Thousands take part in D-Day celebrations across the New Forest and Christchurch
Thousands gathered across the New Forest and Christchurch to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday.
A beacon was lit at Lepe, where sections of the beach were a vital departure point for troops, vehicles, and supplies heading to Normandy.
It was also a construction site for part of the prefabricated floating Mulberry Harbour and the mainline base for the Pluto pipeline which provided fuel from the UK to France.
A county council spokesperson said: “A special beacon was lit by the leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Nick Adams-King, to pay tribute to the contribution and sacrifice of all those who served.
“It forms a network of special illuminations across the UK and beyond, representing the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.”
At New Milton’s war memorial, bagpiper John Adams started proceedings before the Exhortation, recited by the RBL’s Ron Back. Poems were then read by Arnewood students, and prayers led by senior pastor Tom Rothwell.
Lymington’s service on the town quay was attended by veteran Boyd Salmon, who served in the Second World War in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Seven days after D-Day he landed on Normandy beaches to help clear the area of bombs and mines. He was wounded on Domburg beach in the Netherlands while clearing mines.
Organised by Lymington Veterans’ Breakfast Club, commemorations saw a vessel decorated with the flags of Allied nations.
At Christchurch Quay, locals came out in their droves to take part in a torchlight vigil, organised by the town council, which culminated in a beacon lighting ceremony.
Also attending was 102-year-old Chelsea pensioner John Morris, who was greeted by deputy town mayor Cllr Viv Charrett.
A history hub, set up in collaboration with the Red House Museum, Christchurch History Society, and Friends of New Forest Air Fields, provided insights into the area’s role in World War II.
Local cadets, Girl Guides and Scouts also helped to create “beautiful” displays.
New Forest District Council raised a D-Day flag and laid wreaths outside it’s offices in Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, to commemorate the anniversary. Chairman Cllr David Hawkins was joined by a number of employees who are veterans of the Armed Forces, as well as representatives from the military based in Marchwood.
In Brockenhurst, villagers and visitors were treated to a display of 21 vintage cars, including military jeeps, Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and other renowned marques.
The shops were decorated with Blitz-like window-protection tape, and shop windows featured displays about rationing, wartime recipes and the Land Army. Musical entertainment featured the Fifinellas and the local Friday Girls singing wartime favourites. A ration book quiz was created for children and history boards about war-time Brockenhurst were displayed.
The event continued at Brockenhurst Football Club into the evening with children’s entertainment, live music, a dance display and masterclass from Jitterbug Jive.
Chair of Brockenhurst Parish Council, Peter Wales said: “Brockenhurst will forever be marked by the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy that led to the liberation of France and Europe.
“The programme of events marked this momentous occasion to celebrate peace, liberty and reconciliation."
