The New Forest Commemorates D Day 80

About the event

The New Forest, with its serene beauty and rich history, became an integral part of the Allied strategy to liberate 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.

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 souvenir programme which serves as a testament to the pivotal role played by the New Forest in Operation Overlord, encompassing land, air, and sea operations that shaped the outcome of World War II.

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.

In addition to showcasing the events of D-Day, this program serves as a guide to the various exhibitions, projects, memorials, and commemorative events taking place across the New Forest to mark the 80th anniversary. From a touring ‘Discovery Bus’ interactive educational display to a film showing 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 and family events in New Milton and Fawley, a way for everyone to engage in the commemoration in their way.