Southend to mark 75th anniversary of D-Day

June 3, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

Southend is set to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of D-Day with a flyover and a theatre production.

Families will also have the chance to mark the occasion by enjoying a flypast by Second World War planes saluting D-Day veterans the day before the D-Day anniversary.

More than 35 Douglas DC-3/C-47 planes will pass over Southend just before 2.30pm on Wednesday 5 June as they make their way from the Imperial War Museum in Duxford to Caen-Capriquet Airport in Normandy. They are due to pass over in line with Southend Pier, so should be visible along Southend’s central seafront.

Southend’s Palace Theatre will also be welcoming local drama company, Lindisfarne Productions, for a performance of “This is War” by Hannah Moscovitch, which highlights mental health issues in the military. Further information about the play can be found at www.southend.theatres.org.uk 

The production is being supported by SSAFA: The Armed Forces Charity supporting servicemen and women, veterans and their families both here and overseas. There will be a special collection after each performance. Performances are from Weds 5 – Sat 8 June at 7.45 pm at the Dixon Studio in the Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea. There is a special ticket offer with all seats at only £10.

The Worshipful The Mayor of Southend, Cllr John Lamb, said: “This year marks 75 years since the D-Day landings, so we will be encouraging our residents and veterans to see the flyover, which promises to be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. 

“The theatre production, though not directly related to D-Day itself, gives the public a gripping insight into the horrors of modern conflict and the internal battles our service men and women often have to face in their line of duty.”

More information about events being organised nationally can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/d-day-75

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/d-day-75-events-in-the-uk-and-france/d-day-75-events-in-the-uk-and-france

Please note, there will also be a Commemorative Service at the Cenotaph in Campfield Road in Shoeburyness at 10 AM on Thursday 6th June, organised by Shoebury Residents Association and the Royal Artillery Association.

This event will recognise the important Military Heritage of this Garrison Parish in the Borough.

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