Today (6 June) marks the 75th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. Ahead of the event, wrecks and ruins that were engineered for D-Day have been given heritage protection by DCMS. These include six concrete structures built as replica landing craft for training troops and sunken tanks that were tragically lost during failed assault rehearsals.
This marks an important moment, as this is the first time that structures of this kind have received such protection. The hope is that designating these structures will help to preserve these important archaeological sites and ensure that the stories of D-Day and WWII may be told for generations to come.
Historic England and Wessex Archaeology [Alliance member] have also been carrying out surveys of two large American vessels that were sunk during practice landings in Devon, Wessex. It is hoped that will be granted protection later this year.