D-Day veterans from the UK have arrived in France to participate in the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Normandy landings.
About 25 former servicemen made the ferry crossing from Portsmouth, with well-wishers lining the route to see them off. This journey is likely to be the last time these veterans will travel to France for the anniversary.
During the crossing, the group laid a wreath at sea just off the French coastline to honor those who never made it to shore. Among them, 98-year-olds Harry Birdsall and Alec Penstone threw a wreath into the English Channel.
The group also brought a commemorative torch from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which will be a central feature at a vigil in Bayeux on Wednesday.
The veterans, most of whom were in wheelchairs or using walking sticks, were in high spirits as they reunited with each other and gave interviews to British and French media.
Among the veterans was 99-year-old John Dennett, an able seaman who was part of the second wave of troops that landed on Sword Beach on June 6, 1944. He traveled from Wallasey in Merseyside with his nephew.
“It’s wonderful to think the younger generation will be able to honor their grandparents,” said John, who turns 100 next month. “We must always remember them.”
John added that he has not been tempted to take things easy. “It’s events like this that keep you going. You have to appreciate that you’re here and make the most of it.”
Brittany Ferries’ Mont St Michel was accompanied by a flotilla of vintage and active warships, including the World War Two-era motor gunboat 81, motor launch HMS Medusa, and RAF rescue boat HSL 102.