With its serene beauty and rich history, the New Forest became an integral part of the Allied strategy for the liberation of Europe during World War II. Its sprawling landscape provided a canvas upon which British, American, Canadian, French and many other troops stood shoulder to shoulder, to execute one of the most audacious military campaigns in history where maintaining secrecy was paramount.
Culture in Common has reached out to heritage partners and councils in the New Forest to support their plans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024. We have commissioned Editor Dan Goater and Designer Spike Golding to create a beautiful souvenir programme which describes ‘Operation Overlord’, uncovers some untold local D-Day stories and provides a guide to the incredible range of exhibitions, projects, memorials, and commemorative events taking place across the New Forest to mark the 80th anniversary in 2024.
From a touring ‘Discovery Bus’ interactive display to film showings of ‘The Longest Day’; from world-class photographic exhibitions of surviving veterans and exhibitions on the careers of the Spies trained at Beaulieu and the WRNS from Exbury. There will be a week of events at Lepe Country Park, the launch of a new sculpture at Palais Des Vaches, family events in New Milton and Fawley and special Fish & Chip nights on 6th June, a way for everyone to engage in the commemoration in their way.
Young people will join in with a Street Art project and Primary Schools will read poetry. We also detail beacon lighting and solemn ceremonies. These tributes offer an opportunity to reflect on this historic milestone’s significance and honour the legacy of those who fought and fell in the defence of freedom.
Through captivating narratives, archival photographs, and firsthand accounts, we examine how Allied forces and residents of the New Forest could keep the arrival of 100,000 troops secret from the enemy and explore with young people whether this would be possible today.
A detailed calendar of events and history is was produced. You can read the souvenir programme here: https://issuu.com/cultureincommon/docs/dday_newforest-compressed
