D-Day 80th Anniversary at Garlieston
The small village of Garlieston is famous for the development and testing of the Mulberry Harbours which were integral to the success of D-Day.
Crowds lined the main street as a parade of military vehicles, veterans and schoolchildren met at the village War Memorial for a moving service with the laying of wreaths and the unveiling of a bench overlooking the harbour.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Wigtown, Mrs Aileen Brewis said: "Standing here it's hard to imagine that this quiet, out of the way, peaceful little village played such a crucial role in the largest amphibious operation in world history, but it did and historians now rank Garlieston - along with Bletchley Park - as one of the Top Secret locations during World War 2.
"Allied commanders knew that D-Day's success needed secure, sheltered harbour facilities for the advancing forces and if they couldn't capture a French port then they would have to build their own - and the idea of the portable Mulberry Harbours was born.
"The search then began for 'test' beaches with characteristics similar to those off Normandy - flat, sandy, remote and sparsely populated to ensure an effective security cordon. After exhaustive surveys Garlieston was chosen and in the year leading up to D-Day a military camp was built and the pier head and floating roadways were developed, even the village hall here was requisitioned to put up a further 200 men.
"These floating Harbours were indeed vital to the success of the D-Day Landings, they enabled thousands of tonnes of vehicles and goods to be put ashore in Normandy each day. They made it possible for the Allied forces to disembark quickly, for the wounded to be evacuated and they were essential in keeping supply lines going after the invasion.
"It is now recognised that the part Garlieston played in the construction of the Mulberry Harbours was pivotal to D-Day's success. This campaign, and the immense and heroic endeavour of so many, brought the end of the Second World War within reach as the Nazi hold over Western Europe began to crumble.
"The people of Wigtownshire are rightly proud of the huge part little Garlieston played in world history and I am extremely proud to be here with you as we commemorate this historic day, a day which secured all our futures and hopefully those of our children, grandchildren and generations to come.
"I'm sure you will agree today's event is a fitting tribute for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. So many people have given their time and I thank them all, however I would particularly like to thank the many staff and councillors of Dumfries and Galloway Council for all their exceptional work in organising this event; to veterans Padre Tom Bonnar for his service, to the school for bringing the lovely children along, to Mr Roy Walter for his historical expertise and exhibition, and of course to all the Veterans and Regimental organisations - not just for their valued contribution to today, but for their many "years of continued dedication and service above all else. You continue to make me proud. It is an honour to be with you all here today. Thank you."
In the evening two 'Beacons of Light' were lit at 9.15pm to coincide with beacon lighting throughout the UK and Europe.
Mrs Brewis lit the beacon at 'The View' in Port William and also cut a cake to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Port William Inshore Rescue Service (PIRSAC).
Meanwhile at Scotland's most southerly point, The Mull of Galloway, the beacon was lit by Deputy Lieutenant Mr Alex Haswell.
