Staffordshire commemorates 80th anniversary of D-Day landings
Staffordshire residents joined local services to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the county’s contribution to the operation.
The D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 saw one of the largest amphibious invasions in military history.
The operation saw the Allies use over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land over 150,000 men on five beaches in Normandy.
While Staffordshire was many miles from the action, it played an important role with two regiments involved in the invasion and Battle of Normandy.
Now, as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations, the archives and heritage service at Staffordshire County Council shared stories of the county’s contribution to the operation.
Marchington Camp, also known as Sudbury Camp, near Burton was a huge American Army supply camp that held men and material in the run-up to the operation. It gradually emptied as men and supplies were sent on to France.
The camp continued to operate until September 1945, when the Americans left.
Staff have also released aerial photos from the 1948 run showing the large American hospital in the grounds of Shugborough, and the site of the American Camp at Teddesley Park, near Pottal Pool. Both of these were used in the run up and aftermath of D-Day.
Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council and former serving member of the armed forces said: “the Allied landings in Normandy in 1944 were a significant turning point in the Second World War leading to the liberation of Europe.
“It’s interesting to see the role Staffordshire played, despite being so far from the sea, and important to remember the sacrifices made by thousands of allied troops during the final stages of the war.
“Staffordshire has many connections with the military and both World Wars. We have the WWI military training camps on Cannock Chase along with the Commonwealth Graves and German Military Cemetery which we are proud to host. And, not forgetting the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, the year-round centre for remembrance.”
The Staffordshire Yeomanry, a volunteer cavalry unit who served in the 27th Armoured Brigade as part of the Second British Army were also involved in the operation. It was probably the only conventional tank unit to land on Sword Beach.
They played a little-known but vital role. After arriving a squadron of tanks were ordered to move towards the high ground of the Périers-sur-le-Dan ridge, which overlooked the beaches. This move, thought to have been pre-planned by Lieutenant Colonel Eadie, was to prove crucial to the success of the Normandy Landings.
Events locally for the anniversary included a service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh joined veterans and their families at the Royal British Legion’s Service of Remembrance on Thursday, 6 June.
At Victoria Park in Stafford, families enjoyed live entertainment around the bandstand from 6pm. Local poets, artists along with Stafford Military Wives Choir entertained the crowds followed by the official Beacon Lighting Ceremony.
