Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines commemorates 70th anniversary of ‘D-Day’ in June 2014

Those wishing to commemorate the 70^th anniversary of ‘D-Day’ can join Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Braemar on its seven-night M1415 cruise from Harwich, Essex on 1^st June 2014. This cruise will give guests the chance to pay their respects to the courage and valour of the British, American and Canadian Allied Forces who fought in the ‘D-Day’ Normandy Landings during World War II, which commenced on the five beaches of Normandy – ‘Gold’, ‘Sword’, ‘Juno’, ‘Omaha’ and ‘Utah’ – on 6^th June 1944.

Braemar calls first at Zeebrugge, Belgium (for Bruges), where guests can visit the poignant Tyne Cot Cemetery – the largest commonwealth cemetery in the world – and Memorial to remember those who lost their lives during the First World War. Located in the famous Cloth Hall, discover the In Flanders’ Fields Museum, which presents the story of the First World War in the West Flanders front region.

 
From Zeebrugge, Braemar then returns to the UK, to Portsmouth. Here, guests can take a tour to visit the Southsea seafront to pay their respects to those who gave their lives at the tranquil war memorials, before stepping back in time and visiting the D-Day Museum.

The cruise then moves onto Cherbourg, France, whose capture by the US First Army was part of the ‘Battle of Normandy’ in the Second World War, before cruising onto Le Havre for an overnight stay, giving guests the opportunity to take a tour to the Allied landing areas on the 'Day of Remembrance' on 6^thJune 2014.

Dunkirk is the last port of call on this thought-provoking cruise; whilst here, guests can take time to visit the Battle of Dunkirk Museum, which tells the story of the Allied evacuation from the town and documents the lead up to 'Operation Dynamo'. Guests can also pay their respects to those who gave their lives with a stop at the English Cemetery, or visit La Coupole, where they can discover the dark side of World War II in the gigantic underground bunker designed by the Nazis – a stark reminder of just how close the world came to being a very different place. Braemar then sets sail for Harwich.

Fred. Olsen is proud to be welcoming nostalgic British 'Big Band' 'The New Squadronaires' on board this very special commemorative cruise, featuring the impressive vocal talents of Mark Porter.

The original 'Squadronaires' orchestra was formed within a few months of the outbreak of World War II, when many of the leading British musicians found themselves together as members of service bands. The most famous of these was the RAF No. 1 Dance Band - later known as 'The Squadronaires'.

'The Squadronaires' remained together under the leadership of pianist Ronnie Aldrich until 1964 when, with the advent of the popular new music, the dance and swing orchestras fell from favour with the masses.

However, some years later, as the style of 'Big Band' music began to regain popularity, 'The (New) Squadronaires Orchestra' was reformed under the leadership of Saxophonist Harry Bence and worked as a modern-style band. Following the death of Harry Bence in 1997, the Orchestra came under the leadership of Trumpet player Greg Francis and has continued to tour annually, keeping alive the memory of one of the very best British orchestras. The Orchestra now features ex–Syd Lawrence vocalist, Mark Porter, and also quite often, its original 'Blackpool Tower' vocalist, Lynn Kennedy.

Fittingly, 'The New Squadronaires' are dressed in authentic RAF uniform; the band desks are motived with the RAF roundel and are in red white and blue, and the stage backdrop is a large RAF ensign flag.

Prices for this commemorative cruise start from £699 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin, Grade 'I', and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment, and port dues.