D-Day: Gillian Keegan highlights Chichester's ‘key role’ in operation's success ahead of 80th anniversary

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Ahead of the anniversary on Thursday (June 6), Mrs Keegan also highlighted the role of Chichester's wider community in the extensive military operation.

Mrs Keegan said: “This Thursday we mark 80 years since D-Day - one of the most impressive military operations in our history.

“I would like to pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who were involved. Their bravery and sacrifice was not only on behalf of our country, but for the freedom and liberty of others across the world.

“Chichester played a key role as a vital hub of operations. From those who launched from our beaches to the airmen who joined the battle from Tangmere Airfield.

“Our villages, including Selsey, Westbourne and Funtington, were host to troops as they trained, and others made preparations at St Richard’s Hospital to receive casualties.

“D-Day saw Chichester put its best foot forward to help Britain and the world succeed over tyranny. We remember with pride our community and our armed forces’ role in this operation, and honour the memory of those who fought and died in the hope of a better world to come.”

Celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day are taking place across Chichester this week, including a Spitfire flyby and beacon lighting at East Wittering.