WAR veterans and visitors will gather on the beach at Trebah at the end of the month to remember the 7,500 American servicemen of the 29th Infantry Division who left from there 70 years ago, heading for the D-Day landings.
Trebah Gardens and the nearby Budock Vean Hotel will commemorate their historic connections with World War II’s D-Day embarkations with events and offers.
The world-famous gardens on the Helford River are hosting a family day of commemorations in association with WWII Re-enactment South West and the Parachute Regiment Association on May 31, while the hotel, which was requisitioned by officers in the run-up to the D-Day embarkations and where they held Saturday tea dances, is offering a special break for guests including tickets to the Trebah Military Day.
Chris Hibbert, of Trebah, added: “My father Major Tony Hibbert was so proud of Cornwall’s part in the D-Day preparations and embarkations and he was adamant that the historic events which took place in our gardens and beaches will always be remembered.
“The Band of Brothers gets ever smaller and it’s a real privilege for us to be able to properly honour all servicemen and women – especially those who left our peaceful waters 70 years ago and landed at Omaha Beach, scene of some of the fiercest fighting in WW2, where so many paid the ultimate price.”
Budock Vean’s Martin Barlow said: “When you look at this beautiful, quiet river today it’s hard to imagine the waters and beaches, banks and roads swarming with landing craft, vehicles and thousands upon thousands of military personnel.
“It’s a moving thought at any time but with the big anniversaries it’s more important than ever for all of us, young and old, never to forget these momentous events.”
Events at the gardens and beach will feature military vehicles, aircraft, music and song. There will be a short memorial service followed by a helicopter and RNLI wreath laying, free fall drop by the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment Team and Marines landing on the beach, as well as an appearance by the Red Arrows who will fly over Falmouth as part of the Pendennis Cup celebrations.
For more information visit www.trebahgarden.co.uk and www.budockvean.co.uk.
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