Two events for us with the one theme. Both celebrate the work of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties who, amongst other things, tested the D-Day beaches for suitability for vehicles some six months before D-Day. 90 medals and citations were won by the 200 men of COPP in just three years. Their base was the Hayling Island Sailing Club
To commemorate their achievements and sacrifices a granite memorial stone has been placed on Hayling seafront and will be dedicated by Countess Mountbatten on Thursday 27th September at 11:30.
Prior to that, on Saturday 22nd the World War 2 trail which takes in some of Hayling’s wartime heritage will be opened. World War 2 vehicles are requested to form a static display at the Station Theatre in West Town, Hayling.
So if you have a WW2 vehicle – or something oldish and military like a Ferret, Austin K9, Hotchkiss … come along for the do. There is a meeting of the great and the good inside the theatre – 144 of them – (a gross load of people?) prior to the ceremony itself so we need to be there by 10:30.
See you at either or both!
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