Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D Day

This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the start of what would become known as the Battle of Normandy.

A number of events are taking place across the borough to mark the anniversary with the focus of remembrance being a wreath laying ceremony in Prestwich.

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Khalid Hussain, and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester will lay a wreath at Prestwich War Memorial on the morning of the 6 June, at 9.15am.

There will be a reading of the D-Day declaration before marking the anniversary with a ceremonial tree planting across from the Memorial in St. Mary’s Park.

Please come along and mark the anniversary.

The events of D Day – 6 June 1944

Operation Overlord was the successful plan of the allied forces to invade mainland Europe on 6 June 1944 which led to the eventual ending of World War Two in Europe the following year.

The invasion involved the landing of more than 150,000 troops who set sail from the southern coast of England to land on the beaches in Normandy, France, then occupied by Nazi Germany. The invasion remains the largest seaborne invasion in history and involved armies, navies and air forces from several allied nations including Britain, Canada and the USA.

Due to the success of the invasion, allied forces were able to gain a foothold on the European continent enabling the allies to push back Nazi occupation across the continent over the next year until the war in Europe was ended when the Nazi regime in Germany surrendered in May 1945.

Lance Corporal Fred Greenhalgh from Bury is believed to have been the first person to have died on D Day when he was reportedly thrown from his glider as it landed and drowned in a nearby pond.

Further information about his story can be found in the download below.

We particularly remember the people of Bury who took part in D-Day and give thanks for their service and sacrifice.

Events to mark the anniversary

Events will be happening in the borough to commemorate D-Day 80 - please keep checking this site for further information.

Wreath laying in Prestwich

The Mayor of Bury and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester will lay a wreath at Prestwich War Memorial on the morning of the 6 June, at 9am.

There will be a reading of the D-Day declaration before marking the anniversary with a ceremonial tree planting across from the Memorial in St. Mary’s Park.

Everyone is welcome to come along.

Wreath laying in Bury

The Bury branch of the Royal Fusiliers will lay a wreath at Bury Cenotaph on Sunday 9 June at 11am with Standards, Last Post and Reveille.

Wreath laying in Radcliffe

Radcliffe Royal British Legion wreath laying, Radcliffe Cenotaph, on 6 June at 10.45am

Beacon lighting

Beacons will be lit around the country at 9.15pm on 6 June.

The Radcliffe branch of the Royal British Legion has organised a beacon lighting at the Giant's Seat Scout Camp in Outwood Park, Radcliffe with an open invite for all residents to attend.

1940s celebration in Stand

Stand Golf Club is having a 1940s Sing-a-long including afternoon tea and buffet on Thursday 6 June, with 1pm start.

Tickets from Ruth Brown ruthbrown.56@yahoo.com

D-Day 80 Afternoon Tea

Ramsbottom Civic Hall will host an anniversary Afternoon Tea for veterans with a ukulele group performance on 6 June 2024 at 1-4pm. Contact 0161 253 7681 or email B.Meert@bury.gov.uk or come along on the day.

Radcliffe Royal British Legion D-Day 80 Afternoon

The Radcliffe Royal British Legion will be hosting a D Day 80th Anniversary event at St. Philip’s Community Centre, Radcliffe, on 8 June from 12.30pm.

12.30-5pm afternoon activities including face painting, tombola and raffle, children's fancy dress competition, craft stalls, military vehicles and cars. Entry with a donation
6.30-late - 1940s themed evening with tombola, raffle, buffet, DJ and themed quiz, singer and comedian. Tickets are £5 per person

All donations to Radcliffe Royal British Legion to help local veterans

Exhibition at the Fusiliers Musuem

The Fusiliers Museum pictorial exhibition telling the story of Operation Overlord and commemorating the landings will open before 6 June (date to be confirmed.

https://www.fusiliermuseum.com/

As it happened ebook

Bury Libraries and The Bury Times have put together an eBook publication using articles from The Bury Times archives of events between June 6 and end of August 1944.

You can view or download it for free from Borrowbox - Bury Times - Looking Back - D-Day June 6 1944 | Bury Libraries - BorrowBox