70 years ago hundreds of allied troops were camped in and around the parish in the build up to the D-Day Landings and Operation Overlord. Buriton Village Association is working in partnership with the D-Day Museum in Southsea to find out as much as possible about this period of local history - and a special evening talk will be held on Tuesday 10th June.
To mark this special anniversary we are honoured to have the Curator of the famous D-Day Museum, Andrew Whitmarsh, and at least one local veteran of the Normandy Landings at a special meeting arranged by the Buriton Village Association.
Mr Whitmarsh will give a fascinating illustrated presentation highlighting the complexities of the planning behind the allied invasion and will show dozens of rarely-seen images of the build-up to the campaign as well as photographs of the famous landings in Normandy
Local researchers will then explain what they have been able to find out about connections with the parish ...
New research by Buriton Village Association reveals some fascinating local stories and many first hand accounts of activities.
As well as recollections about Canadian troops camped around the village, local research has discovered first-hand accounts from people in the Buriton area at the time describing:
- parachuting into Normandy soon after midnight to capture Pegasus Bridge and other vital targets,
- landing on the beaches later on D-Day,
- follow-up operations including the Mulberry Harbours and
- an amusing account from someone ‘with an inside track’ who missed it all.
“By bringing all these stories together,” the researchers explain, “we are able to highlight the scale, complexity, secrecy and bravery of Operation Overlord ‘through local eyes’.”
The event will now be held in St Mary’s church whilst the village hall remains closed for repairs.
All are welcome and there is no admission charge.
