Set back behind the Tudor bulk of Southsea Castle, just east of Portsmouth harbour, the D-Day Story Museum does what it says on the label – showcases the events leading up to the Allied invasion of France on June 6 1944, codenamed Operation Overlord. There’s been a museum here since 1984, but a major Heritage Lottery Fund grant enabled a complete revamp before being officially opened by HRH Princess Anne in 2018, in time for this year’s 75th anniversary of D-day.

What is there to see?

The focus of The D-Day Story is the liberation of Europe told through personal possessions and through the words of the people who took part, all of which makes this a museum that appeals on a multitude of levels. I was moved by the everyday artefacts and photos that have been donated, many by local people. The family who gave a flag to the tank soldiers parked outside their house and got it back, somewhat tattered, after the liberation of Normandy. A pristine sick bag, rarely found, given the bad weather of June 6. And the official thank you letters to children for donating pocket money towards a tank or a Spitfire.

But there’s plenty of military information and artefacts too, starting with explanation of why Normandy rather than Pas de Calais which was closer. Various methods of deceiving the enemy; campaign challenges; and the essential role played by the French Resistance in helping the Allies.

How is it presented?

A mix of ‘talking heads’, static displays, interactive games and touch screen activities that will appeal to all ages and levels of interest. The first section, Preparation, covers the period from the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940 to the eve of D-Day, 6 June 1944.

I particularly liked the section Ready to Go, where visitors ‘meet’ six characters with different roles to play in the forthcoming assault. Tension builds as the costumed actors talk about the anticipation of the task ahead.

Moving into the D-Day and Battle of Normandy section, we hear the thoughts of troops on board a landing craft, before a spectacular audio-visual section projects archive film of the landings onto a wall map of the beaches.

 

Are there many vehicles and weapons to see?

Not a great deal at the moment (spring 2019), but visitors do see a rare example of a Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle or BARV¹, and small weapons inside the museum.

But in late 2019, a D-Day landing craft tank LCT 7074 will be brought to Southsea sea front, in preparation for public access in spring 2020. The Sherman and Churchill tanks which used to be on show in front of the museum, will be displayed on board the 59-metre long LCT which carried 10 tanks to Normandy for D-Day.

Anything else that sets The D-Day Story apart?

The final section on Legacy is given over to the extraordinary Overlord Embroidery. Think Bayeux Tapestry but in multi-coloured applique panels stitched over five years by members of the Royal School of Needlework. Commissioned by Lord Dulverton of Batsford, it’s stunning in its vibrancy and detail, and measures 83 metres in length.

Beneath each panel, background information and archive photos give an extra insight into the scenes portrayed, from military leaders and soldiers, to Resistance workers, civilians and even the owners of the café beside Pegasus Bridge.

Any online resources available to the public?

The D-Day Story Collection includes military equipment, uniforms, documents, maps, oral history interviews and photographs. Approximately 15% of the collection is currently available online with more being added over the coming months. Some of the items are on display in the exhibition, but others are in store and searchable via the main website.

¹ There’s another BARV at the REME museum in Wiltshire

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Declaration: I was visiting as a commissioned journalist. Complimentary entry, but no guide.  Just a personal tour.