The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it is the largest seaborne invasion in history. The operation began the liberation of France, and the rest of Western Europe, and laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front.
Over the last week there have been various exhibitions and memorial services to commemorate the D-Day Normandy Landings. There were three exhibitions at St Johns’ Church, Old Coulsdon, Bradmore Library and Cameron Hall, Old Coulsdon Congregational Church.
On the 6th June there was a Lamp Light of Peace procession at Grange Park, Old Coulsdon culminating on Sunday 9th with the service at the War Memorial Old Coulsdon. The service was held by Pastor Malcolm R. Newman from the Congregational Church and Assistant Minister: Rev’d Sue Thomas from St. Johns’ Church. It was attended by the Croydon Deputy Civic Mayor and several local councillors. The service was well attended, and Wreaths were laid on the memorial.
There was an attendance from France by Rotary Club, Bailleul, from Northern France who are twinned with the Rotary Club of Coulsdon Manor. Rotary Club, Bailleul unveiled the new Commemorative plaque that has been place by the War Memorial.
