Residents of Trowbridge and Keevil are being invited to take part in commemorations to mark the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy during the Second World War.
D-Day on Thursday, June 6, 1944, marked the largest naval, air, and land military operation in history as the Allied Forces prepared to retake France from the German forces that had invaded the country during the war.
The airfield at Keevil played an important role in the landings, with Horsa gliders towed into the air by 196 Squadron Short Stirling aircraft ferrying vital equipment for the troops.
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Horsa glider at Pegasus Bridge June 8 1944 (Image: Ministry of Defence)
Trowbridge Town Council said: “The heroism displayed by those who stormed the Normandy beaches served as a beacon of hope during one of humanity’s darkest times. It’s only fitting that our community participates in the global tribute."
The town will light a beacon in homage to peace and members of Trowbridge Branch of the Royal British Legion will lay a wreath at the war memorial in Trowbridge Town Park.
Following this, there will be a procession to The Civic Centre with a proclamation delivered by Trowbridge Town Crier Trevor Heeks from 8pm onwards. and Trowbridge mayor Cllr Stephen Cooper will read a poem.
At 9.15pm, Trowbridge will join in the international lighting of beacons and lamp lights of peace.
Bellringers will also ring the bells at James’ Church in Trowbridge as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations.
There will also be four days of events and activities in Keevil, whose airfield was used by Allied Forces for special operations missions into occupied Europe, including the gliders used for the D-Day landings and for Arnhem.
196 Squadron Short Stirlings at Keevil Airfield ready for the D-Day landings (Image: Ministry of Defence)
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On Wednesday, June 5, villagers have been invited to a display of military aircraft on Keevil Airfield from 3pm-7pm.
From Thursday, June 6 to Saturday, June 8 there will be a display of village art and wartime memorabilia every day from 11am-4pm at St Leonard’s Church.
On Thursday, June 6 villagers are invited to a 1940s-style ‘Night At The Local’ at Keevil Village Hall, from 7pm onwards. The event will feature an international tribute of remembrance and lights of peace procession.
On Friday, June 7, the village hall will host a Vintage Dance Night concert by The Hummingbirds, from 7pm, with a 40s-50s dress theme.
On Saturday, June 8, there will be a Village Games Day on Keevil Airfield from 10.30am onwards, with 5k and 10k runs and walking/cycling around the airfield perimeter.
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