Veterans and residents across Tendring paid their respects to the fallen at poignant services to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

An Act of Remembrance was hosted by Clacton Royal British Legion and Tendring District Council (TDC) at Clacton War Memorial, in the town’s seafront gardens, today (Thursday, 6 June) at 11am.

It marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, which saw the launch of Allied operations to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

More than 100 people attended the service, which was led by the Rev Mark Mulryne and included a reading by TDC Vice Chairman Bill Davidson.

Councillor Davidson thanked those who attended the ceremony, which included the Last Post and the Kohima Epitaph, as well as prayers, the laying of wreaths and a two minutes’ silence.

TDC Chairman Councillor Dan Casey, who is also President of the Clacton Royal British Legion and the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “Eighty years ago today, Allied forces landed in Normandy, taking the first brave step towards liberating Europe.

“Today, under a bright sun, we honoured the 13,414 soldiers who sacrificed their lives on that sombre day.

“D-Day was a beacon of hope for millions in Nazi-occupied Europe, yet a day of deep sorrow for many families.

“I would like to thank all the forces organisations, standard-bearers, and residents who joined us for this solemn remembrance."

Harwich Royal British Legion and Harwich Town Council laid floral tributes on Thursday morning at the Fronks Road Memorial in Dovercourt before a civic church service took place at St Nicholas Church, Harwich.

Beacons are due to be lit at 9.15pm in Ardleigh, Bradfield, Brightlingsea, Harwich, Lawford and St Osyth, to mark the anniversary.

On Tuesday, 11 June, at 2pm, the TDC-run Princes Theatre will be staging ‘Thanks for the Memories’ featuring heart-warming nostalgic songs and a flag waving finale paying tribute to the veterans of the armed forces.

On 22 September at 2pm, the theatre will host The D-Day Darlings’ as they present their brand new show marking the 80th anniversary of the operation, which will see the wartime-inspired group perform the best loved songs of the era.

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