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Press Release

11 June 2019

D-Day 75 at Daedalus

Thousands of people flocked to Solent Airport at Daedalus over the weekend of 8 and 9 June to commemorate 75 years since D-Day.

Around 15,000 people came to the event in total, despite the challenges presented by the extreme weather overnight on Friday and then throughout much of Saturday. In fact, just as in 1944 when events were moved back a day because of the severe weather, the event was a tale of two very different days.

As the weather improved on the Saturday, a number of aerial displays including a Spitfire, Dakota and gyrocopter did go ahead, and even the Red Arrows arrived for their planned flypast. Other attractions included static aircraft, a classic car display, and a children’s funfair. There was also a full programme of events in both the arena and on the stage including the Team Green Rockets children’s motorcycle display team.

A number of D-Day veterans were welcomed as guests of honour. Stanley Richardson, who was based at Daedalus and will celebrate his 100th birthday later this year, joined the Mayor of Fareham on stage to unveil a special plaque to mark the occasion. The plaque will be displayed in the Control Tower where it can be clearly seen by all those visiting the airport.

On Sunday the Great War Display Team flew replica World War One aircraft over Fareham, and The Royal Navy Raiders performed an exciting parachute display. Visitors were also treated to children’s activities and live music from the time.

Solent Airport at Daedalus was the perfect place to mark the occasion as it was the busiest Allied airfield in the UK on D-Day with more than 400 aircraft movements - the largest number from any UK airfield.

Chairman of the Daedalus Steering Group, Cllr Trevor Cartwright, said: “I’m delighted that we were able to mark such a historic occasion with this fantastic community event, attended by old and young. On behalf of the Council I would like to thank all our sponsors, whose support helped to make this event happen.
"It was an honour to be able to welcome veterans as the VIPs that they are, and to show how much we value what they did for us on D-Day. Solent Airport played a crucial role in Allied operations and that is something we will never forget.”

ENDS