The Stokes Bay Memorial
2024 marked the 80th Anniversary since British and Allied troops left Stokes Bay as part of Operation Overlord to take part in the D-Day landings in Normandy. Currently, there is no local memorial to mark the memory of those people.
It was evident that Stokes Bay was very short on information that represented the D-Day Story from here. The two Memorial Stones that are in place at Stokes Bay, The Canadian Memorial and the Mulberry Harbour Memorial are representative of some of what happened at Stokes Bay, they do not represent all that took place or the many people and nations involved.
Gosport played a central and crucial role in the WWII D-Day War preparations and embarkations.
The D-Day Memorial will serve as historical touchstone linking the past to the present and will enable both visitors and the local community to reflect, remember and respect the sacrifices of those who participated in WWII and other conflicts.
It is intended that the D-Day Memorial will represent a focal point for the community.
The Memorial will be located near the Mulberry Harbour Memorial Stone alongside Stokes Bay Sailing Club. The Memorial will be a semi-circle in shape, containing 5 benches which reflect the 5 beaches in Normandy, linking Gosport directly to where those who left, arrived. Benches will provide the opportunity to sit and quietly reflect looking out over the Solent where so many thousands departed from. The whole arrangement will be encircled across the back with Red Robin bushes which will provide a windbreak as a native robust shrub hedge.
Get involved today
Even a small donation goes a long way, but there are other ways that you can contribute, from helping to fundraise to being a volunteer. Click below to find out more.