Memorial to village's war effort restored

The memorial was dismantled after storm damage

A memorial to Devon residents forced to give up their homes in World War II is to be re-dedicated.

The 20-foot high stone memorial at Slapton Sands in south Devon was removed when it was damaged by storms in January 2001.

It commemorates the thousands of people who left their coastal homes while US troops prepared for D-Day.

A representative of the US ambassador, Major Jeffrey Nelson, will unveil the repaired and restored memorial at a beachside ceremony on Wednesday.

Civilian evacuation

The re-dedication follows the reinstatement of the coastal A379 road.

It was closed for a time after the storm and high tides damaged a protective shingle ridge.

The ceremony will be 50 years to the day since South Hams villagers were told of the civilian evacuation in 1944.

About 3,000 people were moved out to make way for 15,000 US troops.

Over the ensuing months, troops carried out battle exercises on the sands which resembled the Normandy landing beaches, and used live ammunition.

The US Government erected the monument in recognition of the sacrifice villagers made.

The village of Sherford was inadvertently omitted from the original inscription, but it has now been added.

It is hoped many evacuees will attend the ceremony.