Salutes and tears for returning heroes

CHEERING crowds gave departing D-Day veterans a send-off fit for heroes as they set sail for Normandy.

- Giles Sheldrick

Around 60 cast off from Portsmouth just like 80 years ago - bound for Caen where they will take centre stage for this week's 80th anniversary commemorations.

Beaming with pride the warriors, immaculate in regimental blazers, berets and with medals gleaming, were given the red carpet treatment as they boarded the ferry as VIPs.

Thunderous applause rang out as the lionhearts were roared into the blue by hundreds of well-wishers waving Union Flags.

Waving from the deck, the emotional veterans were escorted into the Channel by Royal Navy patrol vessels Trumpeter, Medusa and Basher, as well as HMS Cattistock and the Training Ship Royalist, with tugs spraying water in a salute.