The Green Howards Museum will mark the anniversary of D-Day with a special interactive war gaming event exploring the Normandy landings and the role played by soldiers from the Green Howards regiment.
“War Games: Operation Overlord” will take place on Saturday, June 6, with visitors invited to take part in a series of battle simulations examining key moments from the Allied invasion of Normandy during the Second World War.
The event, held in the museum’s Normanby Room, will feature three separate gaming tables recreating different stages of the D-Day landings and fighting inland from Gold Beach.
One table will focus on the 6th Battalion of the Green Howards and its advance from Gold Beach towards the village of Crépon, allowing participants to test the tactical decisions made by troops during the operation.
The remaining two gaming tables will centre on the fighting around the Fleury Battery near Ver-sur-Mer, including the actions of Company Sergeant Major Stan Hollis, who became the only soldier to receive the Victoria Cross for actions carried out on D-Day itself.
Organisers say the scenarios will explore Hollis’ assault on German pillboxes defending the battery and will also examine a “what if” alternative history scenario considering how events may have unfolded had he not intervened.
Visitors attending the event will be able to take on different roles within the games, experiencing some of the difficult decisions and pressures faced by soldiers during the Normandy campaign.
The museum is encouraging people to book in advance, although visitors will also be able to pay and take part on the day, subject to availability.
The event runs from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, June 6, at the Green Howards Museum in Richmond.
Tickets cost £10 per person and include museum entry.
More information is available from The Green Howards Museum.
