'Fitting addition to seafront' as new D-Day beacon installed in Southsea ahead of anniversary
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The beacon has been positioned near Landing Craft Tank 7074 and the D-Day Story museum
A ‘fitting’ D-Day beacon has been installed on Southsea seafront to mark Portsmouth’s role in the Normandy Landings.
The lantern has been positioned close to Landing Craft Tank 7074 and the D-Day Story museum in Clarence Esplanade. It forms part of the ongoing work to enhance the seafront and celebrate the city’s historic role in the events of June 6, 1944.
Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said: “Portsmouth played a central role in the preparations for D-Day, and it’s important we continue to reflect and share that story with residents and visitors. This new beacon is a fitting addition to the seafront, helping to bring history to life while enhancing the area for everyone who visits.
“I would like to pay tribute to Commodore John Voyce OBE, former Naval Base Commander Portsmouth, who suggested the positioning of the beacon on public land in the city, rather than within the base, so that it could be appreciated by a much larger number of people."
Engineers at BAE Systems designed and manufactured the beacon, which was originally commissioned for a D-Day 80 ceremony at the Naval Dockyard. It has now been given a permanent home in the city ahead of the upcoming anniversary on Saturday. The annual service at the memorial stone is set to take place, with wreath laying and a marchpast planned.
The beacon features five steel plates, each named after one of the Normandy landing beaches. Above each name is a glass capsule containing sand from that beach, creating a lasting tribute to the international effort behind the D-Day landings.
The installation also includes a new interpretation panel to help visitors understand the significance of the beacon and its connection to Portsmouth’s role in D-Day. Its addition improves a small and previously unused area of land near the car park entrance, alongside wider improvements through the Southsea Coastal Scheme.
The D-Day Story museum has launched an education programme to help keep the story of the Normandy Landings alive, and tell people about the heroes who served during that time. The council is calling for more people to sponsor the programme.
Cllr Pitt said: “As we approach the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, it’s vital we keep these stories alive. Portsmouth played a central role in the events of 6 June 1944, and the D-Day Story’s education programme helps young people understand that local connection and why it still matters today. By supporting it, sponsors can remove barriers so more children can visit, learn and reflect on the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of that generation.”
More details can be found on the D-Day Story website or by emailing [email protected]