GB6OD

COMMEMORATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

Weymouth and Portland played a significant role in Operation Overlord. The major part of the American assault force which landed on the shores of France on D-Day 1944 was launched from Weymouth and Portland harbours and from June 6 1944 to May 7 1945 418,585 troops and 144.093 vehicles were embarked.

The South Dorset Radio Society used the Special Event callsign GB6OD (GB6 Oscar Delta) during June 2004 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day 1944. We were operating from the Nothe Fort in Weymouth from Wednesday the 2nd of June through Sunday the 6th and worked over 1000 stations during the first 5 days.

GB6OD was also used during International Museums Weekend on the 19th and 20th of June; continuing as part of the D-Day commemorations and at the same time promoting the Nothe Fort as a Museum of military history. During this period of operation over 200 more stations were worked bringing the total for the event to well over 1200. This compares favourably to the operation of GB5OD 10 years ago.

Thanks to everyone who helped with this event, it was a great success! In particular Rob, G3MYM and Bob, G7LNJ from the Yeovil club and the wonderful display of Vintage Radio equipment; Nicky, M5YLO and Tony, G0GFL from Child Oakford and the 'Enigma-E' machine; Bob, M3DPQ from Bedford, Dominic, M3DOM from Dawlish, Geoff, G4XUG and Mike, 2E0NAY, (both from Bognor Regis) and the many other members and non members who not only visited us but helped set up and dismantle the station as well as loaning equipment and operating.