3 August 2023 Next year marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.

During the lead up to the invasion and subsequently, the beaches bordering the Solent contributed hugely to those momentous events; indeed, there remain a few buildings bearing Blue Plaques as testament to their contribution.

Right on the Station's doorstep is Southwick House which houses the historically significant 'D-Day Map Room' and as a Station, we thought it fitting to visit and gain an insight to this historic occasion; we though it important and sobering to be reminded of the momentous decisions made that were related to the Map Room in 1944.

Our Curator gave us a very knowledgeable talk about the Map Room and the many and varied operations, many not formally recorded, and the Allied leaders including General Eisenhower,  Admiral Ramsey and General Montgomery, who sat in the room planning the subsequent invasion - the feeling of history is very prevalent on entering the room. 

It is startling to be reminded that if the decision to launch the campaign to liberate Europe was delayed by a matter of only hours, how different life would be today nearly 80 years on!