D-Day

What was D-Day?

D-Day was the successful allied invasion of the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Codenamed Operation Neptune, the Normandy landings made up the largest seaborne invasion in history and played a crucial role in liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation. The New Forest played a vital role: its woods, plains and coastlines were ideal for military training and preparation, and it was close to Southampton Docks. If you are interested in reading more about the local history of D-Day or seeing what events are taking place in the New Forest area in the lead up to the 80th anniversary, download 'D-Day- Events Guide and Stories from a Forest at War'.

Beacons of Light

The heroism of those who landed on the shores of the Normandy beaches represented a beacon of light during a dark period of war and therefore it is fitting that communities across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and those along the shorelines of Normandy, have been invited to light beacons in tribute to the many hundreds of brave men who left their families, many of whom did not sadly return.

Ringwood Town Council is delighted to be participating in this initiative and will be lighting a beacon on the suggested time and date of Thursday 6th June 2024 at 9:15pm in the War Memorial Gardens, Ringwood. 

There is an open invitation to all members of the community to join us, where there will be a reading of the International Tribute and music from Ringwood and Burley Band to match the occasion from 8:45pm. 

Fish and chips

Fish and chips will play a major part in the D-Day 80 commemorations. They were never rationed during the war and the words were even used as code by British paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines to identify friendly soldiers nearby – one calling out ‘fish’ and hopefully getting the reply ‘chips’. Thanks to the support and involvement of National Fish and Chip Day and the National Federation of Fish Friers, many thousands of fish and chip shops around the United Kingdom will take part in the day’s activities. Schools, pubs, hotels and restaurants etc, are also encouraged to get involved by serving up this great British tradition in tribute to those who gave so much.

We encourage local shops and restaurants to take part and also to fundraise for our local Ringwood Veteran's Hub. If you are a local fish and chip shop or restaurant please get in touch with charmaine.bennett@ringwood.gov.uk if you would like to get involved.