Now running at the village hall, overlooking the harbour where much of the testing originated, the exhibition features a scale model, a slideshow and other display material. The exhibition is open until end September, Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 ’til 4:00. Entry is by donation.
The Solway coast around Garlieston was chosen by Brigadier Sir Bruce White of Tn5 for the testing and development of the Mulberry Harbour prototypes. The area offered tidal conditions similar to those off Normandy and was far from spying eyes. The shore path from Garlieston to Rigg Bay and Cruggleton was requisitioned by the War Office without informing the Galloway House Estate factor. Cairn Head (Portyerrock) on the road to the Isle of Whithorn was also a test site
Pontoons from the Mulberry Harbour can still be seen at Arromanches in Normandy.
The exhibition builds on the success of the publication of A Harbour Goes To War, written by Jane Evans, Liz Palmer and Roy Walter and published in 2000. The book sold 3000 copies following publication and will be republished in paperback later this year.
For more information www.mulberryharbour.info