2019 marks an important moment in the commemorative calendar as the nation’s attention shifts from WW1 to more recent anniversaries, almost all involving veterans still living within UK communities…

The Royal British Legion have announced the following events:

Monte Cassino 75 – 11th May at National Memorial Arboretum

This year we will be remembering the heroism, courage and collaboration of the over 200,000 Allied and Commonwealth forces, who came from all corners of the earth, to fight in the battles of Monte Cassino and the Italy Campaign. On Saturday 11th May, The Royal British Legion will hold an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the start of the final battle of Monte Cassino and commemorate the wider Italy Campaign at the National Memorial Arboretum.

For more information, please click here or email commemorative.events@britishlegion.org.uk

Berlin Blockade 70 – 12th May at IWM Duxford

The Berlin Blockade was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War. At one minute after midnight on 12th May 1949, the Soviets lifted their barricades and restored access from West Germany to Berlin. A British convoy immediately drove through, and the first train from the West reached Berlin at 5:32 that morning. The Royal British Legion will be organising an event in the UK, at the IWM Duxford on Sunday 12th May to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Berlin Blockade.

For more information please click here or email commemorative.events@britishlegion.org.uk

D-Day 75 – 6th June

6th June marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings – one of the most remarkable Allied wartime operations. On 6th June, the Legion will be organising events at Bayeux Cathedral and Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery in France. The Royal British Legion is also working with the UK Government and other stakeholders to plan significant commemorations to mark D-Day 75 across the United Kingdom, including events in Portsmouth on 5th June.

For more information please click here or contact dday75@britishlegion.org.uk

OP BANNER 50 – 14th August at National Memorial Arboretum

On Wednesday 14th August, The Royal British Legion will hold a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 50th anniversary of the UK Armed Forces’ deployment on operations in Northern Ireland – the longest continuous operation in British military history. Centred on the Armed Forces Memorial, the ceremony will seek to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans from both the military and the emergency services.

For more information please click here or email commemorative.events@britishlegion.org.uk