Poole’s role in D-Day honoured

A new blue plaque's been installed to commemorate the crucial role played by Poole during D-Day.

The Dorset town was the third largest embarkation point for the Normandy landings with thousands of troops - and more than 300 vessels - setting sail from Poole Harbour.

The new plaque has been installed at Customs House, after the previous one was damaged.

Operation Overlord - the codename for the Battle of Normandy - was launched on 6 June 1944 and saw nearly 160,000 troops crossing the Channel.

Local companies were instrumental in supplying boats and associated materials needed for the D-Day war efforts, and the town was the third largest embarkation point for the Normandy landings with thousands of troops - and more than 300 vessels - setting sail from the harbour.

A plaque to mark the town’s significance was originally unveiled for the 40th anniversary of D-Day. Unfortunately, last year, one of the clips holding the plaque in place broke and the plaque fell to the ground.

Funding for a replacement has been secured through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds and the new blue plaque was installed at the end of February.

Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: “Poole played a pivotal role in the D-Day landings as the third biggest embarkation point for Overlord forces - helping to liberate Europe and defeat Nazi Germany.

“It is vital we remember that contribution and we all continue to tell and retell these stories when there are no eyewitnesses or participants left decades on from the momentous events.”

“I am so pleased that we’ve been able to install this Blue Plaque, and I know it will help to inform future generations of the importance Poole played during Operation Overlord.

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in securing the funding for this and I look forward to seeing the plaque in place.”

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