Veterans mark D-Day landings
Renfrewshire’s war heroes are being invited to join a special ceremony in France marking 75 years of the D-Day landings.
Armed forces’ charities, including the Royal British Legion, are planning to take 300 Normandy veterans on a specially-chartered ship to mark the milestone event.
So far 175 heroes have signed up to travel on the MV Boudicca, but there is still the opportunity for more to join them, with the deadline for applications having been extended until Monday, March 4.
Dr Claire Armstrong, the chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “We believe it’s important that all veterans who contributed to the liberation of France who want to attend the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth and Normandy are able to do so.
“We are delighted at the response we have received so far, but we still have space for more veterans to join their comrades who shared in those challenging wartime experiences in 1944. Most importantly at this stage, we don’t want anyone who wishes to take part to be left behind.
“If you have a friend or family member who is a D-Day veteran – or, indeed, if you are one yourself – please get in touch with The Royal British Legion and find out how to be a part of this historic trip.”
With the majority of available accommodation in Normandy already booked, the voyage will provide a comfortable and fully supported travel package for those veterans who haven’t made plans.
The MV Boudicca will depart from Dover on June 2, taking in events in Poole and Portsmouth, before crossing the English Channel for the veterans on board to attend the commemorations taking place in Normandy on June 6.
Veterans interested in travelling on the ship are invited to contact The Royal British Legion for an application form, which can also be downloaded from the Legion’s website at www.britishlegion.org. uk/community/d-day-75/.
This can now be returned by the new deadline of Monday, March 4.
Each veteran will be entitled to door-to-door travel for themselves and one guest or carer, at no cost.