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County Council marks Gloucestershire's D-Day involvement on 80th anniversary

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Today marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when more than 150,000 troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, beginning the liberation of France and leading to eventual Victory in Europe. Supported by a vast air and sea operation, people from across the world played their part in this momentous day, including many from Gloucestershire. 
Gloucestershire County Council marks 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

The second battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment landed on Gold Beach, helping to secure it and the surrounding area. Servicemen from Gloucestershire landed in Normandy as part of other units on D-Day and the following days, as well as serving in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy whose close support allowed for the successful invasion. 

RAF Down Ampney and RAF Fairford played an important role in D-Day, launching airborne assaults by paratroops and gliders. Gloucestershire's contribution also included the construction of the gliders, which were built by HH Martyns at the Sunningend Works, Cheltenham. Key parts of the floating Mulberry harbours, crucial in the days following 6 June 1944, had been constructed by the Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Company.

D-Day was a proud achievement for the nation and for the county, and it will be celebrated across Gloucestershire today, and services of remembrance will recognise the brave sacrifice of so many on this day and throughout the Second World War.