![]() ![]() The following day, veterans attended the national commemorative events in Portsmouth, where many were able to meet the current Heads of State of the nations that participated in the D-Day operation. Along the quayside, the Ministry of Defence hosted a series of military-themed events, entertainment and activities, and 40 Commando Royal Marines came onboard to display their weaponry to veterans. Olsen.Īs the ship sailed out of Dover, veterans received a surprise performance by Sir Rod Stewart.įollowing a call at Dunkirk, France – which played an important role during the war – the Boudicca continued to Poole, where it became the largest ship ever to call at the port, on its maiden call. Military re-enactors also gave a flavour of the era, and the talented Dover Sea Cadets marched and performed a number of evocative wartime songs, according to a statement from Fred. It was a genuine honour to have facilitated this voyage on behalf of The Royal British Legion for the veterans.”Īmong the voyage highlights, in Dover, veterans received a very special send-off, with the 40s-themed ‘Swingtime Sweethearts performing in the Cruise Terminal, which was decked out with flags and bunting, together with a display of military vehicles greeting veterans as they arrived. “The logistics of organising national coach travel for 500 people to join the cruise and arrangements whilst ashore, as well as managing the on board programme, was a challenge that I am pleased our team delivered excellently. This momentous Voyage took 250 D-Day veterans and their travelling companions to international commemorations in Southsea and in Normandy. Steve Goodenough, Managing Director of Arena Travel – who was also aboard Boudicca for the duration of the Voyage – said: “Arena Travel were very proud to operate the ‘Voyage of Remembrance’ in partnership with Fred. Now they are safely back home, the Legion will still be there for them whenever they need us.” We would like to thank all our partners who helped take the veterans back to Normandy on what was a historic and deeply moving voyage. The events they took part in allowed the whole world to pay tribute to their bravery and sacrifice. We would also like to commend all the ports of call for their warm welcomes to the veterans and to our ship, and it has been overwhelming at times just how much people have got behind the Voyage to show their pride and gratitude to these D-Day veterans, to whom we owe so much.”īob Gamble, The Royal British Legion’s Assistant Director for Commemorative Events, said: “D-Day 75 was a momentous occasion and the Royal British Legion is proud to have put the veterans at the heart of everything we did. Olsen as their partner in this most important of projects, to show our national and international respects. “We would like to thank Arena Travel and The Royal British Legion for choosing Fred. It has been a very moving and emotional experience for all concerned, and our staff have thoroughly enjoyed having these courageous D-Day veterans on board and sharing in their stories and memories. Olsen Cruise Lines – who joined Boudicca for the Voyage – said: “It has been an incredible honour to play our part in The Royal British Legion’s commemorations of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy. Olsen, due to the number of veterans to be transported and the high costs and lack of availability of hotels in and around Normandy. ![]() Suffolk-based travel specialists, Arena Travel, partnered with The Royal British Legion on the historic trip and contacted local Suffolk cruise line Fred. The ship sailed from Dover, taking veterans to Dunkirk, Poole, Portsmouth and Le Havre, where they attended a series of commemorative events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944. Olsen Cruise Lines hosted 250 D-Day veterans, plus their carers and companions, on a pilgrimage around the UK and Normandy, France, on The Royal British Legion’s‘D-Day 75 Voyage of Remembrance aboard Boudicca, from June 2 to 9. ![]()
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