The President, the Queen and D-Day commemorations set to make history

In June 1944, Portsmouth residents “knew something was happening” but they didn’t know what.

Their town was about to be etched in history.

The naval base south of London, the departure point for troops as they travelled to Normandy for the D-day landings.

Now 75 years on, the town will take centre stage for commemorations for the UK and its allies, including Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will attend a ceremony on Wednesday, alongside the Queen and US President Donald Trump.

The annual commemoration is a somber affair that attracts thousands, with proceedings screened into a public park to help cater for the large crowds.

But this year it will be different.

A large temporary barrier has been put around the ceremony site to ensure the safety of world leaders like Donald Trump.

Locals are reportedly outraged, concerned the US President’s attendance will take away from the veterans.

It’s also meant they won’t have a chance to get close to the Queen who usually greets crowds on her annual visit.

Anti-Trump protesters are also expected with demonstrations planned near the ceremony site, which residents hope doesn’t detract from the solemn proceedings.

A total of 119 Portsmouth men died in the battle of Normandy, including 16-year-old Robert Johns, believed to have been the youngest British Soldier to die in World War Two.

Around the town plaques have been put up near the homes of the men who died.