SPECIAL EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS BUSHY PARK’S KEY ROLE IN D-DAY PLANNING
Preparations were underway today (fri) for the exhibition about the crucial historic role of Bushy Park during the D-Day landings which celebrated its 80th anniversary with significant events in Portsmouth and in Normandy.
Much of the planning for Operation Overlord and the invasion of Europe took place there when the Park was turned into Camp Griffiss, under the command of General Eisenhower and the park housed over 3000 US troops as well as a short runway for aircraft near the Children’s playground.
The Park became the temporary HQ for the United States Eighth Air Force and SHAEF (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) which lends itself to nearby Shaef Way and the entry point at Shaef Gate.
There will be information boards explaining the role Bushy Park played and histroic and fascinating artefacts relating to SHAEF and Camp Griffiss will be displayed, and walks around the area will be led by costumed guides.
The exhibition will be in a marquee located by SHAEF Gate, Sandy Lane, Teddington and will be open from 11am until 3pm on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June 2024.
