Museum of Oxford launches new workshops and talks to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-day landings 

Titled "Home Front in Oxford", the new workshop is aimed at local primary schools and invites students to uncover the lives of ARP wardens, war workers, and evacuees in Oxford through hands-on activities using original artefacts. Held in Oxford Town Hall, the city’s operations centre during the war, this immersive experience provides a unique opportunity for students to delve into local history and gain a deeper understanding of life during wartime.   

As well as this, the Museum will host ‘Oxford(shire)’s contribution to D-Day,’ an original talk led by Brian Lowe, Oxford Green Badge Tour Guide and speaker on local history. The talk will examine how efforts in the city and county contributed to the success of the Normandy Landings.   

The talk will cover the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry’s direct involvement in the Normandy Landings; the history of the Slade Camp military training ground in Headington; the massive photo-reconnaissance operation that was flown from three Oxfordshire airfields; and the story of one Oxfordshire soldier whose career spanned the entirety of the Second World War.   

Comment 

"It's exciting to be bringing the unique role that Oxford and the county played during the D-Day Landings into focus. 

“The anniversary gives us an excellent opportunity to engage with our history in an educational and meaningful way. We hope these events will inspire our community and especially our younger generation to learn more about their heritage." 

Councillor Jemima Hunt, Cabinet Member for Culture and Events 

Teachers are encouraged to book their slots early to ensure participation in this term's workshops. 

For more details on the workshop sessions and to secure a booking, please visit the Museum of Oxford website. Tickets for the talk on "Oxford(shire)'s Contribution to D-Day", taking place on Wednesday, 5 June at 1pm, are available via this ticket link.