D-DAY veterans are being encouraged sign-up for an anniversary trip to France to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

The Royal British Legion is calling on communities, families and friends to help spread the message to D-Day veterans who are eligible for a fully funded trip on the MV Boudicca to this year’s remembrance in the UK and Normandy.

In January, the Legion announced its plans to take up to 300 veterans to France on a specially chartered ship to mark 75 years since the original D-Day landings.

Area director for Hampshire, Craig Spence, pictured, said the legion believe it is important that all veterans who want to attend the event are “able to do so”.

He continued: “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. 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 Legion and find out how to be a part of this historic trip.”

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.

D-Day veteran George Skipper, who has already confirmed his place on the trip, said: “I am delighted and proud to be going on The Royal British Legion’s voyage to Normandy.

“I would not miss this trip for anything. D-Day was a very important time in my life and I want to go back whilst I can to remember and to pay tribute to the friends and comrades that I lost. I hope that all D-Day veterans who are able to travel can join me on board the ship for this important voyage.”

Veterans interested in travelling on the ship are invited to contact the Legion for an application form, which can also be downloaded from there website. Applications close on March 4.

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