On Thursday, the day marking eighty years since D-Day, Medway Conservatives attended events across Medway to commemorate and remember those who fought in the largest seaborne invasion in history.
First, Deputy Opposition Leader Cllr Hackwell along with Councillors Anang, Barrett, Clarke and Tejan attended the Mayor’s Peace Flag raising event aboard HMS Caviller at Chatham’s historic Dockyard to mark the 80th anniversary of the D Day landing along with other dignitaries. Also in attendance were our fantastic three parliamentary candidates Rehman Chishti, Nathan Gamester, and Kelly Tollhurst. Firsthand accounts from people that were there on that day were read aloud by some local veterans and their accounts were very poignant, and gave all in attendance a sense of what it was like to actually be there on that day.
It was also worth noting that Chatham-made HMS ARETHUSA played a crucial role in the D-Day events. She participated in the bombardment of Sword Beach and engaged German destroyers from Le Havre. Ten days later, King George VI and the UK Chief of Staffs boarded the ship to visit the Normandy Invasion Beaches.
Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst and Councillor Tejan then attended the choral evensong marking the anniversary in the Quire at Rochester Cathedral.
During the evening, our parish and rural affairs spokesperson Councillor Etheridge, Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst and others attended the beacon lighting held by Hoo and Chattenden Parish Council. The Hoo Peninsula Brass band, local scouts and veterans also took part in a parade.
Talking following the day, Leader of the Opposition, Councillor George Perfect said:
Thursday marked 80 years since D-Day, the fateful day which laid the foundations for victory on the western front.
So many families within Medway were affected with our strong military presence and connection to the armed forces.
We will remember them, today and always.
