D-day 80th anniversary event at wartime coastal site

Blyth Battery holds Second World War re-enactment events every year

A coastal battery dating back more than 100 years is planning a commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

Blyth Battery, in Northumberland, which has reopened to the public, is the most intact coastal defence battery on the North East and Yorkshire coastlines.

It is hoped at least one D-day veteran will be present at the event on 6 June.

Chair of Blyth Battery, Colin Durward, said: "This may be the last big anniversary when those who fought can tell us first-hand what it was like."

Two gun emplacements were added during WW11

Volunteers at the battery usually hold re-enactment events in May, but this year they are planning an extra event to mark the anniversary of the Normandy landings.

The operation was the largest seaborne invasion in history and the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe.

"A lot of the soldiers who were stationed at Blyth were sent to Normandy leaving the site reliant on the home guard," Mr Durward said.

"This was one of the few coastal defence sites still open at the time."

Blyth Battery was a WW1 coastal artillery battery that was upgraded and re-fitted for WW11

He added that demonstrations including vintage vehicle displays and a beach battle were also planned.

"Even if people can't come to the 80th event, I hope they'll come and visit," he said.

"It's such a special place and people in the North East should feel very proud of it."

Blyth Battery is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 to 16:00 GMT.

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