Drone Footage Of D-Day Veterans Sailing Back To Normandy

Drone footage has captured the emotional moment 250 D-Day veterans set sail on a historic journey back to Normandy on the cruise ship MV Boudicca.

The video shows impressive views of the ship, chartered by the Royal British Legion, from the air as the veterans wave to the crowds of well-wishers on the shore who gathered to cheer them off.

The ship, which has been adorned with the RBL’s motif and branding, is seen sailing out of Dover harbour as it is guided by two tug boats firing jets of water into the air.

Images of the ship also reveal a little of the luxury and comfort in which the veterans will be catered for as they make the emotional trip back to Normandy to revisit the journey they made 75 years ago.

A far cry from the conditions these servicemen and woman faced 75 years ago - arriving under enemy machine gun fire and bombardment - this time around they will be arriving to France in much more comfortable surroundings to cater to their well-being. 

The veterans and their loved ones will be travelling in style and able to make use of the many facilities during their cruise, including the swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi and the five first class restaurants on-board.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a glass or two of their favourite tipple in the six bars located throughout the ship. 

Named after the British warrior Queen, Fred Olsen says Boudicca has built up a loyal following of guests 'who appreciate a sense of class and timeless elegance not seen or experienced on modern megaships'.

Opening the cruise, Sir Rod Stewart sang We Are Sailing for the Second World War veterans on-board Boudicca before it departed Dover.

Veterans and their guests were also played an audio message from the original forces' sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn listen here

Vera Lynn is famous for singing We'll Meet Again to the boys serving abroad during the second world war. 

They will return to Portsmouth on Wednesday, where HM The Queen and President Donald Trump will pay tribute to them and the sacrifices that they made all those years ago.