Saffron Walden marks 80th anniversary of D-Day landings

On Thursday, June 6, the town crier Matt Clare began the day with a proclamation in the Market Square at 8am.

This was followed by the raising of the official D-Day flag at 9am, followed by a wreath laying with the Royal British Legion at 11am at the War Memorial.

Mayor Deryk Eke laying the wreath at the war memorial (Image: SWTC)

Reverend Jeremy Trew gave a reading and John Hammond played the Last Post before a two minute silence.

Residents were joined at the event by councillors, officers and staff from Saffron Walden Town Council, Uttlesford district councillors and 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search).

Bugler John Hammond (Image: SWTC)

At the commemoration, Mayor Cllr Deryk Eke said: "In remembering those who gave their lives on D-Day and the months that followed, I would like us to reflect on four young sons of Saffron Walden.

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"These brave men and their comrades gave their lives that we might be free."

The men included Sgt Herbert Cowell, Fl. Sgt Roy Housden, Corporal Alfred Salmon and Gunner Reginald Watson.

A tree lit up for D-Day in the town centre (Image: SWTC)

Wreaths were laid by Mayor Eke, 33 Engineer Regiment commanding officer Colonel Dawson and Royal British Legion Saffron Walden president Les Dobson.

The 33 Engineer Regiment from Carver Barracks performed a group battle physical training session, and displayed examples of their work.

Film The Great Escaper - about a man who leaves his care home to attend the 70th D-Day anniversary - was shown at the pop-up cinema, in collaboration with Saffron Screen. A fish and chips lunch was also supplied by The Trawlerman in Saffron Walden.

The lighting of the D-Day beacon (Image: SWTC)

The reading of the International Tribute took place at 9.15pm, and Mayor Eke lit the beacon at the Turf Maze on the Common.

Wimbish Military Wives Choir also performed, along with Pipe Major James Stewart.

A town council spokesman said: "Special thanks to town crier Matt Clare, Royal British Legion’s Michael Birnie, bugler John Hammond, 33 Regiment (EOD&S), SSgt Liam Beach, Saffron Screen’s Jason Bond, volunteer stewards from Saffron Screen and Uttlesford Community Action Network and sponsors Adams Harrison and McCarthy Stone for their support on this day."

'The Great Escaper' was shown at Saffron Screen (Image: SWTC)

Town crier Matt Clare (Image: SWTC)