Exmouth to mark 70th anniversary of D-Day Landings

Exmouth is marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings tomorrow, Sunday, June 8. The momentous day involving around 160,000 Allied soldiers landing on Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944, remains the largest amphibious invasion in history. Of the troops to land, thousands of whom perished, 73,000 were American, 61,715 British and 21,400 Canadian. In addition, the assault involved 195,700 Allied naval and merchant navy personnel in more than 5,000 ships. To mark 70 years since the invasion of 'fortress Europe' which pre-empted the downfall of Hitler's cruel Third Reich and the end of the Second World War, Lionel Howell is organising a parade and service in Phear Park. Over the years, through his now wound-up organisation, the 531st Tribute Fund, the 75-year-old, has raised thousands for forces causes. Mr Howell, a former member of the Royal Navy, was also the organiser of the 60th anniversary event in 2004 where there were 41 standards carried by a parade of 370 marchers from all branches of the armed services. "I was contacted by a veteran in the Sidmouth area who asked me if I'd organise an anniversary event," said Mr Howell. "He sadly died several days later so I'm determined to see it through. I promised him, and I'll do it. "Most veterans will either through age or health, not be able to travel to Normandy, so it's important we give them a fitting ceremony here, at home," he continued. "It means so much for the veterans, who are all going to be around 90 now, and it means a lot to the town." On the day, the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Corps of Drums and the Exeter Pipes and Drums bands will parade from Exmouth Community College round to the memorial situated near the entrance of Phear Park at 10.15am. There, Exmouth Town Concert Band will also be in situ and will join in with a marching display before the service when there will be more performances, hymns and readings. A Piper's Lament will also feature as part of the Last Post. "The occasion is a nice opportunity for veterans to catch up with old comrades and friends, from all walks of life with a common history," continued Mr Howell. "Coincidentally, most of our East Devon veterans were part of the Royal Navy, involved in the mine sweeping exercise before the landings could take place." One veteran is coming from as far afield as Poole. "D-Day was one of the most important events of the war," Mr Howell added. "It was the time when all the Allies came together. "It was the beginning of the end of the war. "It's hard to believe what happened. Thousands died. "We have to keep the memory alive."