The D-Day Heros are Remembered at Lepe

Along with 10 other Standard Bearers from across the county, the Sutton Scotney & District Standard was paraded at Lepe today to remember the extraordinary events running up to and on D-Day.

Thousands of troops and vehicles boarded their ships and landing craft from the hard mounts and specially constructed pier at Lepe in June 1944.  The area was perfect for embarkation as it was surrounded by trees which provided cover from enemy aircraft, as well as being sheltered from the English Channel by the Isle of Wight.  

We marched on to the parade behind the Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band playing 'Green Hills', before forming up with our backs to The Solent and facing the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, representing His Majesty the King.

We had fine sunny weather, but being on the coast we had to battle with wind.  This made keeping our standards steady and dipping in perfect synchronisation almost impossible.

Despite this, the service was a success, with an impressive turnout in attendance.