Armed Forces Day and D-Day@80 commemorated in Hungerford after military vehicle Commemorative Convoys from Basingstoke and through Newbury and Kingsclere
Thousands of people lined the 30 mile route of a military convoy to mark Armed Forces Day.
More than 55 vehicles and 40 riders from the Royal British Legion journeyed from Milestones Museum in Basingstoke through Kingsclere and Newbury town centre before finishing in Hungerford’s Triangle Field on Saturday (June 29).
It was part of a weekend of events in the town to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, organised by Hungerford Town Council and Commemorative Convoys.
Lee Sainsbury, one of Commemorative Convoys’ organisers, said: “We were blown away by the amount of people who came out to see us and support the convoy.
“The crowds through Newbury were four or five people deep.
“This is the fourth convoy we’ve organised and the crowds have never been like that before.”
A parade - organised by Commemorative Convoys and led by Gordon’s School Pipes and Drums Band – then journeyed from outside the Hungerford Corn Exchange to a commemoration stone on Hungerford Common.
There a service, which was conducted by Rev Mike Saunders from St Lawrence’s Church, was held before the stone was unveiled by a representative from the US Embassy and Hungerford mayor Helen Simpson.
The five foot tall piece of Bath stone, believed to be around 1.34m years old, has two plaques on it highlighting the role of the town in D-Day.
Troops were stationed there and visited by General Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allied expeditionary force in Europe, ahead of the Normandy landings.
On Saturday evening 1940’s singer Stephanie Belle performed at The Bear, before returning to perform again in the Triangle Field on Sunday.
Gordon’s School Pipes and Drums Band were also on hand to provide entertainment throughout the day and The Parachute Display Team landed with Dwight the teddy bear strapped to one of them.
He was then auctioned for £350 and now resides in Hungerford.
Mrs Simpson said afterwards: "Wow, wow, wow!
"I'm completely overwhelmed at what Hungerford has achieved by pulling off this incredible weekend of commemoration.
"Councillor Jerry Keates, led the volunteer team and project, which has been a year in the planning.
"Jerry alongside, myself, Claire Barnes, David Reeves, Derek Loft, Neale Marney, Kate Edwards, Fiona Hobson, Susan Mayes, Nicola Wood, Simon Hobden, councillor Keith Carlson and councillor Denise Gaines.
"You're all superstars - I could not have been prouder.
"Formal thanks to all our sponsors will follow from the team and town council when we’ve found our feet again and reflected.
"I know we have made an enormous amount of money for the Royal British Legion Veterans (Hungerford Branch)."
The weekend also saw a full programme of activities and events, which included displays and history talks.
All proceeds from the weekend went to The Royal British Legion Riders Poppy Appeal.
