02/29/2004 Entry: "London D-Day Anniversary Exhibitions"

London Museums Mark D-Day Anniversary
Two London museums are marking the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. The Imperial War Museum in Lambeth, and the Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon are staging special exhibitions to mark the anniversary.

The Imperial War Museum will stage a D-Day exhibition (April 7, 2004 - May 2005). Exhibits include secret briefing documents written by Eisenhower, Montgomery and other commanders; top secret papers relating to the double-agent “Garbo” whose messages helped deceive the Nazis; sabotage equipment used by Special Operations agents; and water-stained maps and equipment used by Allied soldiers who landed on the Normandy beaches.

Original film footage shot during the landings and historic photographs by Robert Capa will also be seen. Website: www.iwm.org.uk

The Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, which has recently opened its “Milestones of Flight” gallery marking the centenary of aviation, will hold a special commemorative D-Day weekend (June 5-6). Visitors will be able to speak to re-enactors about experiences during the historic invasion; see ‘living history’ sets and meet actual veterans of the conflict. There is a military objects fair on the Sunday. Among the aircraft which served on D-Day to be seen are an Avro Lancaster, North American Mustang and Lockheed Hudson.

Website: www.rafmuseum.org