Commemorations in Bury to mark the 80th Anniversary of D Day

This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day at the start of what would become known as the Battle of Normandy.

D Day was the first day of Operation Overlord was the successful plan of the allied forces to invade mainland Europe on 6 June 1944 which led to the eventual ending of World War Two in Europe the following year.

A number of events are taking place across the borough to mark the anniversary with the focus of remembrance being a wreath laying ceremony in Prestwich.

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Khalid Hussain, and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester will lay a wreath at Prestwich War Memorial on the morning of the 6 June, at 9.15am.

There will be a reading of the D-Day declaration before marking the anniversary with a ceremonial tree planting across from the Memorial in St. Mary’s Park.

Please come along and mark the anniversary.

As it happened ebook

Bury Libraries and The Bury Times have put together an eBook publication using articles from The Bury Times archives of events between June 6 and end of August 1944.

You can view or download it for free from Borrowbox - Bury Times - Looking Back - D-Day June 6 1944 | Bury Libraries - BorrowBox

Exhibition at the Fusiliers Musuem

The Fusiliers Museum pictorial exhibition telling the story of Operation Overlord and commemorating the landings will open before 6 June (date to be confirmed).

https://www.fusiliermuseum.com/

Events to mark the anniversary

Events will be happening in the borough to commemorate D-Day 80 - please keep checking this site for further information.

On 6 June Radcliffe Royal British Legion will take part in the national beacon lighting at Outwood Park, Radcliffe at 9.15pm with an open invite for all residents to attend.

On Sunday 9 June the Bury branch of the Royal Fusiliers will also lay a wreath at Bury War Memorial on Sunday 9 June at 11am with Standards, Last Post and Reveille.

Events for everyone recreating the 1940s with entertainment and refreshments will take place in Stand, Ramsbottom and Radcliffe.

Lance Corporal Fred Greenhalgh

Lance Corporal Fred Greenhalgh from Bury is believed to have been the first person to have died on D Day when he was reportedly thrown from his glider as it landed and drowned in a nearby pond.

His story is just one part of the campaign and you can find out more him online and others of those who took part in D Day at an exhibition at the Fusilier Museum and in a special put together by Bury Libraries and the Bury Times.

Park, Radcliffe at 9.15pm with an open invite for all residents to attend.

Further information

For further information about everything taking place go our special D Day 80 page at https://www.bury.gov.uk/armed-forces-personnel/commemorating-the-80th-anniversary-of-d-day

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the leader of Bury Council said: “The allied invasion of Normandy was one of the biggest battles of the Second World War and part of the defeat of Nazi Germany and its allies.

“Bury has a long and proud military history and we particularly remember the people of Bury who took part in D-Day and give thanks for their service and sacrifice.

“The story of Lance Corporal Greenhalgh is a poignant one but shows the town and country’s commitment to defeating the evil of Nazi Germany.

“Sadly the hatred and discrimination of that regime still exists and such division must have no place in our modern world.”