Proud to be remembering the important events of 80 years ago when thousands of service men from across the globe, gathered in south Devon in preparation for the D-Day landings.
The Palace was first opened to the public in 1890 and so was well established when war broke out. During WWII the theatre was re-named the Garrison Theatre and the United Services Club swung into action providing meals and entertainment for troops. During the massive build up to the D-Day landings thousands of American troops were entertained by hundreds of artists. The theatre was also used as a temporary synagogue for Jewish refugees, gas masks were issued from the Badminton Hall, it was a firemen’s dormitory for the nearby fire station and a collection point for nervous evacuees to meet their wartime carers. The Hall and Theatre became the focus of community life and a famous entertainers were Gracie Fields and the Glen Miller band performing in a house packed to capacity. Just three weeks later his life was lost over the channel.
We shall remember them.
