Armed Forces families and Veterans flocked to Clacton Pier at the weekend to enjoy some fun in the sun.
More than 330 free rides wristbands were given out across the two days as recognition for the efforts and sacrifices made by all our troops to keep us safe.
A special guest on Sunday was 99-year-old James Goss, a veteran of Omaha Beach D-Day landings who was joined by his wife, Gloria, who was celebrating her birthday.
The couple were taken to the pier by Dan Casey, President of Clacton Royal British Legion and Chairman of Tendring District Council.
Mr Goss served on HMS Enterprise and on December 28, 1943 fought in the Battle of the Bay of Biscay as part of the Allied Operation Stonewall. The aim was to intercept German blockade runners off the west coast of France.
In the action that followed the two British cruisers HMS Enterprise and HMS Glasgow respectively sank T26, together with her sister ship T25 and the destroyer Z27.
Guided by shadowing aircraft, the cruisers intercepted eight destroyers and exchanged fire with them.
Mr Goss also landed at Omaha Beach and later went with the Forces into France to support the distribution of weapons.
Pier communications manager Nigel Brown said it was a privilege to play host to all the Armed Forces and Veterans over the weekend.
“However, it was a real honour for staff to welcome Mr Goss and his wife along with Dan Casey on Sunday – it made it a very special day indeed,” he added. “We hope they enjoyed themselves along with the hundreds of others who turned out for this annual event.”
Mr Brown also thanked local groups and organisations who brought along vintage military vehicles and weapons which were on display at the front of the pier.
“They come along to support us every year and it all adds to the atmosphere – the youngsters love to see the vehicles and have photos taken with them,” he added.
A similar event was staged for the Emergency Services in June and hundreds of wristbands were handed out to families.
