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Forthcoming Events

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2010
 70th Year


 ~ EVENTS CALENDAR ~

If you're organising an event likely to interest visitors to this Combined Operations website please provide us with a text, website URL, images/photos etc and we'll add the details to this page - free. 'Contact Us' in the links banner above and use the 'Information for Website' option you'll find there.

Month

Event
17/18th July 2010

June 2010
Local Normandy Commemorations (courtesy of Bern and Fay Robins).
 
Friday 4th June:
 
MERVILLE BATTERY:
1200hrs. Picnic at the Battery for the Veterans. (From Alan EDWARDS).
VILLERS sur MER: (Near ST. VAAST en AUGE):
1500hrs. Bench unveiling by Mr & Mrs Don White from Australia to the memory of Private George WHITE, 9th Para, whose name is Commemorated on the Memorial close by the church. (From Ron McCAFFERY).
 
Saturday 5th June:
 
BAVENT: (Le Mesnil).
1030hrs. Service of Remembrance. Wreath laying at 3rd Para Brigade & 1st Canadian Para Battalion Memorials. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
SANNERVILLE:
1200hrs. "Salle des Fêtes" Barbeque. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE). Bookings for meals are required.
MEMORIAL PEGASUS:
1200hrs. For both French & English, a short ceremony on the old bridge, and a second ceremony at the new Project 65 Memorial Stones. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
CAEN:
1300hrs. Rodney CURTIS (Standard bearer for the 3rd Brigade Association) is being presented the McCrae Shield on behalf of the Royal British Legion Central Brittany Branch at the Memorial de Caen. This shield is for the best recruiting overseas branch in the Royal British Legion. Last year they won the Jellicoe Shield, this was again for recruitment.
ST VAAST en AUGE:
1500hrs. Service to commemorate the men who died after a navigational error when Horsa Glider LH324 crashed into the wood of the Manor Farm near the village. (From Theresa EASBY).
GONNEVILLE en AUGE:
1600hrs. Ceremony at 9th Battalion memorial. (From Alan EDWARDS).
BREVILLE les MONTS:
1600hrs. Commemoration and wreath laying at the crossroads memorial and a vin d'honneur afterwards on the green opposite the Mairie (Town Hall). (From John WELLS).
BURES SUR DIVES:
1715hrs. Wreath laying at Captain Juckes, RE Memorial. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
MERVILLE BATTERY:
1730hrs. Official ceremony of the 9th Battalion. Veterans march. (From Alan EDWARDS).
BENOUVILLE: Mairie
1730hrs. The commune of Bénouville and the Mayor Alain Lepareau welcomes the veterans, their families and friends by the Salle Polyvalente for a Band Concert and afterwards, an aperitif. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
MERVILLE BATTERY:
1830hrs. Glass of friendship with the Veterans of the 9th Battalion. (From Alan EDWARDS).
TROARN:
1830hrs. Wreath laying at the 8th Para Battalion Graves at the cemetery. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
1900hrs. Wreath laying at French War Memorial & 3rd Para Squadron RE plaque. Followed by a Vin d’honneur. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
MERVILLE:
2000hrs. Curry evening at the Merville Village Hall. (Limited places and by reservation. Telephone: 0033-231-914-753 or at the Merville Battery). (From Alan EDWARDS).
BENOUVILLE:
2000hrs. Buffet meal in Salle Polyvalente by invitation only. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
PEGASUS BRIDGE:
2330hrs. Midnight Ceremony by Major John Howard’s bust on LZ and fireworks until 0030hrs. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
 
Sunday 6th June:
 
RANVILLE:
0930hrs. Wreath laying at 13th Para Battalion Memorial.
1000hrs. Mass.
1030hrs. Ranville Churchyard for wreath laying at Den Brotheridge’s grave. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
1100hrs. Service of Remembrance at Ranville Military Cemetery and Wreath laying ceremony. Followed by a Vin d’honneur.
SANNERVILLE:
1200hrs. I have just been informed by PathfinderUK1 that there will be a parachute jump on 6th and 7th June from a C47, both on DZ 'K'. (between Sannerville/Touffreville). On both days they will be wearing WW2 uniforms, and using American 'chutes.
MERVILLE BATTERY:
1200hrs. Picnic for Veterans. (From Alan EDWARDS).
BENOUVILLE:
1230hrs. Assemble for parade down to new bridge at Bénouville Mairie or wait at Signals Memorial or Veterans join parade outside Les Trois Planeurs. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
1245hrs. Signals Memorial by the new bridge: Ceremony and wreath laying by Mayor & Council members of Bénouville, Veterans of the ‘Coup de Main’, Veterans of 7th Parachute Battalion, families & friends. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
PEGASUS BRIDGE:
1300hrs. March over Pegasus Bridge led by Veterans of D-Day, Mayor of Bénouville & Council members, friends and families. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
BENOUVILLE:
1310hrs. Ceremony at 7th Para Memorial with the Veterans & wreath laying and the usual service held at the 7th Para Memorial. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
1345hrs. approx. Bénouville Salle Polyvalente (off the car park at back of Mairie) Vin d’honneur provided by the commune of Bénouville for all Veterans, families and friends. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
RANVILLE:
1400hrs. Meet at the Longchamps Cafe for ceremony at Alf BROWN's Memorial.
ESCOVILLE Memorial:
1500hrs. For a short ceremony with the Mayor & people of Escoville to commemorate the battle for their village. (From Peggy BATES (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
HEROUVILLETTE Cemetery:
1530hrs. Join with the Mayor & people of Hérouvillette to remember those who fell on the 7th June 1944. Afterwards there is usually ‘un verre de l’amité’ (glass of friendship) at the usual venue, Rue des enfants, Hérouvillette with the Mayors & communes, but I do not know yet whether this will continue this year – I will let those present know on the day. (From Peggy BATES. (Daughter of Major HOWARD).
PUTOT en AUGE:
1630hrs. NOTICE: Please note the change of time from the usual 1800hrs. Ceremony at the Churchyard, to remember the men lost and wounded in the capture of hill 13. Moving on to the Railway Station and a vin d'honneur at the adjacent village hall. (From Mike COLLINS).
BANNEVILLE LA CAMPAGNE:
1600hrs. Wreath laying ceremony at the Military Cemetery. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
TOUFFREVILLE:
1700hrs. Wreath laying ceremony at 8th Para Battalion Memorial. On to Wreath laying ceremony at Billington & Platt Memorial. On to Wreath laying ceremony at Corporal O’Sullivan grave. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
MERVILLE BATTERY:
2100hrs. Concert of the Auld Alliance Pipe Band. (From Alan EDWARDS).
2230hrs. Release of 150 flying lanterns symbolising the 150 British Parachutists who attacked the Battery at dawn on the 6th June 1944. (Depending on the weather and authorisation of the Prefecture). (From Alan EDWARDS).
 
Monday 7th June:
 
MERVILLE:
1100hrs. Official ceremony of the No. 3 Commando at the Commemorative Plaque. (From Alan EDWARDS).
SANNERVILLE:
1100hrs. Wreath laying at 4th Special Service Brigade Royal Marines Commandos with 48th Royal Marines Commandos Veterans. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
1200hrs. Parachute drop by a C47 on DZ "K" (TBC). (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE). I have just been informed by PathfinderUK1 that there will be a parachute jump on 6th and 7th June from a C47, both on DZ 'K'. (between Sannerville/Touffreville). On both days they will be wearing WW2 uniforms, and using American 'chutes.
1230hrs. Service of Remembrance and wreath laying at 3rd British Infantry Division Memorial and International Memorial plaque. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE).
1330hrs. Lunch at School restaurant, organised by the Maire of Sannerville. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE). Bookings for meals are required.
 
Tuesday 8th June:
 
BEUZEVILLE:
0930hrs. Gathering at Mairie de Beuzeville (Town hall). Welcome by M. le Maire. 
Ceremonies at War Memorial and at the graves at cemetery.
Unveiling of the street "Rue du 8ème Battalion Parachutiste Britannique".
Lunch at Restaurant. (From Yves LE CUZIAT MBE). Bookings for meals are required.
 
FOOTNOTE:
Fay and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the people involved in making this event, as in other years, a time to remember. Please give a moments thought to the planning that has to go into the few days in June each year you all enjoy so much.
Most of it is only possible due to the hospitality of the local Mayors and is funded by the community. Individuals who have a love and great respect for the liberating Veterans donate hundreds of hours of their time. Local people contribute not only cash but time, food etc.
The men this year who will be doing the Parachute drops are all volunteers (see their website at http://www.pathfindergroupuk.com/), who, have no sponsorship and never ask the spectators for a penny but pay for there own uniforms, accommodation and all that is needed for the events. That is before you take into consideration the cost of the aircraft, mechanics, landing fees, extra fire cover etc. amounting to over £10,000. All for a few days enjoyment, if you give them nothing else, please show your appreciation by attending the events. ENJOY.
601 Flotilla Memorial, Itchenor, Sussex. I am a member of the Royal British Legion at Chichester West Sussex and at 11am on the 4th of June the Wittering Branch are having a memorial service at Itchenor for the Royal Marines of 601 flotilla who sadly lost their lives whilst returning home. 
Yours, Chris Ainsworth, Vice Chairman RBL Chichester.
Commando Veterans' Association. Our main event this summer, at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), will be our celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the forming of the Army Commandos on Saturday 26 June. This will be held in conjunction with the Armed Forces Weekend celebrations at the NMA, which will include a main parade, theatre shows, demos/displays etc. We will have our own demos/displays etc by the CVA Army Commando Memorial which will celebrate the forming and the history of the Army Commandos.  It is hoped to have static displays by the serving Army Commando units also. Our usual Commando Summer Service will be held at 1030hrs on Sunday 27 June.
27/11/09 BBC Radio Scotland - Inverlair Lodge. Here's advance notice of a radio programme on Friday, November 27, which will be of interest to a lot of locals. It's called The Spies Who Knew Too Much and it's on BBC Radio Scotland from 11.30am-noon. Mark Stephen will reveal some of the secrets of Inverlair Lodge, described as "one of the most mysterious homes in the Highlands". Inverlair inspired the long-running TV series The Prisoner and also the spy thriller The Cooler but, as Mark discovers, "truth is stranger than fiction". During the Second World War, Inverlair Lodge was used by the Special Operations Executive. It was given the name "No 6 Special Workshop School" but in London it was simply referred to as either "up North" or "The Cooler". Inverlair was a place where secret agents were sent, who had either failed their training or been recalled from operations. The Cooler was a very good description of the camp as the inmates were kept until the information they had been given had cooled - and, of course, a "cooler" is also a slang term for prison. Today the holes from bullets sprayed around the staircase and one cell-like room hold some of the secrets that give clues to Inverlair's wartime past. Richard Sidgwick, who lived in the house from the 1970s, has spent more than 30 years unravelling the secrets, and he returns with Mark to share his remarkable discoveries. Richard reveals who might have been held in Room 13 with its sliding Judas hatch, and the infamous SOE trainer who left the bullet holes in the staircase. During the renovations of the house, Richard came across some notes and poems left behind by the wartime inhabitants. These give a moving insight into what life was like in The Cooler.
21/11/09

Ian Carrington's father, leading seaman John Carrington (CJX355012), served on the Destroyer Duncan before serving under the Combined Operations Command on Landing Craft Flak 18. Then in 1944, as Coxswain of Landing Craft Tank 820, he was involved in the Italian landings and the D Day landings. Now in his 85th year he is still very much with us but, sadly, one of a dwindling band to whom we owe so much. In honour of his father and the many thousands who served in Combined Operations Ian will undertake a 20 mile walk in aid of the Combined Operations Memorial Fund.

 

The walk will take place on Saturday November 21 along the High Peak Trail in the Derbyshire Peak District. The trail is a reclaimed rail route running from near Buxton to Cromford. The distance of the trail is 17.5 miles but Ian and his faithful canine companions, Bailey and Lucy, will walk a further 2.5 miles towards Derby to make it an even 20 miles. Bailey is a 4 year old Golden Retriever and Lucy a 3 year old Chocolate Lab / spaniel cross with the distinction of having white socks. They are both rescue dogs. [Photo of John Carrington with the Royal British Legion (RBL) standard bearer taken in September 2005 at Salerno War Cemetery during a RBL pilgrimage to Southern Italy under the “Heroes Return” scheme.]

 

To sponsor Ian and his dogs for the benefit of the memorial fund click here. You can donate electronically using Paypal or by post. Many thanks for your support.
Nov 2009 1940's & 50's Nostalgia Weekend Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland.

The Nostalgia Weekend will focus on the 40s and 50s to include events, displays and parades that celebrate the culture, heritage and spirit of the period. Planned to be part of the Homecoming celebrations, anyone with any connection to Scotland is being welcomed to come home and join in the special event.

It all kicks off on Friday, November 27 and will carry on until Sunday, November 29 with a highlight being the live performance on the Saturday, by the Glen Millar Orchestra at Troon Concert Hall. Other attractions include a nostalgia weekend parade, family history exhibition, 40s and 50s wedding and fashion exhibition, "cash in the attic", schools" war detectives, 1950s golf competition, songbooks and a fly-past among others.

The weekend is designed to recreate an authentic 'in the mood' 40's and 50's experience that recognises and celebrates all those who have passed through Ayrshire and Scotland, in connection with the Services or contributing to the innovative industries supported by Ayrshire. Additionally, the weekend aims to stimulate a sense of civic pride throughout the local community e.g. exhibition planned to display 1940's & 50's memories gathered from elderly (through project with nursing homes and OIR); schools project to experience a day in the life of an evacuee.

People of all ages will recreate a special era in Troon and have extended an open invitation to all of Ayrshire. The organisers of the Troon Nostalgia Weekend have issued an appeal for authentic clothes from the 40s and 50s. A spokeswoman told us: "We are hoping to encourage people to 'dress' in the fashion from the era.

"We would like to start a campaign for people to look out any old clothes they have from the period and hand them into any of the local charity shops in Troon - most have agreed to participate."

The weekend also provides the opportunity to showcase Ayrshire and Scotland through exhibitions that display Ayrshire's industrial heritage and contributions to technology e.g. 1940' & 50's Trade Fair.
 
Jun 2009 The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA, USA are trying to locate any WWII Allied Survivors or a contact person for WWII Allied Reunion Groups for the units that landed on D-Day.  We would like to let WWII Veterans and/or their families know that a luminary lighting will be taking place. More information here.

June 6th  - D Day Remembered - 12.30 pm, HMLBK 6, HARWICH QUAY, ESSEX.

The Harwich and Dovercourt Sailing Club which now owns the former Normandy veteran HMLBK 6 record that renovation work on her is still taking place to convert her to their clubhouse. Given her presence in Normandy in 1944 the club has decided to commemorate ‘D-Day the 6th of June’ by holding a Remembrance Service with HMLBK 6 as the focal point flying the White Ensign.

Members of the local area Royal Navy and Merchant Navy Associations will be present as well as members of the Royal British Legion. It is also hoped that veterans of the LST and Landing Craft Association might be in attendance. Visitors are welcome to attend but HMLBK 6 will not be open to the general public on the day. However, veterans present will be able to view the renovation work to date. More information from Shirley at constable-m@sky.com .
Apr 2009 The 2009 Commando March will take place over the weekend of the 4th/5th April. Any re-enactors with appropriate uniform and weaponry are invited to contact Peter Scally for information and/or to declare an interest in taking part. More Information here.

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