
Bembridge RNLI invited to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day landings
Brading Haven Yacht Club in Bembridge marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, on Thursday 6th June to remember those who have fallen and given their lives to us.
Brading Haven Yacht Club in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, on Thursday 6th June to remember those who have fallen and given their lives to us.
On June 6th 1944 troops from United Kingdom, United States, France, Australia, and Canada landed on the German occupied French coastline, one of the largest invasions in history and the beginning of the end of World War II.
Bembridge RNLI crew were invited to commemorate this day, launching the All-Weather lifeboat, Alfred Albert Williams, at 09:50 from the lifeboat station to Brading Haven Yacht Club. The service began at 10:45 led by Commodore Robin Lobb followed by an opening from Rev Deacon Gary May.
The sun shone whilst the Last Post was played by WO2 Mitch Jones, Welsh Guards (Retired) accompanying the lowering of the Normandy Flag followed by 2 minutes silence.
The service continued with words from Lt Col RM Mike Samuelson (Retired) reflecting on the fallen, recounting stories of our local heroes from the Isle of Wight, Capt Jeff Cowan MBE RN and CPO (FAA) RN, Keith Partington (Retired) who dedicated his words to his own father who served in WW2 and as part of D-Day itself. They painted a picture of how the Isle of Wight would have looked back in 1944 as well as the Solent’s key role in being instrumental and the logistical support it offered.
The ceremony ended on the hymn ‘Abide with Me’ accompanied by Piper John Brodie and a closing prayer from Rev Deacon Gary May.
After the ceremony had ended Bembridge RNLI All-Weather and crew led a procession of former military members to the area between Duver Beach and Bembridge Harbour to lay a wreath.
It was felt throughout the remembrance service how important it was to honour the dedication, generosity and sacrifice made to ensure our freedom and give thanks to our life.
Thank you to Robin Lobb and team at Brading Haven Yacht Club who beautifully executed this Remembrance Service and invited our crew to be a part of it – a truly special event to mark a critically important day in history.
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