D-Day80 anniversary
The district is getting ready to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The Normandy Landings were part of the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation took place on 6 June 1944. This year, 2024, is the 80th anniversary of that event.
Known as D-Day, the historic operation saw the Allied Forces mount a large-scale invasion of Nazi-occupied France that ultimately changed the course of the Second World War in the Allies’ favour. Tens of thousands of military personnel were patiently poised in East Sussex and along the south coast, waiting for the order to embark.
Soldiers were camped at Firle Place, Stanmer Park, Ditchling, Plumpton, Seaford and Lewes. Tanks were concealed in nearby woodland and residents were reminded to keep quiet about all the activity.
You can read more about the operation and a little known link to East Sussex in a fascinating article by Iain Luxford on Your East Sussex.
There are lots of local events taking place across the district on or around 6 June to mark this historic anniversary:
Lamp Lights of Peace
Beacons across the country will be lit at 9.15pm on 6 June in celebration of the ‘light of peace’ that emerged out of the darkness of war. A special International Tribute will be read out at many of the beacon lighting events in remembrance of those who took part in the D-Day landings. For further information visit d-day80beacons.co.uk
Ditchling
A commemoration service attended by HM Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex
will be held at Ditchling War Memorial at 11am, 6 June. Download the event flyer
Newhaven
There’s an assortment of events taking place in Newhaven from 4 June. Newhaven Fort’s collection custodian will lead a free guided walking tour at 8pm on 6 June.
The walk will begin at the Memorial Green, finishing at the West Quay Promontory for the International Tribute and Beacon Lighting at 8.50pm, led by Newhaven Town Council.
Newhaven Museum will host a D-Day exhibition from 7 June. For further details visit Newhaven Town Council.
Peacehaven
A commemoration service will be held at the War Memorial 10:45am, 6 June. This will be followed by an evening celebration at Centenary Park at 6pm with a beacon lighting ceremony. For a full itinerary visit Peacehaven Town Council.
Seaford
An event at Splash Point, Seaford will begin at 8pm and will include an address from the Mayor, a proclamation from the Town Crier, entertainment from Seaford Silver Band, and the lighting of the beacon at 9:15pm by Seaford Bonfire Society. For further information visit Seaford Town Council.
These are local community events, so please check timings and locations before travelling. Further information about events across East Sussex can be found on Your East Sussex.
For more information about national events taking place in the UK and in France to mark the anniversary, visit the government’s official D-Day 80 website and the Royal British Legion.
Pictures show: Field Ambulance Paratroops on board their aircraft at Keevil airfield, Wiltshire, on 5 June 1944 ready to take part in the opening phase of the Normandy campaign, Operation TONGA.
WAAF nursing orderly Corporal Lydia Alford, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, assists with the loading of a casualty onto a Dakota of Transport Command for a flight to the UK from B2/Bazenville, 13 June 1944. Having flown to France with supplies on board, the Dakotas returned home with a casualties
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