Isle of Man events mark 80th anniversary of D-Day

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Isle of Man commemorations mark 80th anniversary of D-Day

  • Published

Events to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day have remembered the role Manx people played in the the Allied invasion of France.

On 6 June 1944, tens of thousands of soldiers landed on five beaches in Normandy, in northern France, signalling the start of the campaign to liberate Europe during World War Two.

Commemorations on Thursday saw wreath laying ceremonies take place across the island and the lighting of beacons, which was part of a wider initiative involving the Allied nations.

Teams from Peel Cathedral and St George's Church came together to ring the 12 bells in the latter's tower.

The final rendition of Highland Laddie on the bagpipes in a countdown to the anniversary were also heard next to the National War Memorial in St John's.

A service at the Royal Chapel in the village, organised by the Royal British Legion, heard about the role the Isle of Man Steam Packet played in the assault, before the commemorations culminated in the lighting of beacons.

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