Gunwharf Quays is preparing to welcome thousands of guests as part of the 75th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings. Famed for its military history, the centre has produced several panels to be installed along the waterfront to give guests an insight into the site’s history and the D-Day commemorations.

The boards have been created in collaboration with the D-Day Story and include incredible images dating back to 1943.

Colin Wilding, General Manager at Gunwharf Quays, said: “Our naval history is a significant part of our city’s heritage and we wanted to give our guests an insight into the role of Gunwharf Quays and the Dockyard in the D-Day landings as we commemorate this important occasion with the city.”

At the time of D-Day, the Gunwharf Quays site was a naval base called HMS Vernon. It was the Royal Navy’s torpedo and mining school and the base for part of Force S, the naval force that took British troops to Sword Brach on D-Day.

More than 1,200 Allied Warships took part in Operation Neptune, now known of as D-Day. The Royal Navy still has the names of 16 of these warships either in commission or in build. The boards on display at Gunwharf Quays highlight operational vessels of the Portsmouth Flotilla, as well as HMS Nelson.

Gunwharf Quays will also be supporting a spectacular firework display on Saturday 8 June on Southsea Seafront which concludes the week of events across the city that have commemorated the 75th anniversary commemorations of the D-Day landings.

Colin continued: “We are delighted to be able to support with a stunning fireworks display hosted on Southsea Common, rounding off Saturday in style.

“The commemorations are such an important part of our city’s heritage, and with that in mind, we have made the decision to provide the fireworks display in place of our annual fireworks extravaganza in November. We hope to welcome the many thousands of visitors who love our waterfront displays, to view our best display yet.”

The free to attend event at Southsea Seafront has been organised by Portsmouth City Council and requires no ticket. The display will follow the Sunset Concert for Heroes – a free concert, featuring performances from the Portsmouth Military Wives Choir, the D-Day Darlings and the Royal Marines Association Concert Band.

Visitors to Southsea Common will enjoy a spectacular display set off from the water to a nostalgic soundtrack.

For more information, visit https://gunwharf-quays.com/articles/d-day-75-fireworks

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