Ferry carrying D-Day veterans to France setting sail from Portsmouth

The ferry recreated the journey the soldiers took 80 years ago, ITV News Correspondent Chloe Keedy

A ferry carrying D-Day veterans to France for the 80th anniversary commemorations is setting sail from Portsmouth.

The Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel is being accompanied by Royal Navy patrol vessels Trumpeter, Medusa and Basher as well as minehunter HMS Cattistock and Training Ship Royalist and a tug boat as it travels out of Portsmouth Harbour.

The Jedburgh Pipe Band is also playing the ferry out of the harbour where members of the public gathered to see the veterans off as they travel to Caen.

A Spitfire plane was also packed on board ready for commemorations in Normandy Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA

A MoD spokesman said: “The veterans, travelling with The Spirit of Normandy Trust and the Royal British Legion, will carry with them a commemorative torch from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission which will form the centrepiece of the vigil at Bayeux War Cemetery on 5 June.

“A young person will pass this symbolic torch to a veteran before they board the ferry. At 1300 (ship’s time), a wreath-laying will take place on the ferry to remember those who never made it to shore.”

About 40 veterans gathered at Southwick House, in Southwick near Portsmouth, on Monday which was used as the headquarters of the Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower during the build-up to the Normandy invasions.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...