Steamship Shieldhall D-Day 80th themed cruised to the Solent (Lepe)

Operation Overlord, launched on D-Day - 6th June 1944 - was the largest military invasion in history, with 156,000 troops landing on the Normandy beaches on the first day alone. On D-Day itself, Southampton was the embarkation port for British and Canadian assault troops, with two-thirds of the entire British assault force passing through the port. In the weeks following D-Day Southampton was the embarkation port for troops going to France to reinforce the armies there. Between D-Day and the end of the war, about 3,500,000 military personnel passed through Southampton. Military vehicles, equipment and stores were also moved through the port.Shieldhall will pass down Southampton Water and journey to Lepe, with a commentary recalling the events of June 1940. Further details of the cruise will be confirmed on the Shieldhall website. During your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with our wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of Titanic bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips. Courtesy parking is available close to the berth.Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!