MORE THAN 500 people gathered on Warsash shore to remember the 3,000 troops that left there on June 6, 1944, heading for the Normandy beaches.

In bright sunshine yesterday, the mayor of Fareham unveiled a new plaque to accompany the existing D-Day memorial first unveiled by the Countess of Burma 20 years ago on the 40th remembrance.

The explanatory plaque describes the events in Warsash including how the 220, 201 and 202 Landing Craft Flotillas sailed from there.

Led by a piper, the civic guests included Fareham's Chief inspector Kerry Bedford, Commodore Adrian Nance of HMS Collingwood, leader of Fareham Council Sean Woodward and Fareham MP Mark Hoban.

Cllr Ellerton spoke of her delight at seeing so many younger people attending the ceremony as well as veterans.

She said: "This ground had a vital role in securing our futures."

Veterans returning to the shoreline included William Birt, from Colchester, who set sail from Warsash aged 19.