Memorial Dedication to Rudder's Rangers on Thursday

Bude-Stratton Town Council is commemorating the work of the American 2nd Ranger Battalion with the dedication of a memorial on Thursday the 7th of June.

The Rangers were billeted with local families in order to train on the cliffs and beaches of Bude for their D-Day mission, attacking the German costal battery at Pointe du Hoc on the 6th of June 1944. This is thought to be the only time where foreign troops were sent to live in people's homes. As a result many local people have fantastic memories of the Rangers and of their leader Lt. Colonel James Rudder whose time in Bude is documented in the biography Rudder: From Leader to Legend.

The memorial stone will be unveiled by Lt. Colonel Rudder's daughter Anne and a serving member of the current Rangers as part of a remembrance service. The service will be held on the 7th of June at the memorial stone near to the flag pole on Summerleaze Downs and will begin at 12:00 noon. Members of the public are welcome to join us from 11:45 to remember the brave men of the 2nd Rangers.

Please contact the Town Council on 01288 353576 for further details.