D-Day 75 Portsmouth: This how many veterans, warships, troops and military bands will be involved

THERE will be plenty to see during Portsmouth’s D-Day 75 spectacle in June.

By tom.cotterill1

Published 22nd Apr 2019, 01:00 BST

Royal Navy and Royal Marines amphibious landing display during the D-Day 70 commemorations in 2014.
Picture: Allan Hutchings (141718-642) — Royal Navy and Royal Marines amphibious landing display during the D-Day 70 commemorations in 2014. Picture: Allan Hutchings (141718-642)

Three-hundred veterans will board the Royal British Legion’s chartered ferry in Portsmouth to France on June 5, plus 200 more expected at the event in city and an additional 200 at tributes in Normandy.

About 4,000 military personnel from all three services will be involved in the international commemorations.

At least 11 Royal Navy vessels, from frigates and minehunters to small patrol craft and RFA support ships, will be based in the Solent.

While some 200 paratroopers from British, US and French armies will stage jumps into Normandy.

Up to 26 aircraft to be involved in flypasts over Portsmouth, including the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial flight.

And four military bands will provide the music for ceremonies worldwide, including the Band of the Royal Marines in Portsmouth.

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