D-Day 80th Anniversary
On 6 June 2024, we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings, commonly known as 'D-Day'. The Normandy Landings was a significant event in history, as the large-scale invasion led by Allied Forces into German occupied Northern France, changed the course of the Second World War in favour of the Allies in 1944.
D-Day was the result of co-ordinated collaboration between Allied Forces, with soldiers from 13 nations descending upon Normandy. In the morning of 6 June 1944, 24,000 paratroopers and glider-borne soldiers landed behind German lines, whilst around 130,000 soldiers landed on five beaches across the Normandy coast. The events that unfolded marked the beginning of the Battle of Normandy, which would continue until August, weakening the German forces and re-occupying territory. Despite the successes of this mission - codenamed 'Operation Overlord' - on 6 June, approximately 10,000 casualties were recorded. Throughout the course of the Battle of Normandy, tens of thousands of lives were lost.
It is the heroic efforts of those involved in all aspects of this Operation that we must never forget.
Mike Newall, Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council said: "As we mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, it becomes evermore important to remember the heroic sacrifices and bravery of all those who played a part in protecting our future. D-Day was a pivotal moment of the Second World War, one which turned the tides in favour of the Allied Nations after the outbreak of conflict in 1939."
More information on D-Day, including how to get involved in marking the 80th Anniversary can be found at: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/d-day
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