Royal Marine Corps of Drums to mark D-Day anniversary at literary event
DAN Snow is to host a debate on the defence of the realm and the importance of the development and protection of trade at this year’s Hay Festival.
The TV presenter, whose BBC series based on the book Empire of the Seas, was screened this Spring, will be joined by a panel of experts on Sunday June 6 at 4pm.
Speaking will be politician Lord Selsdon, Merchant Navy historian Captain Richard Woodman, author and former Head of Defence Studies Captain Peter Hore RN and Empire of the Seas author Brian Lavery.
The event will be preceded by the Royal Marine Corps of Drums from Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon, Beating the Retreat in the festival garden to mark the 66th anniversary of D-Day.
Also attending will be Sea Cadets from the Ross and Hereford units. The Royal Navy will be represented by Commodore Jamie Miller CBE.
Dan Snow said: “It is particularly appropriate to lead a discussion about our maritime affairs on the anniversaries of D-Day and Dunkirk. We have to remind ourselves that the country depends on the sea for virtually everything as well as its economic prosperity – the Royal Navy still guards the freedom of us all.”
Editors’ Notes
- The defence and trade debate is being hosted by The Maritime Foundation, a charity set up in the early 1980s to promote Britain’s interests across the entire maritime sector. Its purpose is to inform and raise public and parliamentary awareness of the importance of Britain’s maritime industries, commerce and defence.
- Further details can be found on www.bmcf.org.uk or by calling Ali Kefford on 07775 737062.