D-DAY which has gone down in history as the Longest Day when a massive Allied force invaded the Normandy Coast in 1944 is to be remembered - by the Shortest Walk.

"We are gathering in Cambrian Road at 12.30 on June 6 which is the 64th anniversary of the D-Day landings and marching to the memorial in thew High Street" Mr Roy Newman, press officer for the Royal Welsh Old Comrades' Association said.

"Afterwards there will be refreshments at the Royal British Legion Club off Cardiff Road but we won't be marching down there.

"From Cambrian Road to High Street isn't very far but is enough for many Second World War veterans all of whom are getting on a bit.

"Nevertheless this is an important event which is being supported by political and civic leaders.

"All other ex-service organisations are invited to bring their standards and to march with us.

Veterans who are not members of any ex-service organisation will be made very welcome.

"If there is the sort of good turn-out we are expecting we will consider making this an annual event."

The unhewn stone which commemorates those who took part in the D-Day landings was moved from John Frost Square to its present site opposite the King's Hotel shortly after plans for the redevelopment of Newport city centre were announced.

Newportonians serving in all three services took part in the fighting in June 1944 which ended with the Allies gaining a foothold in occupied Europe.

Most of Newport's D-Day casualties were in fact American - US Army infantrymen and engineers who braved the furious German defence of Omaha Beach.

  • Ex-service organisations can contact Mr Newman on Newport 661238 or the branch secretary Mr Phil Taylor on Newport 771605 for further details.