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D-day veterans to set sail from Dover to Normandy aboard Boudicca

Hundreds of D-day veterans will sail across the Channel to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

They will begin their seven-day voyage tomorrow, travelling from the Port of Dover to Normandy.

The veterans will be on board the Boudicca cruise ship, which is owned by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, under charter to the Royal British Legion.

A view of the a beach during the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, in 1944
A view of the a beach during the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, in 1944

Prior to the voyage, the port will display a number of 1940s military vehicles, including Jeeps, and the Dover Sea Cadets will be marching and performing several wartime songs.

Peter Deer commercial director at the cruise line company, said: “It is a tremendous honour for us to be part of The Royal British Legion’s commemorations, in what is set to be a poignant and moving voyage for these veterans and their loved ones.

“Boudicca will follows the same path as the ships involved on this momentous day, which brought peace and reconciliation to mark the Second World War.”

On their journey, the veterans will attend a series of commemorative events on both sides of the Channel.

A photo of Utah Beach, the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings. Picture: PA
A photo of Utah Beach, the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings. Picture: PA

They will first visit Dunkirk before calling into Poole and Portsmouth.

Boudicca will then follow the same route as those involved in the Battle of Normandy, travelling to Le Havre on Thursday, June 6 - exactly 75 years after the D-Day landings.

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