Anniversary service for D-Day held at Greenham Control Tower

Newbury has marked the 81st anniversary of the D-Day Landings, the largest amphibious invasion in history.

A service, led by Fr Michael Fava, took place at Greenham Common Control Tower this morning (Friday) to remember more than 150,000 Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy in 1944 to liberate Western Europe from the Nazis.

Observers joined in prayer and recited the Exhortation. The Last Post sounded and a two-minute silence was observed.

The Reveille then sounded, followed by the Kohima Epitaph. Crowds then sung the British and American national anthems.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of West Berkshire Council, Newbury Town Council, Greenham Parish Council, The Berkshire Lieutenancy, The High Sheriff of Berkshire, Royal Naval Association, Greenham Common Control Tower, Greenham Trust, RAF Welford Historical Society, West Berkshire and Oxford Parachute Regimental Association and the Royal British Legion branches in Newbury, Thatcham, Kingsclere and the Vale of the White Horse.

Speaking after the service, Newbury RBL welfare officer David Glover, who joined the branch in 2015, said: “I've been coming up here before then.

“I try and coordinate as many people as I can to do the job. I enjoy it, you know. And it's the same with the Greenham Memorial.”

Greenham Common Control Tower volunteer Peter Evans, who lived one mile from the original runway, added: “We started this ceremony a few years ago.

“We're very pleased to see so many people.

“Our D-Day service has grown over the years. I think we had a good exhibition last year.”

Preparations are now underway to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory in Japan).

A service will be held at Newbury War Memorial at 11am on Friday, August 15.

Organisers encourage residents with any recollections or family connections to the Pacific theatre of war to email mayor@newbury.gov.uk or write to: Mayor’s Parlour, Town Hall, Market Place, Newbury, RG14 5AA.

Stories may be featured at the Town Hall or the Newbury Royal British Legion as a part of the commemorations.

You can also share your stories with us at newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk

Or why not record a video of your story and send it to the email address above.

And don’t forget, the Thames Valley Chapter of Harley Davidson owners is visiting the Control Tower on Sunday (June 8) from 11am.

Visit the Control Tower website for further details.