D-Day 80th approaching, Greenham Control Tower invites local schools to learn about the role played by Greenham Common.

WITH the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaching, volunteers at Greenham Control Tower are offering local schools a unique opportunity to learn about the role Greenham Common played in that momentous day.

General Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, visited Greenham on June 5, 1944, and it was there that he made the famous speech in which he told his men that “the eyes of the world are upon you”.

Shortly before midnight he watched 81 C 47 Dakota aircraft take 1,430 parachutists to the skies over Normandy. In all, 23,400 airborne troops took part in D-Day. The attack was led by an aircraft bearing a message to Adolf Hitler on its nosecone reading ‘That’s all brother!’. That aircraft took off from Greenham.

This year’s anniversary will be a major national commemoration and Greenham Control Tower will be at the forefront of Newbury’s tribute. Tower volunteer and Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Reading Andy Kempe said: “We are keen to ensure that all of the schools in our area are aware of what is being commemorated and why. A number of tower volunteers, including myself, have a background in teaching. We can offer schools an engaging, animated talk about Greenham’s role in D-Day in the tower itself or by visiting the schools. We make no charge to schools for this service.”

Schools wishing to arrange a visit to the tower or a talk in their school should contact AndyK@greenhamtower.org.uk