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June 6, 2024 will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War II. This event, which ultimately led to the liberation of Europe. Many of those involved embarked from our area of Dorset. It was the 40,000 men who sailed from Weymouth and Portland who bore the brunt of the German defences. Iris Burgin - then a village resident recalled that 'Early on the morning of D-Day an Americian plane made a false landing on the Chesil Bank opposite Langton Hide. It was right in the middle of the barbwire square surrounding the abandon Coastguards Lookout Hut.The U.S. Airforce dismantled it and took every bit away'.
Also, see the History Centre blog from 2019 here https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/dorset-history-centre-blog/2019/06/03/d-day-on-the-home-front/
Langton Herring will be lighting its Beacon and holding a short act of Thanksgiving on this day.
Procession to the Beacon leaves the Village Hall at 9 pm for 9:15 lighting (Torches or Lanterns suggested )
Thanks to Dawn, Andy, Martin Fielding and Margaret Preuss-Higham.
For more information please contact Judy on 01305 871286
Nearby Weymouth was one of the main embarkation points for troops assembled in Marshalling Area D in South Dorset. Troops embarked the Quay. Many of the troops who embarked through Weymouth were part of the US 1st Division, the ‘Big Red One’, who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. There were also several hospitals in Weymouth to receive casualties who were evacuated from Normandy.
A Memorial stands on the Esplanade, dedicated to the American soldiers who embarked through Weymouth. See Dorset Echo article below
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