A sculpture has been unveiled in Exbury to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Titled ‘Ave Atque Vale,’ meaning ‘Hail and Farewell,’ in Latin – the boat sculpture will also act as a nest box for oyster catchers.

The design features a member of the Woman’s Royal Naval Service (a Wren), waving a white handkerchief, wishing good luck to those heading to the Normandy beaches.

Situated by the waterfront in Lower Exbury Farm, the location was used by Wrens as a training base during the Second World War, with the now Palais des Vaches Gallery building on the estate constructed by German prisoners of war during the First World War.

Nick de Rothschild lives on the 200-acre Exbury Estate and is a descendant of the Rothschild banking dynasty family.

He told the Echo: “I was delighted to welcome everyone here today for what is a very special day as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“It celebrates the women’s role in the war, as at that time Exbury House was all women.

“When the king (George VI) visited Exbury to review the troops just before D-Day, he was confronted by all the men, and the women were told they weren’t allowed to be on the parade, but instead they lined the ha-ha, which is a type of hidden ditch, and when the king came he was most amused to see a row of hats along the ditch and all the Wrens in the shrubbery by the side.”

READ MORE: Beach repair restores access to D-Day embarkation area

Daily Echo: Sculpture unveiled in Exbury to celebrate 80th anniversary of D-Day

The unveiling of the sculpture – designed by artist Alistair Morrison – saw approximately 150 people attend.

This included Second World War veterans Keith Whiting and Ted Rutland, as well as veteran Wrens Joyce Denman and Beryl Nevell.

Singer-songwriter Jaki Graham – who is known for her hit version of ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’ – performed Amazing Grace at the ceremony.

A Union Jack flag - complete with shrapnel holes - was flown from the sculpture. The flag was previously owned by Second World War veteran Leading Seaman Reginald ‘Tug’ Wilson.

Artist Alistair Morrison said: “I love this sculpture, mainly because I think it represents women who were left behind during the war, it’s truly wonderful.”

Daily Echo: Former Wrens and veterans including Keith Whiting and Ted Rutland attend sculpture unveiling