On 5th June 1944, eighty years ago, and after long months of preparation, Britain’s Armed Forces and their Allies were ready to invade northern France by embarking on the largest naval, air and land operation in history. The plans to invade Europe were successfully kept secret to provide an element of tactical surprise. However, stormy weather conditions delayed the start of operations by one day but in the early hours of 6 June massed airborne and amphibious landings put 156,000 allied troops on the beaches in Normandy. Some 11,000 aircraft were mobilised to provide air cover to support the invasion. Within a few days about 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed in France, a bridge head was established and the battle to repel the occupying German troops had begun.

People living in southern Britain became aware of the preparations as men, military vehicles and armaments began to be brought nearer to the south coast. Even the Sibfords played their part. Older villagers can remember collections of shell cases being stacked along the roadside on the Hook Norton Road from Sibford Ferris towards the Gate Hangs High. They were picked up by military vehicles as they made their way to the south coast. They were well spaced so that if a stray bomb destroyed one pile, they would not affect others. Tanks and other military vehicles were parked along lanes and roads throughout the southern counties and troop camps were set up. American troops were in camp in both Hook Norton and Moreton-in-Marsh prior to D- Day.

Sadly, the human cost on June 6th was 4414 lives lost (fewer than predicted) with many thousands more injured or missing. On this 80th anniversary we remember all those who played their part in changing the course of the Second World War. The Sibfords will be joining with the Nations Tribute to the men and women of D-Day – do join the planned events.

Maureen Hicks