D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations begin with sculpture unveiling in Exbury celebrating the contributions made by women during the Second World War

D-DAY 80th anniversary commemorations started in the New Forest this week with a sculpture unveiling celebrating the contributions made by women during the Second World War.

Ave Atque Vale, which means Hail and Farewell in Latin, was officially unveiled on Tuesday in the grounds of Palais des Vaches Art Gallery on the banks of Beaulieu River at Exbury.

It depicts a woman aboard a small rowing boat waving a handkerchief, significant because Exbury was at the centre of preparations for the D-Day eight decades ago. Much of the planning for the landings in Normandy, known as Operation Overlord, took place at nearby Exbury House which was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in 1942.

The stately home became known as HMS Mastodon and during the war years more it was staffed by more than 100 Wrens (Women’s Royal Naval Service personnel). The Wrens were instrumental in the planning and training for the Normandy Landings, with landing crafts being built at Buckler’s Hard.

The event was attended by a number of veterans including Second World War Wrens Beryl Nevell and Joyce Denman and D-Day veterans Keith Whiting and Ted Rutland.

Senior naval personnel and sea cadets were also among the guests, along with 1980s soul icon Jaki Graham, who sang Amazing Grace as part of the celebrations.

During the unveiling a Royal Navy Gig rowed out into the river to perform a ceremonial ‘Tossing of Oars’.

Senior Royal Naval officer Commodore Catherine Jordan returned a salute from the shore and former wrens were invited to wave white handkerchiefs to the naval boats on the water.

Commodore Catherine Jordan explained that the Second World War Wrens undertook huge range of jobs from code breaking to engineering in support of the landing crafts that were being prepared for D-Day. She said: “Anything that supported the operations – the Wrens were involved.”

The riverside installation was commissioned by the celebrated British photographer Alistair Morrison, as part of a nationwide Time to Connect project which links artists with beautiful venues across the UK.

The sculpture, also known as The Lady of the South, is inspired by a smaller piece created by Hampshire-born artist known as McIlveen and created by sculptors Chris Campbell and artist Marianne Shillingford.

Speaking at the unveiling Alistair said: “I love this sculpture mainly because it represents the women that were left behind during the war. It’s truly beautiful and wonderful and I often think sculptures should talk to us.”

He continued: “Silhouetted against the sky and glistening as the sun sets, reflecting the passing clouds on my white handkerchief I shall wave always towards the horizon.

“I have withstood much rain and bad weather recently but I was born to rust away the years ahead. They tell me that 70mph winds blow fiercely over the Solent and will head my way often but be assured I will stand firm against the forces of nature I am bound to endure.”

An exhibition celebrating the role of Wrens and Exbury in the Second World War will be mounted at Palais des Vaches Art Gallery at Exbury on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June; and then on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June from 11am to 4pm.

Visitors can also enjoy a riverside walk to visit the Hail and Farewell sculpture. For directions and opening times visit http://palaisdesvaches.co.uk