Ipswich D-Day fallen marked in 80th anniversary service

The soldiers' names were read out and a silence observed during the service on Thursday, June 6, at 11am.

The commemorative service took place at the Ipswich War Memorial and Cenotaph in Christchurch Park, and involved the laying of wreaths.

Philip Hubert performed his 107th rendition of the Last Post. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

During the first day of the Normandy landings - June 6, 1944 - three men from Ipswich died. 

Another 18 passed away during the first 20 days of the operation.

Read more: A Suffolk soldier remembers D-Day: Eric, 99, held another soldier as he died

The service was held at the Ipswich War Memorial and Cenotaph in Christchurch Park. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Following an introduction by John Downing of the Ipswich branch of the Royal British Legion, bugler Philip Hubert performed his 107th rendition of the Last Post.

It was then said: "When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today".

A number of wreaths were laid at the foot of the memorial. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

The service took place at 11am at the war memorial. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

The first wreaths at the memorial was laid by mayor and councillor Elango Elavalakan, on behalf of the people of Ipswich.

Prayers were said by Father John Thackary, parish priest of St Mary-at-the-Elms.

The service took place at 11am at the war memorial. (Image: Charlotte Bond, Newsquest)

He thanked God for the "commitment and courage" of those who passed away during the landings and the weeks following, particularly the men of Ipswich, along with prayers for those who still mourn, and prayers for the peace for the world.

Bugler Phil Hubert performed his 107th rendition of the Last Post. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The national anthem was then played.

Following the service, Rushmere councillor Alasdair Ross said: "It is really important this year more than usual. Most of the veterans from Normandy would be 96 to 98 years of age now.

"The 80th anniversary is vital to mark the hundreds and thousands of soldiers involved in every town and city in Britain.

Ipswich Borough councillor for Rushmere, Alasdair Ross. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"In Ipswich, 21 died in the first three weeks of the operation, and maybe even more.

"Poignant for Ipswich was the fact that the Suffolk regiment was heavily involved, as you can see from the regiments of those who passed away."

The Ipswich men who died during the first 20 days of the Normandy landings:

• Marine Alfred George Johnson, 48 Royal Marine Commandos
• Private Frederick Thomas Monk, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
• Craftsman Alfred George Jacobs, Royal Engineers, 6th Airborne Division
• Sergeant George Samuel Chapman, Royal Armoured Corps, 8th Armoured Brigade
• Private, Samuel Symonds, 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment
• Captain, Harold John Rivron French, Royal Engineers
• Sergeant, Frederick Scoging, 22nd Independent Coy, Army Air Corps
• Company Sergeant Major, Francis Lionel Overman, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
• Lieutenant Commander, Frederick William Hawkins, H.M.S. 'Boadicea' Royal Navy
• Stoker Petty Officer, James Albert Edward Cocker, H.M.S. 'Boadicea' Royal Navy
• Rifleman, Frank Ernest Coleman, 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade
• Lance Corporal, Arthur Robert Carter, Royal Engineers
• Sergeant, Sidney Saunders Norton, 24th Lancers, Royal Armoured Corps
• Private, Alec Gordon Hammond, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
• Private Jack Edward Parker, 1st Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regiment
• Warrant Officer, George William Lankester, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
• Private, Albert Edward Parker, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
• Rifleman, Douglas William Herbert Balaam, 8th Battalion, Rifle Brigade
• Gunner, Lancelot William Girling, 97 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery
• Company Sergeant Major, Robert Edward Broom, 1st Battalion, Suffolk Regiment
• Private, Harry John French Girling, 1/4th Battalion, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.