The Royal British Legion D-Day 75

This year, 6 June marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings – one of the most remarkable Allied wartime operations. The Royal British Legion is working with the UK Government and other stakeholders to deliver significant commemorations to mark this momentous anniversary, both in Normandy and Portsmouth.

With less than one month to go, we are urging veterans and their families to register for events in Portsmouth and France.

As this is a major commemorative year and following the recent announcement that world leaders will be in attendance, all attendees will be required to register so that they can be screened for security purposes.  Priority will be given to Normandy Veterans and their guests.

We ask that all associations help us in reaching as many Normandy Veterans as possible. The Legion wants to ensure the additional security and global interest does not deter veterans wishing to attend.

The location of the major commemorations to mark D-Day 75 include:

•    Southsea Common, Portsmouth, United Kingdom – 5 June
•    The Cathedral of Our Lady of Bayeux, Bayeux, France – 6 June
•    The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, France – 6 June

Registration and accreditation

Accreditation will be required to attend all these events. To receive a link to the accreditation system to register for event passes, please email ddayaccreditation@hpower.co.uk or telephone 0175 384 7900.

When requesting a link, individuals should indicate which event(s) they would like to attend, and whether they are a Normandy Veteran or widow, accompanying a Normandy Veteran or widow, or attending as a descendant or general entry.

Approved passes will be posted via registered mail. Full event joining instructions will be included with the passes.

One veteran who has already signed up to attend is Royal Marine Veteran Jim Healy, who was just 19 years old and a coxswain of a landing craft transporting Canadian troops onto Juno Beach on D-Day. Jim said: “I think it’s important to be a part of The Royal British Legion D-Day 75th Commemorations because I always want to remember the lads that we lost – we actually lost ten of the boats in our 18-strong convoy. I just hope other D-Day veterans who are fit enough to travel do the same.”

Travel in France
There will be a restriction on traffic movements in the Normandy area during the 6 June 2019. The Royal British Legion have been working closely with the French Government to ensure that this does not impact on any veteran travelling to events in Normandy.

It is currently understood that all coaches and vehicles carrying Normandy Veterans will be able to travel within the secure zone using a vehicle pass generated by The Royal British Legion accreditation system. All other private vehicles will be required to travel to Caen to catch a shuttle bus into Bayeux.

Please note that this information is correct at the time of publicising and may change – full details will be sent to all registered attendees with their accreditation passes.

The veterans remain our number one priority and at the heart of everything we do, and we ask for you cooperation to make sure that no one misses out on what will be an incredibly moving and poignant occasion.

Further event information can be found on The Royal British Legion’s website rbl.org.uk/DDay75

I very much hope that the Legion can count on your valuable support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Commemorative Events Team on dday75@britishlegion.org.uk

Yours Aye,

Bob Gamble OBE
Assitant Director of Commemorative Events