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Selsey's contribution to D-Day

This week marks the 75th anniversary of D-day!


The invasion of Normandy , or better known as D-day.  The day troops from Britain, America, Canada and France faced  German forces on the coast of Normandy, forming an Allied force of 150,000 soldiers.  
 Selsey was home to RAF Selsey, in Church Norton, one of the many operational airfields in West Sussex.  Many troops camped and stayed there, awaiting their missions.  

Selsey played  a large part in the invasion of Normandy. It helped store the Mulberry Harbours underneath the sea in shallow areas so German planes couldn't see them as they flew overhead.
Mulberry Harbours were floating, artificial harbours  designed and constructed by British Military engineers in WW2.  They were then sailed over from the South of England to the North-West of Normandy.
Mulberry Harbours were first suggested by Winston Churchill in 1917, then after a failed raid in Germany, 1942, it was clear the allies needed transport for supplies across beaches in the early stages of invasions.  Two Mulberry Harbours were built , one was destroyed only a few days after its construction, the other was operational for around 10 months.
This week Historic England has announced they are giving protected status to a selection of war time relics to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, some of which are off the coast of Selsey.  Another being at Pagham harbour.
One of the items being protected is between the coast of Selsey and Pagham harbour, the phoenix  Caisson, which was part of the Mulberry Harbour.
The other items are two WW2 tanks, two D7 bulldozers, one 4x4 car, and a jeep,which were lost at sea of the coast of Selsey bill, when on route to the D-Day landings.  
Historic England have preserved these relics to honor those that fought during the war, and ensure that future generations can learn about this important moment in our history.


DUKW's on Selsey beach
RAF Selsey at Church Norton.




















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