D-Day veterans to set sail from Dover with a Swingtime serenade on The Royal British Legion’s ‘D-Day 75 Voyage of Remembrance’ aboard 'Boudicca'

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Boudicca will be setting sail on one of the most poignant and moving journeys in its history on Sunday 2^nd June 2019, under charter to The Royal British Legion. The classic ship will be carrying up to 300 D-Day veterans from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to Normandy, France, on an historic seven-night ‘D-Day 75^th Anniversary Voyage’.

The D-Day veterans – plus a carer or companion – will be embarking The Royal British Legion’s ‘D-Day 75 Voyage of Remembrance’ in Dover on 2^nd June 2019 to attend a series of commemorative events in both England and France, marking the 75^th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, fought on the five beaches of ‘Gold’, ‘Sword’, ‘Juno’, ‘Omaha’ and ‘Utah’, on 6^th June 1944.

The Port of Dover – one of Fred. Olsen's long-standing turnaround ports – will be laying on a special event to see the D-Day veterans off in style. The ’40s-themed 'Swingtime Sweethearts' will be performing in the Cruise Terminal throughout the day, which will be decked out in festive flags and bunting.

The Port will also be hosting a display of historic military vehicles from the era, including Jeeps, and the Dover Sea Cadets will be marching and performing a number of evocative wartime songs.

Peter Deer, Commercial Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“It is a tremendous honour for us to be part of The Royal British Legion’s commemorations to mark the 75^th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, in what is set to be a very poignant and moving voyage for these veterans and their loved ones.

“We are very proud of our long partnership with the Port of Dover, and we know that they will provide an enthusiastic and fitting send-off for these deserving D-Day veterans, as Boudicca follows the same path as the ships involved on this momentous day, which brought peace and reconciliation to mark the Second World War.”

Sonia Limbrick, Head of Business Development (Cruise) at the Port of Dover, said:

“We are thrilled to be hosting such a momentous celebration for these D-Day heroes, before they step on to Boudicca for one the most poignant journeys ever to have set sail from the Port.

“Our impressive Cruise Terminal, combined with the iconic setting of the White Cliffs and the historical and emotional significance of Dover, will ensure the veterans are given the amazing send-off they deserve.”

From Dover, Boudicca will first visit Dunkirk, France, before calling into Poole and Portsmouth, England for commemorative ceremonies. The ship will then follow the same route as those involved in the Battle of Normandy, travelling to Le Havre, France, on 6^th June 2019, exactly 75 years after the D-Day Landings.

The Royal British Legion’s 'D-Day 75 Voyage of Remembrance' has been offered free to D-Day veterans and their companions, funded by the UK Government’s LIBOR grant, in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence and Suffolk-based Arena Travel.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

For further information on the ‘D-Day 75 Voyage of Remembrance’, visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ website at https://www.fredolsencruises.com/royal-british-legion-d-day-voyage

For media enquiries, please contact:

Rachael Jackson Public Relations Manager – E-mail: rachael.jackson@fredolsen.co.uk / Direct. Tel.: 01473 292233

Ellis Barker, Public Relations Executive – E-mail: ellis.barker@fredolsen.co.uk / Direct Tel.: 01473 292237

Port of Dover

To learn more about the Port of Dover, go to www.doverport.co.uk

For media enquiries, please contact:

Helen Smith, Senior Communications Executive – E-mail: helen.smith@doverport.co.uk / Direct Tel: 01304 240 400 Ext. 4410

The Royal British Legion

For more details on The Royal British Legion, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk

For media enquiries, please contact:

Michael O’Connor, National PR Manager: 020 3207 2268 / 07458 064621; moconnor@britishlegion.org.uk

Charlene Guy, National PR Officer: 020 3207 2237 / 07458 124853; cguy@britishlegion.org.uk

The Allied invasion of Normandy, known as D-Day, took place on 6^th June 1944, and was the largest amphibious assault ever launched. More than 80,000 British and Canadian troops took part in the invasion on the beaches alongside United States Forces, in an Allied invasion Force of nearly 160,000. Another 23,400 British troops were landed by air. Supporting the invasion were more than 7,000 ships off the coast (including the famous HMS Belfast) and 11,000 aircraft. In total, British and Commonwealth casualties (killed, wounded or missing) on D-Day numbered approximately 4,300. The invasion was the first stage in the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation, which ultimately led to victory for Allied Forces in 1945.

Operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Boudicca is named after the British warrior queen. The ship was designed for world cruising and was extensively refurbished in March 2018. Images and video footage of Boudicca are available from The Royal British Legion Press Office.