On March 4, the main talk was Mulberry Harbours – Part 2 was presented by Ron Gallivan. Although Operation Overlord was the greatest naval landing in history, the Mulberry Harbours were key to its success.

Despite the astronomical strain this magnificent British invention placed on our Nation’s industrial capacity, it was designed and completed in 14 months!

Once constructed, it was concealed and then transported to Normandy. This presented more problems to overcome, such as storage, tug boats and assembly on the other side. Special units of assembly workers were created and trained to have Mulberry operational by D-Day + three. Even so, the ‘Great Storm’ on June 19 and 20, 1944, smashed Mulberry ‘A’ and left Mulberry ‘B’ alone to supply the Normandy Invasion forces. Designed to operate for 6 months maximum, it went on into 1945 before winding down.

An interesting British story.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, April 1, and will be ‘The Air Assault on Pegasus Bridge’. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start. (Normal £3 door charge applies.) Contact Ron Gallivan on 01527 545450 or e-mail ron nieg33b@hotmail.co.uk for full details.