British History
BRAND NEW: UK D-Day 50p REVEALED
2024 marks 80 years since brave allied forced landed on Normandy Beaches in one of the largest military operations in history.
D-Day turned the tide in the second world war, and today, its monumental 80th anniversary is being commemorated on a brand-new UK 50p coin.
Check out the coin below and use our interactive map to discover the intricate design…
Carefully curated by sculptor and artist, David Lawrence, in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, the coin’s reverse design is the perfect tribute to time that will soon move beyond living memory.
In fact, it is likely one of the last anniversaries where veterans and their families can still honour an incredible moment in British history.
The landings themselves took place at five assault beaches along a 50 mile stretch of the Normandy Coast. They were given the codenames of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword – all of which are inscribed on the bottom of the design.
The coin is available in a range of specifications, including superior Brilliant Uncirculated and limited-edition Silver Proof and Piedfort.
However, some of the most special issues are without a doubt the postmarked coins.
Carefully paired alongside a 1st Class Royal Mail stamp, each cover and DateStamp™ will be postmarked on the 80th Anniversary date, 6th June 2024, and are available for pre-order today.
🎖️ Honouring Heroes: The Enduring Legacy of D-Day Veterans
As we near the 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s a poignant moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who played a pivotal role in one of the most significant military operations in history. The Westminster Collection, in partnership with the Royal British Legion, brings to light the stories of four veterans whose bravery exemplifies the spirit of that day. Their personal accounts offer us a window into the past, ensuring that the lessons and legacies of 6th June, 1944, are never forgotten.
Bernard Morgan – The Young Visionary of Gold Beach
Bernard Morgan was only 19 when he landed on Gold Beach as an RAF sergeant, making him one of the youngest sergeants to participate in the Normandy invasion. His task began perilously as he manned a Bren gun aboard his landing craft at 3 AM, ready to fend off any aerial attacks. The harsh reality of war struck him deeply as he witnessed the bodies of Allied troops upon his landing—a sight that profoundly affected him and stayed with him for the rest of his life. Bernard still possesses a significant piece of history: the original telex announcing the German surrender, a document he kept secret for over 50 years. His reflections on the importance of remembrance, particularly through the symbol of the poppy, resonate with his belief in acknowledging the sacrifices made by his fallen comrades.
Albert Price – From Operation Smash to Normandy Shores
Albert Price’s wartime journey began with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards in 1942, two years before he would set foot on Gold Beach as an 18-year-old gunner. His experience in Operation Smash at Studland Bay, a rehearsal that tragically cost lives, foreshadowed the brutal realities of war he would face. On D-Day, Albert landed amid a storm of artillery, a memory etched in his mind for its intensity and the pride he felt in being part of such a monumental event. The personal losses he endured, and his skirmish with the 12th Panzer division, where he witnessed the severe injury of his driver, underscore the brutal costs of war.
Jack Mortimer – The Reluctant Hero of Sword Beach
Jack Mortimer vividly recounts the daunting scenario as he landed on Sword Beach, surrounded by a massive assembly of ships, vehicles, tanks, and artillery. His role as a driver and dispatch rider for the 12th Ordnance Beach detachment thrust him directly into the line of fire, navigating through a storm of shells to advance towards Caen. The threat of snipers and the sight of numerous casualties painted a stark picture of the day’s grim realities. Despite the heroism he displayed, Jack humbly remembers the fallen as the true heroes and shares the emotional burden of returning to the beaches where he saw so much loss.
Joe Mines – The Unseen Bravery of Mine Clearing
Joe Mines’ story of being thrust into the role of mine clearer due to his surname is both ironic and tragic. Tasked with clearing mines from Ver-sur-Mer using only bayonets, Joe faced the terrifying prospect of triggering mines intended to cause maximum damage, like the wooden Schu-mines or the deadly S-mines, which projected ball bearings at waist height. The vivid memories of his comrades falling shortly after landing highlight the random and brutal nature of war. His later years spent promoting the Poppy Appeal helped him find a sense of pride and healing, recognising the value of his survival and contributions.
Reflecting on Their Legacy
The personal stories of Bernard, Albert, Jack, and Joe not only provide a human perspective to the historical event of D-Day but also emphasise the broader themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of their actions. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary, these personal accounts remind us of the high price of freedom and the importance of peace.
These veterans represent a generation whose courage and resilience shaped the course of history. Let us honour their memory and ensure that their stories inspire future generations to value peace, remember the past, and uphold the virtues of bravery and sacrifice.
An exclusive new release for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
You can directly support veterans while collecting with the brand-new RBL D-Day Anniversary Commemorative. With each purchase of the commemorative we will ensure a 10% donation is made to The Royal British Legion on your behalf.
Produced in partnership with The Royal British Legion, your commemorative features a dynamic cut-out silhouette of a soldier, stepping forward, rifle aimed – this impressive feature has been created with an innovative minting technique, perfectly capturing the importance of the theme.
All those who fought bravely on the beaches of Normandy are represented by the silhouette, providing a window into the past. A past filled with incredible bravery that deserves to be honoured with a fitting tribute.
One Year On: Five Facts About King Charles III’s Coronation Procession
One year has passed since the grandeur of King Charles III’s Coronation Procession swept through the streets of London, a momentous occasion that united the nation in celebration.
And as we reflect on King Charles III’s first year as King, let’s journey back to the splendour and spectacle of that unforgettable day.
Here are five facts about the impressive Coronation Procession:
It was the largest Ceremonial Military Operation in 70 years
The largest operation of its kind since Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Procession in 1953, two meticulously planned Processions accompanied King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the 1.42-mile route to and from Westminster Abbey.
Image Credit: Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Over 4,000 Servicemen and Women Took Part
Over 4,000 Armed Forces Personnel from at least 35 Commonwealth nations marched alongside Their Majesties during the Procession, this included representatives from The British Army, The Royal Air Force, The Royal Navy, The Royal Marines, The Household Division and The Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Image Credit: Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A Coronation First Took Place at Buckingham Palace
For the first time, the Procession formed up in the gardens of Buckingham Palace to give a Royal Salute and three cheers to the new King and Queen. King Charles III and Queen Camilla stepped out onto the West Terrace of the Palace to receive the salute.
The Coronation Flypast Had To Be Altered Again
The famous Buckingham Palace Balcony Appearance was due to be accompanied by a spectacular six-minute flypast including more than 60 aircraft, but the plans were scaled back due to the poor weather forecast. This also happened in 1953 as Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Flypast also had to be altered on the day due to poor weather conditions.
Image Credit: Ministry of Defence, OGL 3 via Wikimedia Commons
The Gold State Coach isn’t as comfortable as it may look
Their Royal Majesties travelled to the Abbey in Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee State Coach and once crowned, returned to Buckingham Palace in the ornate Gold State Coach.
Queen Elizabeth II, who used the coach for her Coronation, said that the Coach might look luxurious but it was an uncomfortable ride due to the lack of suspension!
Image Credit: Amanda Slater, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Other members of The Royal Family followed in the Australian State Coach, the Irish State Coach and the Scottish State Coach. Princess Anne rode behind the Golden State Coach on horseback as with His Majesty’s Guards.
The Ultimate Tribute To King Charles III’s Coronation Procession
Today you can own the ultimate tribute to our nation’s FIRST Coronation in OVER 70 years – The King Charles III Coronation Silver 50p Coin Bar for JUST £9.99 (+p&p) when you trial the King’s Coronation Procession Collection.
This is an extra special specification. Each coin in the collection has been carefully struck from 99.9% Pure Silver to a pristine Proof finish and despite being struck to a rectangular shape – it still carries a fifty pence denomination!
Continue collecting and you’ll build an enviable collection of stunning Silver 50ps featuring scenes taken straight from the Coronation Day!
And what’s more, each coin has been fully approved by His Majesty King Charles III himself!
Click here to secure yours for our introductory price of JUST £9.99 (+p&p) >>