POIGNANT commemorations of D-Day will take place in St Austell on Thursday (June 6).

A service at the town’s war memorial will particularly remember Captain James Lawry Perry.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord which laid the foundations for the liberation of France and Western Europe during the Second World War.

On June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied troops stormed beaches in Normandy in the biggest seaborne invasion ever mounted.

Among the men was Captain Perry of 48 Royal Marine Commando. He was aged 22 and was the son of Sydney and Elaine Perry of Woodside, Trevone Crescent, St Austell.

Captain Perry, whose name is on the war memorial, was killed between 6pm and 6.15pm on D-Day and this is the reason for the service being held from 6pm.

St Austell Royal British Legion (RBL) president Colin Hamilton, who is also the deputy mayor of the town, said: “Captain Perry played a major role in the liberation of the French town of Lagrune Sur Mer and is buried in the Bayeux War Cemetery nearby.

“His role in the liberation of the town was recognised by the townspeople who named a street after him. It was called Rue du Capitaine Perry and remains by that name to this day.

“Captain Perry’s sacrifice, along with the bravery of many others, played a crucial role in the success of the D-Day landings.

“We have been able to trace Captain Perry's closest relatives, two nephews residing in Spain and Basingstoke.

“David and Peter Wilson are both intending to be present and we are preparing a wreath for them to lay.”

St Austell mayor Cllr Julian Young will also be laying a wreath as will the RBL branch.

Meanwhile, the town council has planted poppies at the Cosgarne Triangle and at the Mount Charles roundabout to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Wild poppies have also put in a timely appearance at an escape lane on the A391 between Carclaze and Holmbush.