A NEW video telling the remarkable story of Poole’s vital role in D-Day has been produced to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord on June 6.
The allied invasion of Europe was the beginning of the end of World War Two.
It involved 3,000,000 men, 11,000 planes and 4,000 ships, the largest seaborne armada the world had seen.
Poole was the third largest embarkation point for the invasion force heading to the Normandy.
In the 13 minute video, commissioned by Poole law firm Rawlins Davy Reeves in collaboration with the Poole Maritime Trust, Royal Navy veteran Michael ‘Jack’ Hawkins of Poole Maritime Trust tells of Poole’s pivotal part in the success of D Day.
He outlines how Poole was key throughout the war, in the build up to D-Day, during the Operation Overlord itself and afterwards in helping resupply the advancing allied forces and repairing damaged vessels.
He also tells how the skilled craftsmen at local boat builders manufactured landing craft, launches and gunboats.
Jack, a trustee of the Maritime Trust said: “I feel that over the years, Poole has hidden its light under a bushel over its contribution to D-Day. It was a huge effort by the town and its residents in supporting the unprecedented military operation.
“The town and its people can be very, very proud of the part they played in this incredible operation. And it should be remembered.”
Jack was awarded the British Empire Medal by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. He served in the Royal Navy from 1969-2001.
Managing director of Rawlins Davy Reeves, Mark Kiteley said: “As a firm we are heavily invested in the history and heritage of the area, and we are delighted to have an opportunity to help celebrate and commemorate this momentous event.”
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