeux. custodian of Remembrance.

MESSAGE FROM THE the Battle of the Marne at which so many British soldiers gave their lives. BRITISH AMBASSADOR This year is also the 200th anniversary of the purchase of the wonderful house in TO FRANCE Paris which is still the Residence of British Ambassadors. The lucky first Ambassador to elcome to Normandy! All of us live there was the Duke of Wellington. The working for Britain in France are British Residence continues to be a place committedW to doing everything we can where British and French people from all to ensure that your visit is happy and walks of life meet, work together and build memorable. the friendships that will ensure our relations remain just as strong for the next 200 years. I find that French people are intensely grateful for the sacrifices made by British It is a great honour this year that the and other Allied forces 70 years ago. Normandy commemorations take place in They are delighted to welcome back the the presence of Her Majesty The Queen veterans and their families, and I am sure and other Members of The Royal Family. you will feel the warmth of that welcome. There could be no more fitting recognition of the continued relevance of those dramatic We are also remembering this year events of 70 years ago to today’s generation. other shared moments of our history. For example, we are celebrating 20 years I hope you thoroughly enjoy your stay in since the Channel Tunnel opened. What Normandy. a difference it has made to travel to the Sir Peter Ricketts GCMG Continent! British Ambassador to Paris Later in the summer we will commemorate the start of the First World War, including

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THE BIG LOTTERY programme opened in 2009, to have a second opportunity to apply for a grant to FUND – HEROES commemorate landmark 70th anniversaries RETURN 2 across the world and in the UK. Peter Ainsworth Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said: “As we approach the historic 70th he Big Lottery Fund is proud to anniversary of the we are support the nation’s Second World th proud to remember and honour the immense WarT veterans to attend the historic 70 debt of gratitude owed to those brave veterans anniversary of the Normandy Landings whose courage and sacrifice finally brought through its Heroes Return 2 programme. peace to millions across the world.” In recognition of Normandy and th Heroes Return has to date awarded over forthcoming 70 anniversaries of World £28 million to more than 57,000 Second War Two, the Big Lottery Fund has World War veterans, widows, spouses extended its Heroes Return programme and carers across the UK. till the end of 2015. This will enable Second World War veterans from the UK, For details contact: Heroes Return Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland helpline: 0845 00 00 121 or visit who have already been funded since the www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/heroesreturn

The aims of the association are to: members, to the National Council which THE NORMANDY meets three times a year. • encourage the 1944 spirit of VETERANS comradeship irrespective of rank or The 70th anniversary of D-Day is of social position; particular significance to the NVA, as they have indicated it will be the ASSOCIATION • promote contacts between former last that they will officially mark as a comrades via branch meetings, national association. Later this year, he Normandy Veterans Association reunions etc.; following ceremonies at the National (NVA) was launched in Britain • organise visits; Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, the inT April 1981. It was the idea of Association plans to officially disband and Arthur Flodman who had landed in • give practical assistance to members lay up their National Standard at a service Normandy with the Durham Light and their dependents who are in need; at St Margaret’s, Westminster, London. Infantry. He lived in the Grimsby area and and put a paragraph in the local area • inform the younger generation of the newspaper which invited local veterans times and past deeds of their forebears of the Normandy campaign to attend a for the benefit of their country. meeting. That first meeting attracted 29 participants. By 1985 Flodman decided By the mid 1990’s the NVA had over to form a national association. At that 102 branches, not only in Britain, but time there were 35 branches in the in , New Zealand, , country. The first national president was Belgium and France. Each local branch Flodman’s former commanding officer, organises its own affairs and visits to General John Mogg. Arthur Flodman Normandy. The branches send annual died a few weeks later. levies, according to the number of

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THE COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION

he Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was founded byT Royal Charter on 21 May 1917 and is responsible for the commemoration of almost 1,700,000 members of the Commonwealth forces who gave their lives in the two world . The graves and memorials of these men and women, who came from all parts of the Commonwealth and who were of many faiths and of none, are found around the globe at a staggering 23,000 location, in 153 countries. Here in Normandy, the position of the 18 Commonwealth war cemeteries gives an indication of the progress of the fighting in 1944, as well as the human cost of those operations. The CWGC commemorates more than 22,000 Commonwealth Servicemen The grave of an unknown Canadian soldier at Bayeaux Commonwealth War Grave cemetary and women in these cemeteries and memorials but many more graves can be found in churchyards and village names of those who died will never be Servicemen and women who took part in cemeteries throughout the region. forgotten. the Battle of Normandy. We have been pleased to work with our Our cemeteries and memorials around We have also installed interactive partners in the Normandy Veterans the globe are physical reminders of a Visitor Information Panels at some of Association, The Royal British Legion, painful past, but they are also places these locations to help visitors gain an Ministry of Defence, British, French and that have the power to bring enormous understanding of why our memorials Commonwealth governments to help comfort to the families and comrades of exist, why it is important to visit them mark this important anniversary. those buried and commemorated there. and maintain them, and who these Ahead of the 70th Anniversary D-Day men and women were. The panels use We would encourage you to visit the commemorations the CWGC’s staff in smartphone technology to reveal the graves, to spend a quiet moment reading Normandy have been working to prepare personal stories of some of those buried the names and depart the better for the and renovate many of these important or commemorated at the location. experience – inspired by the young men sites. This has included replacing more Discovering these stories help bring home and women who lie here – and determined than 8,000 headstones to ensure the to all of us the great sacrifice made by the that they will never be forgotten.

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Photograph: James Woolley, Creative Commons license.

BAYEUX CATHEDRAL 14 July 1077. The famous be consecrated to call out for brotherhood was regularly displayed there. As a result among peoples. It is sponsored by Her AND THE THERESE- of two fires, ‘William’s Romanesque Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and eight young cathedral’ was from the 12th century to people of different nationalities (America, BENEDICTE BELL the 13th century a testing ground for the Canada, Great Britain, , , introduction of the Gothic style in France. Belgium, Holland, France and Germany). It The construction of the central tower began will sound for the first time on 14 June 2014. he Catholic Notre-Dame de Bayeux th with Bishop Louis d’Harcourt in the 15 Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady Saint Teresa Benedicta, born Edith century, but was finished only under the ofT the Assumption. Its construction Stein in 1891 in Breslau was a German Second Empire thanks to the work of the began during the Romanesque period philosopher. Baptised in 1922, she became engineer Flachat. It remained intact after on the initiative of Bishop Hugues and a Carmelite nun in 1933 and was executed the battles of June and July 1944. continued under the episcopate of Odon de at Auschwitz in August 1942. She was Conteville, the half-brother of William the On 6 June, a new bell for peace and canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1998, Conqueror. Its dedication was celebrated on freedom (the Thérèse-Bénédicte bell) will and is the patron saint of Europe.

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The Royal British Legion Service of Commemoration and Remembrance to mark The 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings Bayeux Cathedral, Friday 6 June 2014, 9.15am

Please Stand For why? the Lord our God is good; His mercy is for ever sure; Procession of Clergy and Standards His truth at all times firmly stood, And shall from age to age endure Welcome To Father, Son and Holy Ghost, by The God Whom Heaven and earth adore, Monseigneur Boulanger From men and from the angel host Évêque de Bayeux Be praise and glory evermore. with The Reverend Patrick Irwin Amen. The Royal British Legion Chaplain to Normandy Words attrib­ ut­ ed­ to William­ Kethe His Eminence Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois Music: Old 100th, at­trib­ut­ed to Lou­is Bour­geois Cardinal-Archbishop of Paris says Please Sit In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Lesson Peace be with you read by Brigadier David Baines MBE All Say Together And with your spirit. National President, Normandy Veterans Association

Hymn Ecclesiasticus Chapter 44 1 – 14

All people that on earth do dwell, Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us. Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice. The Lord hath wrought great glory by them through his great Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell; power from the beginning. Come ye before Him and rejoice. Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their The Lord, ye know, is God indeed; power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring Without our aid He did us make; prophecies: We are His folk, He doth us feed, And for His sheep He doth us take. Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent in their instructions: Choir Only O enter then His gates with praise; Approach with joy His courts unto; Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing: Praise, laud, and bless His Name always, Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their For it is seemly so to do. habitations: All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.

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There be of them, that have left a name behind them, that their The Address praises might be reported. by The Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch KCVO And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished, National Chaplain, The Royal British Legion as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them. Anthem But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten. My Soul, There Is A Country With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and My soul, there is a country their children are within the covenant. Far beyond the stars, Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes. Where stands a winged sentry All skilful in the wars: Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out. There, above noise and danger Their bodies are buried in peace; but their name liveth for evermore. Sweet Peace sits crowned with smiles The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will And One, born in a manger shew forth their praise. Commands the beauteous files. Psalm No. 121 He is thy gracious friend And, O my soul, awake! Sung by the Choir of St John’s College, Did in pure love descend Director of Music, Andrew Nethsingha To die here for thy sake. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills; If thou canst get but thither, from whence cometh my help. There grows the flow’r of Peace, My help cometh even from the Lord: who The Rose that cannot wither, hath made heaven and earth. Thy fortress and thy ease. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: and Leave then thy foolish ranges, he that keepeth thee will not sleep. For none can thee secure But One who never changes, Behold, he that keepeth Israel: shall neither slumber nor sleep. Thy God, thy life, thy cure. The Lord himself is thy keeper: the Lord is Words by Henry Vaughan thy defence upon thy right hand; Music by Charles Hubert Hastings Parry so that the sun shall not burn thee by Please Stand. day: neither the moon by night. The Act of Remembrance The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: yea it is even he that shall keep thy soul. The Exhortation read by The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy A Normandy Veteran coming in: from this time forth for evermore. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. As it was in the beginning, is now, and At the going down of the sun, and in the morning ever shall be: world without end. We will remember them.

Chant: Henry Walford Davies All Say Together We will remember them.

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The Last Post Commitment

Silence All Say Together

Reveille We pledge ourselves anew to our work in support of the wartime generations and to all those in other conflicts since. We promise Prayers, Lord’s Prayer and Act of Commitment to do everything possible to help where there is need, and to ensure that those who gave so much for us may enjoy the years The Reverend Patrick Irwin says that lie ahead in comfort, dignity, contentment and honour.

Remember, O Lord, those whom you have gathered from the Hymn storm of war into the peace of your presence, especially those who died in the battles that we commemorate this day, and grant them Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; rest eternal with the life that knows no age; sustain with your endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won; loving power all those who mourn the loss of those dear to them angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, and those who bear the scars of physical and mental suffering; kept the folded grave clothes where thy body lay. and enable us all to appreciate the sacrifices made by so many on Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son, our behalf; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Endless is the vict’ry, thou o’er death hast won. Pastor Ives Noyer, Bayeux Cathedral says Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; Lovingly he greets us, scatters fear and gloom; Lord Jesus, you are for us the Prince of Peace. We pray that you will let the Church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing; give to our world bold witnesses to your Word who will also become for her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting. builders of peace, men and women with a thirst for justice. May we No more we doubt thee, glorious Prince of life; be numbered among those who dare to work for peace and justice. life is naught without thee; aid us in our strife; We entrust to your care all nations now distressed with tensions make us more than conquerors, through thy deathless love: either at home or with their neighbours. Lord, hear us. Amen. bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above. All Say Together Words by Edmond L. Budry Music by G. F. Handel Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name; Please Remain Standing thy kingdom come, thy will be done, During the hymn the Heads of State and members of Royal Families, on earth as it is in Heaven. Senior Clergy and other Dignitaries will move to the Cathedral’s Bell Give us this day our daily bread. for Peace and Freedom, “Thérèse-Bénédicte”. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Dedication and Striking of the Bell “Thérèse-Bénédicte” And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Cardinal Vingt-Trois says For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Our Lord who is eternally faithful, You who never cease to bring for ever and ever: close those who believe in your name, welcome the prayer of your Amen people: we recognise all you do for us in the joy of the Holy Spirit, and ask you to bless this new bell in the praise of your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Cardinal Vingt-Trois asks His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Please remain standing for the Recession What name do you want to give to this bell? Members of the Congregation are requested to remain in their places Answer: Thérèse-Bénédicte until invited to move by the Ushers.

Cardinal Vingt-Trois sprinkles the bell with Holy Water.

Cardinal Vingt-Trois says

We bless you God our Father, as you have made the universe for all creatures who proclaim the splendour of your name. You have made man so that he comes to know you by listening to your word. From the very heights of heaven, spread your blessing upon this bell so that its voice, like an echo of your call, may gather us around you, that its sound may remind us each day of your invisible presence around us; that it may be the vibrant expression of our joys and of our sorrows; that it may ring always to the praise of your glory. For all that you do, with all that celebrates your name, by all that we are, be praise and glory to you, our God, heavenly Father, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always, forever and ever.

Cardinal Vingt-Trois censes the bell and says: May Thérèse-Bénédicte proclaim peace, freedom and brotherhood to the glory of God and mankind

Cardinal Vingt-Trois rings the bell three times followed by Mr James Aitken, a Normandy Veteran aided by his grandson, Sergeant Stephen Marshall, 32 Regiment . The Blessing

Cardinal Vingt-Trois: May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely

Bishop Rainer Klug: And may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound

Bishop McCulloch: And blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cardinal Vingt-Trois: In The Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Photograph: © LeCardinal, CC-BY, Wikimedia Commons

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COMMONWEALTH fighting, and the British Army constructed whom nearly 340 remain unidentified. a ring road around the city. The road Also buried here are some 500 WAR GRAVES alongside the cemetery is Boulevard Fabian servicemen of other nations. The majority, Ware, named after the founder of the more than 460, are German. COMMISSION Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Opposite the cemetery stands the Bayeux is the largest Memorial, which bears the names of BAYEUX WAR Commonwealth war cemetery of the more than 1,800 men and women of Second World War in France. It contains the Commonwealth land forces who CEMETERY AND the graves of men originally buried on fell during Operation Overlord and the battlefields, and those who died have no known grave. They died during MEMORIAL in military hospitals in Bayeux. The the landings, the intense fighting in cemetery was started during by th Normandy, and in the advance to the n 6 June 1944, the Allies landed the 48 Graves Concentration Unit – a River in August 1944. Both the on the coast of Normandy. British unit of the British Army responsible for cemetery and the memorial were designed Ounits reached the outskirts of Bayeux by recovering, identifying and burying the by Philip Hepworth. The Latin inscription nightfall, and on the following day the city dead – who were based here. on the memorial recalls the Norman became the first in France to be liberated. The cemetery was completed in 1952 and invasion of Britain in 1066 and reads: Medical facilities were quickly established is now the final resting place of more than “We, once conquered by William, have nearby to treat men wounded in the 4,100 Commonwealth Servicemen, of now set free the Conqueror’s native land.”

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A Service of Remembrance Organised by The Royal British Legion and the Normandy Veterans Association to mark the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Bayeux Cemetery, Friday 6 June 2014, 11.15am

Please Stand Angels, help us to adore Him, Ye behold Him face to face; Procession of Clergy and Standards Sun and moon, bow down before Him; Dwellers all in time and space, Welcome Alleluia, alleluia Praise with us the God of grace. The Reverend Patrick Irwin Words by Henry Francis Lyte The Royal British Legion Chaplain to Normandy Music by John Goss with The Reverend Mandy Reynolds Bidding Prayer Normandy Veterans Association National Chaplain Hymn The Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch KCVO National Chaplain, The Royal British Legion Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven; Let us remember before God and commend to his sure keeping: To His feet thy tribute bring. those who have died for their country in war; those whom we Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, knew, and whose memory we treasure; and today especially those Evermore His praises sing: who gave their lives in June 1944 and subsequent months during Alleluia, alleluia the liberation of France. Praise the everlasting King. Praise him for his grace and favour The Act of Remembrance To our fathers in distress; Praise Him still the same as ever, The Exhortation Slow to chide, and swift to bless. Alleluia, alleluia Veteran Eddie Slater MBE Glorious in His faithfulness. National Chairman, Normandy Veterans Association Fatherlike He tends and spares us, They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Well our feeble frame He knows; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. In His hands He gently bears us, At the going down of the sun, and in the morning Rescues us from all our foes. We will remember them. Alleluia, alleluia Widely yet His mercy flows. All We will remember them.

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The Last Post The Lesson read by Silence His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM

Reveille Romans, chapter 8, verses 31b to 39

Lament If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with Laying of Official Wreaths him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he Prayer that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh The Reverend Patrick Irwin intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, Almighty and eternal God, from whose love in Christ we or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake cannot be parted, either by death or life: hear our prayers and we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the thanksgivings for all whom we remember this day; fulfil in them slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors the purpose of your love; and bring us all, with them, to your through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor

any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Hymn God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

O valiant hearts who to your glory came Prayers Through dust of conflict and through battle flame; Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved, The Reverend Monsignor Andrew McFadden QHC Your memory hallowed in the land you loved. Vicar General, Naval Chaplaincy Service says Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war Lord, welcome into your calm and peaceful kingdom those who As who had heard God’s message from afar; have departed out of this present life to be with you. Grant them All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave, rest and a place with the spirits of the just; and give them the life To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save. that knows no age, the reward that passes not away. Amen Splendid you passed, the great surrender made; Into the light that nevermore shall fade; The Reverend Jonathan Woodhouse QHC Deep your contentment in that blest abode, Chaplain General, HM Land Forces says Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God. Almighty God, stretch forth your mighty arm to strengthen and O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead, protect the armed forces: grant that meeting danger with courage Whose cross has bought them and whose staff has led, and all occasions with discipline and loyalty, they may truly serve In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land the cause of justice and peace; to the honour of your holy name, Commits her children to thy gracious hand. through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Words from a poem by Sir John Stanhope Arkwright Music by The Reverend Dr Charles Harris Please Sit

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The Venerable Ray Pentland CB QHC And lead us not into temptation, Royal Air Force Chaplain-in-Chief says but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of peace proceed: kindle, the power and the glory, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace and guide with for ever and ever: your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the Amen nations of the earth that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; Lord God our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you and through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen all humanity, in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering, and for the praise of your name. Guide us by your The Reverend Mandy Reynolds says Spirit; give us wisdom; give us courage; give us hope; and keep us faithful now and always. Amen. Teach us good Lord to serve thee as thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil Please Stand and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do Thy will, through Jesus Christ Blessing our Lord. Amen by Bishop Nigel McCulloch The Normandy Veterans’ Prayer led by God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the Veteran George Batts, Legion d’Honeur Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth, and all mankind, peace National Secretary, Normandy Veterans Association and concord; and to us and all his servants, life everlasting. And the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, come All Say Together down upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

O Eternal Lord God, who has united together all Veterans of the The French National Anthem Normandy Campaign. Grant, we beseech you, your blessing and give strength to carry on our work to aid and bring comradeship Allons enfants de la Patrie, to all Normandy Veterans, and joy and common purpose Le jour de gloire est arrivé! throughout our Association. We ask this in the name of Jesus Contre nous de la tyrannie, Christ whose courage never failed. Amen. L’étendard sanglant est levé. L’étendard sanglant est levé! The Lord’s Prayer Entendez-vous dans les campagnes led by Mugir ces féroces soldats? The Reverend Mandy Reynolds Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras Egorger vos fils et vos compagnes! All Say Together Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Our Father, who art in Heaven, Marchons, marchons! hallowed be thy name; Qu’un sang impur thy kingdom come, Abreuve nos sillons! thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.

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The British National Anthem

God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen. Send her victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us, God save the Queen.

Please Remain Standing for the Recession

Members of the Congregation are requested to remain in their places until invited to move by the Ushers.

26 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY 1944-2014 D-DAY 70

Photograph: L.Williamson, Creative Commons license.

THE D-DAY 70 n the very heart of the D-Day beaches, such an important role in the liberation of Arromanches is renowned for its Europe. Iartificial “Mulberry” harbour, known COMMEMORATIONS Arromanches, on , was as “Port Winston”, whose remains, liberated on 6 June and is annual host both impressive and moving, continue AT ARROMANCHES to a commemorative event organised to remind visitors of the remarkable by local council representatives, the technical feat of taking 600,000 tonnes Musée de Debarquement (D-Day of concrete and equipment across the Museum), situated in the town, and Channel in wartime to serve as a base for the Surrey Branch of the Normandy Allied troops. Veterans Association. Taking place on The sea resort was a priority target for the evening of 6 June, and known for its the Allies, who intended to set up an convivial atmosphere as well as moments artificial port for the supply of weapons of reflection, this year Their Royal and ammunition to invasion troops. Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Numerous remains of the harbour are Cambridge are honoured guests. strewn over the beaches which played

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1

2

HMS and D-Day

On 6 June 1944, the Royal HMS Belfast first opened fire at 5.27am the morale, resilience and determination Navy warship HMS Belfast on 6 June, targeting and suppressing a of a ship’s community. HMS Belfast takes German battery near the village of Ver- visitors on a journey though the ship’s nine took part in D-Day, one of the sur-Mer, until the position was taken by decks, showing them what life was like for most significant operations of the 7th Battalion . Over the the 950-strong crew, through the real life five weeks following D-Day, HMS Belfast stories of the people who served on her. the Second World War. HMS was almost continuously in action and Open daily, HMS Belfast, The Queen’s fired thousands of rounds from her guns in Belfast acted as the flagship Walk, London, SE1 2JH support of Allied troops fighting their way of Bombardment Force E, inland. On 8 July 1944, Belfast fired her www.iwm.org.uk part of the Eastern Naval last rounds of the war in support of heavy fighting for the city of Caen. Two days 1. HMS Belfast leaving Scapa Flow for the Task Force, with responsibility later the battle lines had moved beyond the Normandy beaches, June 1944. for supporting the British range of Belfast’s 6-inch guns and she set Copyright IWM sail for Plymouth Devonport for a refit. and Canadian assaults on 2. A Bofors gun crew stand watch out for Located on the Thames in London, HMS enemy aircraft while LSTs (Landing Ship Gold and Juno beaches. Belfast, part of IWM (Imperial War Tank) are loaded at a south coast port in Museums) tells the story of life on board, preparation for the invasion of Europe, 1 exploring how war affects and impacts on June 1944. Copyright IWM

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This booklet was produced with kind assistance from:

Design: Christopher Roberts, Directorate of Media and Communication, Ministry of Defence. 8500 copies