Royal Navy veteran who transmitted vital strategic messages during D-Day receives VIP visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth

Marie Scott served The Women's Royal Naval Service at Fort Southwick on D-Day as the Allies took on the Nazis in the largest seaborne invasion in history during the Second World War.

Marie was among seven veterans who enjoyed a private visit to the Royal Navy’s largest aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, as special guests of the Captain and Commodore.

A fleet of six London licensed taxis escorted the group of nonagenarian veterans from London for the VIP visit, arranged by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.

Following an overnight stay at the Royal Maritime Club, the black cabs escorted the veterans to Portsmouth Harbour where they were joined by the taxi charity’s patron, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns.

The group of veterans included five Second World War veterans, two who served on aircraft carriers, one who was part of the Russian convoy, one who served in the Royal Navy and Marie.

The tour of the ship included a walk through the aircraft hangar, refreshments in the Captain’s cabin and a tour of The Bridge.

From The Bridge, Marie had the honour of transmitting a short message 75 years after sending messages to those coordinating Operation Neptune.

Marie said: ‘It was a real honour that The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans arranged for me to transmit a message today, 75 years after I transmitted messages to and from the beaches on D-Day.’

Frances Wyhowska, vice president of the charity, said: ‘The Taxi Charity would like to thank the Captain and crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth who gave us all VIP treatment during our visit. The look of excitement on the veterans’ faces made today an outstanding experience for us all.’

Commander Charles Guy, HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Commander, said: ‘We are always delighted to host our Naval Veterans but especially so in this important anniversary year for the Victory in Europe.

‘We are grateful for the support of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. It is a remarkable organisation.’