6th June 2024
The National and International commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day resonated across the world with the largest ceremonies in Portsmouth and Normandy. The Beacon lighting on Culver Down, organised by Bembridge Parish Council, was necessarily on a much smaller scale, but nonetheless heartfelt and moving. Over 400 people snaked their way up Culver Down, where the limited parking was organised with precision by the Parish’s Resilience Group, supported by their radios and equipment and the recently acquired Fire & Rescue Vehicle. Culver is not the easiest venue to organise: the grass is high and the westerly wind direction meant that the planned layout had to be rethought on the spot. The area around the beacon was cordoned off with red, white and blue bunting and model Spitfires, generously provided by the Bembridge RNLI. An excellent PA system was installed by Stage Gear Rentals, ensuring that every word of the service could be heard. Andrew Holman, with his experience of organising the beacon lighting for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, was tasked with preparing the beacon, together with an ignition system to light it, engineered by Mike Crooks of Titanium Fireworks. The smartly dressed Ryde Sea, Air and Army cadets, together with standard bearers from the Royal British Legion, represented the armed forces.
By the time HM The Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Susie Sheldon, ushered by Liz White, the Chair of the Parish Council, arrived and took the salute, the cadets and standard bearers were marshalled. The Brading Community Choir, led by Mark Cox, were assembled and following a drum roll by the Sea Cadets, led the singing of a collection of war time songs (We’ll Meet Again, It’s a long way to Tipperary, Pack Up your Troubles and White Cliffs of Dover). Ltd Col (retd) Andrew Larpent, OBE, read the Proclamation, setting the tone for the service to follow: “We should all remember, and never forget, the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today.”
Archdeacon Steve Daughtery, from Bembridge Holy Trinity, and Revd David Plumb, from the Bembridge Methodist Church, conducted the Service, interspersed with hymns (Eternal Father, Strong to Save and O God, Our Help in Ages Past). The Archdeacon reflected on the power of silence – the many different sorts of silence, from the comfort of peaceful contentment, to piercing regret and the hurt of great loss – the minute’s silence was heralded by the haunting notes of the Last Post as the standard bearers dipped their standards and then, signalled by the Reveille, played by Andy Norman, the standards were raised once more. As the sun sank towards the horizon over 400 people stood with their heads bowed, remembering those who had fallen or been grievously wounded in either body or soul. It was indeed a powerful silence.
The Lord-Lieutenant then stepped up to plunge the lever setting off the ignition firers for the beacon. After a moment’s pause and some flash bangs, the beacon caught light and blazed spectacularly to great effect. Following further prayers, the National Anthem and a blessing, it was time for people to wend their way back to their cars and home. Temporary three-way traffic lights had been arranged at the junction with the main road, and by 10 p.m. it was only the Parish Council organisers remaining, with the beacon quenched and the area cleared.
Operation Overlord on 6th June 1944 was dependent on massive planning and co-operation between the Allies on an almost unimaginable macro scale. The micro event on Culver Down was only possible because of the goodwill, enthusiasm and collaboration of a surprisingly large number of people, together with the hundreds who came to Culver. We did Remember Them.
