29/03/2025
Companions of the St. Aldhelm’s Chapter, no.2559 were recently entertained with a fascinating talk on a critical role S.E. Dorset played in the preparations for D-Day. Keen amateur military historian and Third Principal of the chapter, E. Comp Peter Boyd, gave a detailed insight into when a nearby airfield became a centre for top-secret training and the launch point of an operation vital to the success of the D-DAY landings during WW2.
Entitled ‘Ham and Jam, Ten Minutes in June’, Peter delivered an illustrated presentation on a daring glider-borne operation to secure vital transport routes and capture the Pegasus and Horsa bridges in France (then called Benouville and Ranville bridges).
Following the talk the Companions enjoyed a delicious four course dinner in the dining room of Branksome Masonic Hall where funds were raised for charity.
This was also the last official visit to St Aldhelm’s Chapter of E. Comp Clive Deakin our R.A. Visiting Officer. E. Com Clive has been strong supporter of C2559 and an excellent source of encouragement to its members.
St. Aldhelm’s Chapter, no.2559, meets on a Monday evening, four times a year, at Branksome Freemasons Hall, details from Nigel at [email protected]
