‘D-Day celebrations honour Uxbridge’s crucial role in Second World War’
The 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings was commemorated through events and activities at the Battle of Britain Bunker in Uxbridge.
The celebrations honoured the ‘crucial role’ played by Uxbridge in the Second World War, said council chief Ray Puddifoot.
Residents of Hillingdon were given the chance to take part in the D-Day Anniversary with a four-day programme of events at the Visitor Centre in Wren Avenue.
These celebrations ran from Thursday June 6 to Sunday June 9 and included exhibitions, tours, specialist lectures, and a film screening.
Each day featured the ‘Battle of Britain Bunkers’ special D-Day 75 tours, which explained how the Bunker was used during ‘Operation Overlord’.
The exhibition further explained the history of the place during that time, the development of the Advanced Allied Expeditionary Air Force, the establishment of the Combined Control Centre to liaise Allied fighter operations and featured the wartime experiences of individuals based in Uxbridge during D-Day. Many prominent figures, Paul Kopecek, Colin Philpott, Flt Lt Cecil Rawnsley, attended this event.
Picture Courtesy of Hillingdon Council
Throughout the Summer, regular bunker tours take place at 10.15am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 2pm and 3.15pm. On Tuesday June 11, the 2pm tour will not be taking place. The Battle of Britain bunker said: “While tours are not running, please enjoy our Visitor Centre and café.”
The Leader of Hillingdon Council, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, said prior to the four-day celebration: "The Battle of Britain Bunker played a crucial role in the defence of the United Kingdom throughout the Second World War, particularly during the Battle of Britain and Operation Overlord. Hillingdon Council is proud of the borough's RAF heritage and I am delighted that we will honour such an important occasion from our history with this fantastic weekend of events and a special exhibition."
For more information about the Bunker and the Visitor Centre, go to:
http://battleofbritainbunker.co.uk/or contact them via email: bunker@hillingdon.gov.uk.