Southampton City Council announces plans to mark D-Day on 6 June 2024
On Thursday 6 June 2024, the UK will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings in 1944. Southampton will mark the day with a commemorative service and military parade
This will sit along side other activities which are currently being developed with a range of partners.
Southampton played a pivotal role in preparations for the D-Day landings, with hundreds of thousands of British and American troops based around the city and Southampton waters. Parts of the Southampton Civic Centre were used as a base by the American military until the end of the war.
At 8am on 6 June, Southampton’s Town Crier, Alan Spencer, will begin the city's commemorations with a special proclamation. The tribute will acknowledge the valiant Allied forces who initiated Operation Overlord by storming the beaches of Normandy, a pivotal act that ultimately led to the liberation of Paris and the end of the Second World War.
Commemorative Service and Military Parade
A service will be held on the evening of 6 June to recognise and honour the sacrifices made during the Second World War. The service will take place at Holyrood Church in the city centre, which was destroyed by enemy bombing during the Blitz in November 1940.
The 17 Port & Maritime Regiment, based at Marchwood Military Port and who have Freedom of the City, will attend the service. Following the service, they will lead a parade through the city centre to commemorate this historic occasion, and veterans will be welcome to attend and take part. The parade will make its way through the High Street, passing the Bargate, and will conclude in Guildhall Square.
When the troops arrive in Guildhall Square, a special beacon will be lit as a further act of commemoration. This is a project led by Bruno Peek CVO OBE OPR. This will be in tandem with a beacon lit at the British Normandy Memorial, which overlooks Gold Beach. More beacons will be lit in Utah, Omaha, Juno, and Sword, all in Normandy, France.
The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Valerie Laurent said:
“As we observe the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, we pay tribute to the valiant heroes who fought for our freedom with unparalleled bravery and sacrifice. The pivotal role that Southampton played is a testament to our city’s resilience and unyielding spirit. The 80th Anniversary offers us a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into our city’s significant contribution to this historic occasion, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of our shared history.”
Archie Parsons from Southampton Royal British Legion said:
“Southampton played a crucial part in the Second World War and it’s incredibly important that we continue to remember those that fought and lost their lives. Commemorative events such as these bring the city together and I look forward to working with everyone involved for the 80th Anniversary.”
Other activities include
- Photographic and archival material, including oral history interviews undertaken in the 1990s, from the council’s Museum and Archive collections have been used to develop online content on the Southampton Stories website where members of the public will be able to share their own information about D-Day.
- The iconic D-Day Embroidery, currently outside City Archives, will be re-located to SeaCity Museum to feature alongside a modest display about D-Day in the café area prior to 6 June 2024, including information about the Mulberry Harbours and the 14th Major Port
- The public can visit the 19 metre D-Day wall in Western Esplanade and explore a digital 3D model on the Maritime and Archaeology website
- Steamship Shieldhall will be running D-Day themed cruises on 8 and 9 June
- Discover Southampton's aviation history and the role of the Spitfire in D-Day at the Solent Sky Museum, with special events planned on 8 and 9 June
More details about the significance of D-Day to the city and the latest information on planned activities will be revealed over the coming months on the dedicated Visit Southampton webpage.
