Thursday June 6th 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces landed on the Normandy beaches in France in 1944 in the largest Naval, Air and Land operation in history – referred to as “Operation Overlord”. It marked the beginning of the end of World War 2. One officer summed it up as “obviously there were tragic moments, frightening moments too, but on the whole it had to be done and we did it.”
A day of national events is planned from morning to evening on Thursday June 6th and the Rhossili community will be participating in these, as well as hosting some of our own activities, at the Village hall, St Mary’s Church, Rhossili beach and elsewhere.
Summary of events
Events in more detail
8am @ Rhossili Village Hall
Start your day early witnessing the National proclamation at Rhossili Village Hall, followed by complimentary tea or coffee with a bacon or sausage roll (veggie options also available).
9am @ Rhossili Village Hall
A WW2 exhibition will be held in Rhossili Village Hall comprising of exhibits and war time memories supplied by local residents.
11am @ St. Mary’s Church
A short commemoration service will be held by Rev Peter Lewis in St. Mary’s Church Rhossili. Year 6 from Knelston School will be in attendance but this is also open for the public to attend. The children will then walk down to Rhossili to attach painted poppies to the fence in remembrance of soldiers who gave their lives during WW2.
12pm onwards @ The Lookout and The View in Rhossili
National Fish & Chip Day will recognise the huge importance of fish and chips during WW1 & WW2 and on D-Day in particular. This humble meal was a vital ingredient of the war effort in both first and second world wars. The government safeguarded the supply of fish and potatoes during both world wars in order to keep up morale.
During D-day landings, the soldiers who found themselves behind enemy lines at night and needed a way of telling whether someone nearby was friend or foe – they devised a two-word code………one would call ‘fish’ and the other replied ‘chips’!
£1 donation per portion will be given to the following four charities: the Royal Naval Association, ABF The Soldiers Charity, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and The Merchant Navy Association. The aim is to sell enough portions as the 150,000 troops who landed on the beaches that day.
2.30pm-4.30pm Cream Tea @ Rhossili Village Hall
Homemade scones, cake and tea/coffee provided by Rhossili Village Hall Committee – £4 per person
6.30pm Church Bells
Bells will be rung at St Mary’s and other churches across Gower, Swansea and Britain.
7pm – 8.15pm Commemorative Concert
An opportunity to enjoy some popular music from the era, alongside readings of first-hand accounts of D-Day, reflection and commemorative songs. Featuring local community choirs Lleisiau Gŵyr and Mary’s Merry Men under the direction of Mairwen Kirk, with accompanists Mary Attwell and the Three Ms local accordion group. Admission is free, donations to the day’s 4 charities will be welcomed.
9.15pm
Lighting of the Beacon @ Rhossili Beach
Public are welcome to walk the public footpath to the beach to observe the lighting of the Beacon. Those not wishing to do so can watch from the cliffs beyond the Worm’s Head Hotel. Parking will be set aside for parking vehicles overlooking the beach in the Gower National Trust car park.
Reading of the International Tribute & Lighting of the Lamp Light of Peace outside NT.
9.25
The Last Post @ NT Rhossili
Mat Davies, trumpeter and ex Royal Marines musician.