‘People were ready to move on’: D-day left little mark

‘Disparate’ 80th anniversary efforts reflect those around UK, where only in recent times have calls for memorials increased

Of the British and Canadian troops who took part in D-day on 6 June 1944, two-thirds set off for the beaches of Normandy from Southampton’s docks.

The town on England’s south coast was sealed off by the allies, with permits required in and out, and the civic centre – the first in the country, completed in 1939 in brilliant white Portland stone – was taken over by the US army 14th Major Port Transportation Corps.