AS June comes around, people across the country will be preparing to remember some of the country’s bravest men as part of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.  

Eighty years ago, in the early hours of June 6, 1944, 24,000 paratroopers and glider-borne troops landed behind German lines to provide tactical support in Normandy. 

At the same time, massive naval and aerial bombardments attempted to suppress the German defences and weaponry. On top of this, a ground force of more than 130,000 troops came ashore on five beaches across a 50-mile stretch of Normandy coast, with the first waves often facing intact defences.  

By the end of D-Day there had been 10,000 allied casualties. Yet this was only the beginning. The ensuing Battle of Normandy was to last into August and cost tens of thousands of lives as it defeated and repulsed the occupying German forces eastwards. It was a decisive success for the Allies and paved the way for the liberation of much of northwest Europe. 

Ever since, each year, people across the UK have remembered the sacrifice of those on the front line that day.  

2024 marks the 80th anniversary of these events, and towns across Devon and Cornwall are planning their remembrance events, including:

Like many areas across the South West, Holsworthy will be hosting its events to commemorate the largest Naval, Air and land operation in History. 

On June 6, Holsworthy Town Council have invited residents to remember the events of 80 years prior.

From 8am, in The Square, the D-Day 80 Proclamation will get underway.  

Following this, from 11am at Stanhope Park, ‘poems for schools’ and ‘D-Day heroes’ events will get underway.  

From 6.30pm, the town council is inviting residents to join them in The Square for a free ‘fish and chip’ supper, alongside live entertainment from the town band.  

The commemoration will later be held outside St Peter and St Paul’s church at 9pm, with the lighting of the church tower beacon taking place at 9pm.  

As well as on June 6, non-profit community group, Holsworthy ‘44 will also be hosting remembrance events in West Devon later in the year. 

Run by volunteers, the group has been set up to celebrate the life and times of Holsworthy during the Second World War. 

The group will be hosting their main event from July 26 to 28 this year to celebrate the anniversary of D-Day – it will see the town come to life with WWII re-enactors, authentic weapon displays, military vehicles and much more. 

Ria Zoltan, project lead, said: “We were humbled by the support and interest shown. Everyone that came offered their services, provided kit or vehicles and volunteered for everything!  

“Events such as these, are as successful as those who support them – and with that holding true, Holsworthy44 will be a fabulous weekend.” 

On Saturday, June 8 and 9, Fox & Grapes in Lifton will be hosting its 80th Anniversary D-Day Commemoration events.  

The occasion includes a variety of events to get involved with. From military and classic vehicle displays, ’living history’ displays, military charity stands, evening entertainment with FIVE STAR SWING, and a remembrance ceremony.  

The evening of June 8 will see residents enjoy ‘Hits from the Blitz’, promising to offer the sound of the 1940’s, with Glenn Miller, Vera Lynne and many more.  

Launceston’s branch of the Royal British Legion will also be joining the weekend’s remembrance event.

On June 6, Bude-Stratton Town Council has invited residents to join in with commemorative events marking D-Day 80.  

A spokesperson from the council explained:  “As we mark a historic milestone. We will illuminate Storm Tower and The Castle in a special tribute for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, opting for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional beacon lighting. 

“Additionally, the Union Flag will proudly fly from Shalder Hill, symbolising our respect and remembrance for those who served.  

“At 10.30am, the Bude Royal British Legion will host a commemorative ceremony at Shalder Hill, led by Debbie Marsh, providing an opportunity for the community to gather and reflect on this significant day. 

“We invite everyone to come together in honour and remembrance of this significant day. 

“Let’s stand united in reflection and respect.” 

Join Camelford Town Council on the Bandstand on June 6 from 7pm. There will be music with Callum Flew, refreshments from the Women’s Institute and a special D-Day supper deal from Peckish Fish & Chips.

The event will culminate with the beacon lighting and Proclamation.

Bodmin Keep’s latest exhibition opens on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Carclew: A House at War looks at the important role played by one of Cornwall’s grand country houses, Carclew Mansion, in the Second World War. Swept up in world events, it became a home for refugees, then a communications centre and camp for British and American soldiers. The story is told through the documents and photographs researched by the team at Carclew and the many artefacts discovered during their painstaking preservation. Opening on June 6, the display is a collaboration between the team at Carclew Mansion and Bodmin Keep, Cornwall’s Army Museum.

The town will also be joining commemorations with a proclamation at Mount Folly Square at 8am on June 6. This will be followed at 10.30am with a service of Remembrance at Bodmin Keep. Finally the beacon will be lit at 9.15pm.

On June 6 The United Kingdom will be Commemorating 80 years since Operation Overload became a long awaited reality.

The Liskeard RBL Branch will be holding a D-Day 80 Drumhead Ceremony on Sunday, June 9, at 14.00hrs venue will be at The Parade Liskeard, PL14 6AF.

At 2pm on Thursday, June 6, Saltash Library and Social Hub will be hosting a presentation by a local resident and decorate Royal Navy and Commando veteran, Barry Brooking.

The topic is 'D-Day and the Saltash area'. It will tell the story of what was done here to help prepare and support the greatest amphibious assault in world history. 

There will also be a memorial service at Saltash Passage on June 6 from 10.30am, organised by the Federation of Ex-Services Associations. The Lord Mayor of Plymouth will lead the ceremony at the American War Memorial beneath Tamar Bridge.

On June 6, Truro will join towns and cities across the UK to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, marking a pivotal moment in history when Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion ever witnessed.

The day begins at 8am with a Proclamation by Truro’s Town Crier, Lionel Knight, on Boscawen Street, accompanied by a small Guard of Honour from the Royal British Legion’s Truro Branch.

At 11am, a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the war memorial on Boscawen Street. Led by the Mayor of Truro, Councillor Carol Swain, members of the Royal British Legion and the public will pay tribute to those who gave their lives on the shores of Normandy.

In the evening, from 9pm at High Cross, outside Truro Cathedral, the mayor, town crier, and the community will gather for a short ceremony. This will include the lighting of the beacon, symbolising the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war, in unison with others across the country.