Over 150,000 brave soldiers launched the largest ever naval, air and land operation 80 years ago.
D-Day was a turning point in World War II. The sacrifices made saw Allied forces break through occupied Europe and change the course of history.
Soldiers, vehicles and equipment were loaded onto ships and crafts from the Tilbury Docks here in Essex.
Our very own Essex Regiment was ready to land on Gold Beach, four years after evacuating Dunkirk. In that time, it had joined the 2nd Battalion, which received large drafts of soldiers to bring it up to strength.
The bolstered battalion fought its way up Gold Beach and through the Battle for Caen, gaining crucial control of the city.
It fought bravely in the Second Battle of Arnhem - also called Operation Anger - and helped successfully liberate the city in 1945.
By the end of the war, the 2nd Battalion had suffered over 804 men killed, wounded or missing.
A number of events are being held across Essex this year to remember those who fought and gave their lives. Join us in paying tribute to the heroes of D-Day:
Braintree |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| D-Day dance with The Galaxy Big Band | Finchingfield Village Hall (tickets available by calling 01376 810 051) | 7:30pm to 11pm, Saturday 8 June |
| Royal British Legion light the D-Day beacon, followed by fish-and-chip supper and group singing | The Swan Pub, 1 The Street, Rayne | 7pm to 8pm, Thursday 6 June |
| Braintree Male Voice Choir singalong with a national tribute to the Royal British Legion | The Swan Pub, 1 The Street, Rayne | 8pm to 9:15pm, Thursday 6 June |
| Wreath laying | Finchingfield War Memorial, Finchingfield Green | 9am, Thursday 6 June |
Chelmsford |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| Commemoration with parade and lighting of the beacon | Channels Park | 7pm, Thursday 6 June |
Clacton |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| D-Day service by the Clacton Royal British Legion | Garden of Remembrance and War Memorial | 11:00am, Thursday 6 June |
| “Thanks for the memories” production | Princess Theatre | 2pm, Tuesday 11 June |
Colchester |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| Raising of the D-Day 80th anniversary Flag of Peace with Town Crier proclamation | Colchester Town Hall steps | 10:00am, Thursday 6 June |
| Commemorative service with Colchester Garrison | Colchester War Memorial | 12:30pm, Thursday 6 June |
| Civic reception with procession to Castle Park and lighting of the beacon | Colchester Town Hall and Castle Park | 8:00pm and 9:15pm, Thursday 6 June |
Halstead |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| The Frying Squad picnic with the Royal British Legion | Halstead Recreation Ground | 6pm, Thursday 6 June |
| The Vintage Singer | Halstead Royal British Legion Club | 8pm, Saturday 8 June |
| Wartime singing and lighting the commemorative lantern | Colne View Care Home, Dame Mary Walk, Colchester Road | 12pm to 4pm, Thursday 6 June |
Harlow |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| Harlow Remembers D-Day - proclamation read with poetry | Civic Centre | 8:15am, Thursday 6 June |
| Harlow Remembers D-Day - celebrations with live entertainment and food vendors | Playhouse Square | 5pm to 9:30pm, Thursday 6 June |
Maldon |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| Lighting of the D-Day beacon service | Promenade Park | 8:45pm, Thursday 6 June |
| D-Day Remembered memorabilia | St Andrew’s Church Hall, Althorne | 11am to 4pm, Saturday 8 June |
Saffron Walden |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| Town Crier’s Proclamation and wreath-laying with the Royal British Legion | The War Memorial | 8am, Thursday 6 June |
| Group Battle Physical Training Session | The Common | 12pm to 12:45pm, Thursday 6 June |
| The Great Escape pop-up cinema | Saffron Walden Town Hall | 1pm, Thursday 6 June |
| Lighting the D-Day beacon | The Turf Maze, The Common | 8:30pm, Thursday 6 June |
Witham |
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| Event | Location | Date and time |
| Procession led by the Caledonian Pipe Band then lighting the D-Day beacon | Start at The Avenue and finish at the Chipping Hill Bridge | 8:00pm to 9:15pm, Thursday 6 June |