AN annual service commemorating the D-Day Normandy landings returned after a two year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The service, on Saturday, June 4, took place in Harwell, near Didcot, from 5pm and was organised by the Harwell branch of the Royal British Legion.

The ceremony traditionally takes place on the Saturday closest to the anniversary of D-Day: June 6, 1944.

Herald Series: Wreath layers at the start of the ceremony (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Wreath layers at the start of the ceremony (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

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A parade and service lasting about half an hour took place at Harwell Stone which stands at the end of the main runway of former RAF Harwell off Perimeter Road on Harwell Campus.

Herald Series: Banner bearers (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Banner bearers (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

The memorial stone commemorates the end of the runway from which aircraft took off on the night of June, 5 in 1944 with troops in gliders to capture strategic bridges in Normandy in advance of the D-Day landings.

Banner bearers marched to the memorial stone alongside the air cadets of 1861 Wantage Squadron and 2410 Didcot Squadron who formed the Guard of Honour.

Herald Series: The bugler (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)The bugler (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

There were also members of 2nd Chilton Scout Group and Chilton Explorer Scout Unit who represented the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.

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Herald Series: Lynda Atkins, National Vice-Chair of the Royal British Legion, laying her wreath. (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Lynda Atkins, National Vice-Chair of the Royal British Legion, laying her wreath. (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

Wreaths were laid by the local town, parish and district councillors as well as military veteran groups, police and organisations on Harwell Campus.

The Rev Pam Rolls, of All Saints' Church, Chilton, led the service and a bugler sounded the Last Post at the end.

Herald Series: Councillors Hayley Gascoigne and Sarah Medley, who represent the Blewbury and Harwell ward on Vale of White Horse District Council. (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Councillors Hayley Gascoigne and Sarah Medley, who represent the Blewbury and Harwell ward on Vale of White Horse District Council. (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

Herald Series: A salute (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)A salute (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

Herald Series: Rev Pam Rolls of Chilton leading the service. (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Rev Pam Rolls of Chilton leading the service. (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

Herald Series: Wreath layers after the ceremony (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Wreath layers after the ceremony (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

Herald Series: Air cadets of 1861 Wantage Squadron and 2410 Didcot Squadron (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Air cadets of 1861 Wantage Squadron and 2410 Didcot Squadron (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

Herald Series: Lynda Atkins, National Vice-Chair of the Royal British Legion, with members of 2nd Chilton Scout Group and Chilton Explorer Scout Unit (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)Lynda Atkins, National Vice-Chair of the Royal British Legion, with members of 2nd Chilton Scout Group and Chilton Explorer Scout Unit (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

Herald Series: The plaque on top of the Harwell Stone (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)The plaque on top of the Harwell Stone (Credit: Frank Dumbleton)

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This story was written by Gee Harland, she joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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