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.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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