HARWICH marked the historic 80th anniversary of D-Day with a commemorative ceremony, war memorial service and beacon lighting. 

D-Day on June 6, 1944, was a defining success for the Allies in the Second World War and the largest amphibious and airborne invasion in history.

However, the success for the Allies came at a great human cost, with an estimated 9,000 Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen being killed, wounded, or reported missing in one single day.

The day in Harwich started with a floral tribute being laid at the Fronks Road Memorial at 6.30am to coincide with the first assault on the Normandy beaches.

Respects - Members and staff from the Harwich Town Council as well as the High Steward and Town Crier paid their respects outside GuildhallRespects - Members and staff from the Harwich Town Council as well as the High Steward and Town Crier paid their respects outside Guildhall (Image: Maria Fowler)

At 8am there was a reading of the Proclamation at the Guildhall, in Church Street, Harwich, by town crier Richard Bench.

This was followed by a civic service at St Nicholas' Church where school children read poems.

The final event was the lighting of the beacon which was organised by the Harwich Society on behalf of the town council.