LONDON, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Structures along England's south coast that played a key role in the historic D-Day Landings were given special protection on Monday to mark the 75th anniversary of the event.
"As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, it is right that we continue to honor the memory of those who fought for peace in one of the decisive moments of the Second World War," said Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright. "It is also right to recognize the engineering and ingenuity that enabled that offensive."
A collection of concrete landing craft, sunken tanks, armored bulldozers, and sections of floating harbors have won heritage protection from the British Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
They were used to enable British and American troops to prepare for the D-Day Landings on June 6, 1944, that started the liberation of Europe in World War II.
In Dorset, troops arrived at Studland Beach to rehearse an assault six weeks before the landings, codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day.
In North Devon, the coast became an assault training center for U.S. forces in September 1943.
"By listing the landing crafts, tanks, bulldozers and floating harbors we can ensure that future generations can learn about this important moment in our history," Wright said.
The majority of the newly protected structures have been identified by military enthusiasts, who will be working to ensure that they are well conserved and accessible for more people to enjoy.
