YOUNG and old came together to mark the anniversary of Exercise Tiger in Torcross.

The weekend marked 70 years since the Americans took over a large part of the South Hams ahead of the 1944 D-Day landings.

It coincided with the 69th anniversary of Exercise Tiger, which claimed the lives of 946 US servicemen off the south coast, when German E-boats attacked their landing ships.

On Friday, 250 children from local schools watched old film of the Americans in the South Hams and listened to a talk. They also had the opportunity to speak to two veterans who had travelled from the US for the anniversary.

The sun was shining as they ventured out to look at 20 US Second World War military vehicles.

This was not a case of look but don't touch though as the youngsters were encouraged to sit in the vehicles and get their hands on the items on display.

Kingsbridge Primary School pupil Leo said: 'I thought it was really nice of them to travel all the way from America to talk to us. I liked the trucks and trying on the helmets and holding the guns.'

Classmate Mia said: 'The vehicles were great. I also loved the opportunity of being able to ask people who were really there what it was like. The firsthand information was very interesting.'

On Saturday, the rest of the community was given the opportunity to visit a public open day. Walking through the narrow gap beside the marquee into the car park was like stepping back in time, with hoards of people roaming around the military vehicles in authentic military uniforms.

More than 1,000 visitors travelled to Torcross to learn more about Exercise Tiger, looking at displays of photographs and films.

There were also talks given throughout the day including one by Reg Hannaford who was a young boy when he was evacuated from Torcross to make way for the exclusion zone for the practice landings.

In the evening, VIP guests and dignitaries enjoyed a meal at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club with wartime music by Spiffing Tunes.

Sunday saw a different mood take over the site as wreaths were laid during the memorial service and regimental association standards were lowered to remember the men who lost their lives.

US ambassador to London Barbara Stephenson was deeply moved and gave an address to around 750 guests including two veterans of Exercise Tiger, a large number of American visitors and local people who were affected by the evacuation.

She said: 'Every morning as I arrive at the embassy I pass a statue of President Eisenhower and the building where he and Field Marshall Montgomery planned the Normandy landings.

'As I do, I often pause to remember those who took part in that pivotal operation, which turned the war freedom's way – and to reflect on the nobility of their cause. But like many others, what I had given considerably less thought to – until recently – are the training exercises that ensured D-Day was decisive.

'So I am both humbled and privileged to be here representing President Obama as we honour those whose role, while in many cases tragic was hugely significant.'

As well as Ms Stephenson, the High Sheriff of Devon, John Lee; chairman of Devon County Council, Jerry Brook; and the chairman of South Hams Council, Rosemary Rowe, attended, together with Major General Carmichael and Air Commodore Parton, representing the Ministry of Defence.

During the memorial service, the Military Wives Choir from Chivenor sang three songs and joined in with hymns and the singing of the US and British national anthems.

Organiser John Casson, chairman of the Exercise Tiger Memorial, said: 'This was a fitting and very moving commemorative weekend honouring those brave young American servicemen who died and also local people who gave up their homes.

'The weekend ensured that the public awareness of the great sacrifice made by these men and local people will continue to be remembered.'