D-Day not recognised by nearly half of young adults

Alex Barton
·2 min read
The D-Day landing at Juno Beach - D-Day not recognised by nearly half of young adults
This year will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings - Getty Images

Nearly half of young adults do not know what D-Day is, a survey has found.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) found only 48 per cent of people aged 18 to 34 recognised D-Day as the date that Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. This rose to 59 per cent when surveyed across all age groups.

One in five (21 per cent) of young people said they did not know what D-Day was at all, while 12 per cent believed it was “the day that Germany surrendered to the Allied Forces unconditionally”.

The survey of 2,000 people, which was conducted to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Normandy landings, also found that 22 per cent believe there is no need to commemorate it or similar memorial events.

One in 10 young people said they find commemoration events “boring” and “repetitive”, adding that they think the money could be better spent elsewhere.

However, 61 per cent of respondents across all age groups said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for reflection.

Allied troops land at Omaha Beach
It is hoped that this year's 80th anniversary of D-Day – seen here as Allied troops land at Omaha Beach – offers a chance for reflection - Getty Images

Claire Horton, director-general of CWGC, has called for efforts to boost public engagement with the history of the two world wars. She said: “We are at a turning point for the legacy of commemoration. Events such as these are vital to maintain connection and inspire interest in honouring those who came before.”

She added: “There is clearly work to be done to better engage young people in commemoration efforts.

Our research shows that young people are keen to see better educational programmes to support these efforts, and as a nation we must come together to ensure that the next generation carries on the legacy of liberation passed down to us by those who gave their lives for our freedoms.”

Akshata Murty, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, greets schoolchildren at Downing Street as part of events to involve schools in the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Akshata Murty, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, greets schoolchildren at Downing Street as part of events to involve schools in the 80th anniversary of D-Day - i-images/Martyn Wheatley

CWGC said apathy and ignorance of younger people has become a cause for concern as many veterans of the war near the end of their lives.

The organisation’s torch roadshow aims to reach hundreds of thousands of young people in the hope of improving their engagement with similar historical events.

At the launch of their events a torch of remembrance was lit and symbolically handed by a veteran to a young person. The torch roadshow is part of a series of events called Lighting Their Legacy, which is touring Britain and Normandy.