Should be part of a trade deal between the us and uk after brexit. I dont see it being on the table. Somebody asked me a question today, and i say everythings up for negotiation, because everything is, but i dont see that being, thats something that i would not consider part of trade. Thats not trade. Conservative leadership candidate, borisjohnson, says the party faces extinction if it fails to deliver brexit by the end of october. Police raid the headquarters of the Australian Broadcasting corporation over concerns about an investigation into alleged misconduct by Australian Special forces in afghanistan. Sir philip greens retail group, arcadia, faces a crucial meeting as it tries to avoid administration. Good morning from southsea common in portsmouth where in the next half an hour, commemorations will take place to mark the 75th anniversary of d day. The queen will be attending, accompanied by the prince of wales, alongside more than 300 d day veterans, heads of state and the president and mrs trump, on the final day of their state visit to the United Kingdom. Senior figures from every country that fought alongside the uk are attending. With me now are the historian giles milton and our correspondent robert hall. Festival, set the scene, 75 years ago, what was happening right here . D day was the greatest seaborne invasion of the history of warfare. 160,000 men sailed across the channel and tried to punch a hole through the atlantic wall that the germans had built all along the coastline of normandy. It was a Pivotal Moment in the Second World War, because if the allies succeeded in getting onto the shore, they were probably going to win the Second World War. The robert, the focus will be World Leaders initially, but it is the veterans who are still here to tell their story. Yes, they will hear a story they are familiar with, we are already hearing the music they are familiar with, there d day tale will unfold on that stage with words and music, and we will see World Leaders at their paying National Tributes to the fallen of d day. It is a story that will be woven through the morning. We are just looking at pictures of what happened, today was originally meant to be the day of d day. Happened, today was originally meant to be the day of dday. Yes, of course, but we are in england and the weather was atrocious. It had to be halted at the last moment and postponed by one day, so it became the 6th of june. Postponed by one day, so it became the 6th ofjune. Even on the 6th of june, the weather was also terrible in the channel. Many of the men were very ill on the crossing. Robert, you have been spending time with some of the veterans and yesterday, a bit of downtime for some of them. Thats right, we off to dunkirk briefly, but yesterday, we saw the vetera ns briefly, but yesterday, we saw the veterans come alive in poole. They met men from today ats royal marine commandos. It sums up the spirit of these men, they went out in fast boats, they wanted to go out in poole harbour. Some of these men dont talk about d day, but on these days, they come alive and tell their stories. The nature of this is the allied countries that are coming out and telling their stories. It was a joined up operation, americans, brits, canadians, but many other nations. The planning for this was very meticulous, a battle plan for the day, which more or less went to plan, but of course, things went wrong, factors that couldnt have been identified. Talk about the mood they would have been 75 years ago, waiting for the order to go, they we re waiting for the order to go, they were terrified. They were, but many of them wanted to get going, they knew what was happening and they wanted to set style. Hanging around oii wanted to set style. Hanging around on the Landing Craft was not pleasant. What to expect to see later in the day . That is the most powerful image of the day, will be any papers tomorrow morning. The vetera ns any papers tomorrow morning. The veterans will return to the ship they are on and will come out through the pier. Always poignant here in fort smith, a big ship leaving in portsmouth. And there will also be a sale bye bye the royal navy. Thank you forjoining us. Royal navy. Thank you forjoining us. We will of course be bringing you the latest as the World Leaders are gathering behind me now for the national service. Plenty more from here, but for now, back to the studio. President trump has played down the assumption that trade will not be pa rt assumption that trade will not be part of the negotiations was there has been backlash from labour, trade unions. In an interview with piers morgan, President Trump was asked if access to the nhs would be a part of the dealfor him. I dont see it being on the table. Somebody asked me a question today and i said, everythings up for negotiation, because everything is. But i dont see that being. Thats something that i would not consider part of trade, thats not trade. President trump revealed that he was pressed on Climate Change by the prince of wales during their meeting at Clarence House earlier this week. Yeah, i think we had a very, very good talk. Has he moved you a little bit . I tell you what moved me is his passion for future generations, hes really not doing this for him, hes doing this for future generations. And this is real, he believes that, he wants to have a world thats good forfuture generations. Do you want that . And i do, too. The inquest into the death of love island star Mike Thalassitis has concluded that the reality star took his own life. The 26 year old reality star and former footballer was found dead in march of this year. Our news correspondent Charlotte Gallagher was at the inquest at barnet coroners. Tell us more about what was said there this morning. Mike thalassitis, known it to lots of tv viewers are across the uk, and there was a real shock when he died in march. The inquest decided today that he was found hanged in a park in edmonton in north london. Many of his friends have spoken about how he was suffering from depression before his death, and the coroner said that antidepressants were found in his system, along with cocaine, alcohol and paracetamol. The policewoman who was the first person on the scene told the coroner there was a small black notebook next to mike and in that notebook, it was a diary, it had positive thoughts as well, but there was also a series of notes to be given to his family. The coroner said the contents of those notes left him in little doubt that Mike Thalassitis did intend to take his own life and he concluded that his death was suicide. Of course, we all know that this is now the second co ntesta nt know that this is now the second contestant from the reality show to ta ke contestant from the reality show to take their own life. Sophie graydon was also found dead last year and the coroner concluded that it was suicide. The new series hasjust started this week and itv have said they are introducing more measures to support these young people going on at this show, they are giving more psychological support and counselling for these people thrust into the limelight. Thank you, charlotte. Australian police have raided the headquarters of the public broadcaster abc, over allegations journalists had published classified material. The Police Action is related to reports about alleged misconduct by Australian Forces in afghanistan, as our sydney correspondent phil mercer explains. Well, the Australian Federal police raided the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Sydney headquarters in the middle of the morning today. Its after tea time now, so this raid has now been going on for quite a long time. These Police Officers and it experts have apparently identified thousands of documents they believe relate to this case of the allegedly publishing of classified material. Now, this case relates to a serious broadcast on the abc injuly 2017, called the afghan files. Now this story was based, according to the abc, on hundreds of secret military documents leaked to abc reporters. The story that the abc published alleges killings and misconduct by Australian Forces in afghanistan. The Australian Federal police say is that it has suspicions that a crime has been committed in the publication of these documents. In response, the abc is pretty furious that its headquarters has been raided here. It said very bluntly that journalism is not a crime. Arcadia, the fashion empire owned by sir philip green, faces a make or break vote over its future later today. Creditors will meet to decide whether to approve a restructuring deal that will see the closure of 20 stores and a reduction in rent on around 50 others. The company, which owns brands like topshop and miss selfridge and employs around 18,000 staff, could go into administration if the deal is rejected. Campaigners will head to the high court this morning for a judicial review into how the government raised the state pension age for women from 60 to 66. They say that around four million women, who were born in the 1950s, were not given enough time to prepare for the change. Heres our personal finance correspondent, simon gompertz. It makes me feel angry, depressed, put upon. This woman, an ambulance driver in margate, had little more than a years notice that she wouldnt get the pension she banked on at 60, but instead she has to wait till 66. We would all love the money we are owed. I am probably owed Something Like 119,000 by the time i get to 66. I cant see that happening. I would like some sort of compensation if we dont get that. It is sex discrimination, they will tell the court. They dont mind equal pension ages, but they do mind the way they are being brought in. The back to 60 group that has brought this judicial review is demanding repayment of all the pension that women born in the 1950s are missing out on, arguing that the speed of the change and what they call the lack of warnings has left millions disadvantaged. The government says it decided more than 20 years ago that it was going to make the state pension age the same for men and women as a long overdue move towards gender equality, and this has been clearly communicated. But she feels too many realised too late that they would have years without a pension. Lets ta ke lets take you back to southsea common in portsmouth, the location for todays commemorations, marking the 75th anniversary of the d day landings. There will be many World Leaders there representing the allied forces who, together on the beaches of normandy, struck a decisive blow against the nazis, but the focus will be on the 300 vetera ns the focus will be on the 300 veterans of d day, all of them now over 90 years of age, who are taking pa rt over 90 years of age, who are taking part as well. The queen will be attending, accompanied by the prince of wales. Music from the time entertaining the crowds ahead of the day that will be phil of fond memories, but also hugely poignant. We will have more on todays main story is coming up on the bbc news channel. But now, we say goodbye to viewers on bbc two. And we will be back in portsmouth very soon. Borisjohnson, the conservative mp and frontrunner to replace theresa may as Prime Minister, has said the party faces extinction if it fails to deliver brexit by the end of october. He made the comment at a hustings debate with other leadership contenders in westminster last night. Housing minister Kit Malthouse and brexit ministerjames cleverly have pulled out of the contest, leaving 11 still in the running. Lets hear more from our assistant political editor, norman smith. Is borisjohnson setting the tone for his leadership campaign, which he has yet officially to launch . For his leadership campaign, which he has yet officially to launch7m isnt his first significant intervention, he hasnt formally entered the race yet, and you have to wonder if his strategy is just to keep his head a little bit down beneath the radar as the standout favourite. Last night, however, beginning to sketch out his pitch to tory mps, which is this, that the party is heading for annihilation, it is facing an existential crisis, u nless it is facing an existential crisis, unless it manages to get brexit delivered by october the 31st. His argument was, he was the man who will be able to secure a new deal by the 31st october, to take us out of the 31st october, to take us out of the eu. And in his words, he would put nigel farage back in his box and get brexit pushed to one side, so the tory party can concentrate on a broader agenda, which he believes he has the abilities to pursue and to reenergise the tory party, to inject some enthusiasm into tory values and policies, which he claims would enable him to defeatjeremy corbyn ina enable him to defeatjeremy corbyn in a general election. However, he and some other candidates have come under ferocious attack this morning from one of their rivals, rory stewart, who has accused figures like borisjohnson, stewart, who has accused figures like boris johnson, claiming stewart, who has accused figures like borisjohnson, claiming they could get a new deal from the like borisjohnson, claiming they could get a new dealfrom the eu by the end of october, of being unrealistic, of misleading voters. This is what he told emma barnett on five live. Anyone, any other leadership candidate who is pretending they will go to brussels and get a different deal, doesnt understand brussels, hasnt been following the news, doesnt understand what is happening in europe at the moment, and doesnt understand that the european position is very clear. Anyone offering that is offering one thing only, they are offering to try to get no deal three in october. Rory stewart picturing himself as a frank talking realist, but taking a swipe at all the other candidates who are advocating a revised deal or no deal. Norman, thank you very much. Well in the next few minutes a special service will take place in portsmouth to commemorate the 75th anniversary of d day. The National Commemoration event will tell the story of d day we can join my colleague huw edwards, who will take us through todays service. Royal air force. The guard of honour is on its way, marching through the audience, through the aisles and onto the main stage to signal the formal start of this commemorative event of the 75th anniversary of d day. 56 representatives of the maritime wa rfa re 56 representatives of the Maritime Warfare School flown from hms collingwood, some from hms raleigh. Some are from hms collingwood. Then you have the colour squadron, Royal Air Force, 56 of them, and then the 1st battalion welsh guards as well in their scarlet tunics. A combination of 56 representatives of each. The Maritime Warfare School making their way, some of them finished their trading last friday, so finished their trading last friday, so what an event for them to be taking part in. Finished their training. The contingent also includes several divers from the fleet Diving School in portsmouth. There we have the queens colour squadron, and the 1st battalion welsh guards, captain of the honour guard today is a major chris davies of the welsh guards, who spoke to them as they were preparing over the past couple of days, and their immense pride taking part was plain for all to see full the guard of honour taking place. Watched with interest by the president and the first lady. Right turn. Guard of honour, shoulder, arms. Guard of honour, shoulder, arms. Guard of honour, forming two ranks. Form two ranks. Guard of honour, in words. Can the right lady come forward . Stand still stand still on the left Half Division last man, welsh guardsjust back, stand still, the rear rank on the right Half Division still, still, stand still, the rear rank of the left Half Division guard of honour, eyes front fanfare. Guard of honour, royal salute. God save our gracious queen long live our noble queen god save the queen send her victorious happy and glorious long to reign over us god save the queen. Arms welsh guards will retire. At the halt, form. Quick march. Music hymn to the fallen byjohn williams. 0h, oh, dear. Dday. Oh, dear. Dday. Dday, wow. Iwas the second one on the beach, second one of the craft, that morning, they said, we are going to give you a live ammunition, and this is the real thing. Thats the first we knew we we re real thing. Thats the first we knew we were in action. I thought, oh, my god, i was never brought up to be killing people. There were so many cases where i could have lost my life. Thinking back now, i dont know how i survived it. We life. Thinking back now, i dont know howl survived it. We all had a pa rt know howl survived it. We all had a part to play, i wasnt nervous, apprehensive like everybody else was. D day was all kept secret and hush. I was on an hms, a cruiser, built to bring it down aircraft. I had no idea. We were moving around and puffs of smoke. At the time, i had no idea it was as vicious as it was. Its something that only happens once in your lifetime, it makes you proud to have taken part. We had ever been in combat before, it was a new experience. I remember the anxiety, mostly, whats going to happen when we get on the ground . We came out a little bit and they started coming out at us. Some of the other guys say, you are going to get cold up here. Another guy says, yeah, lets get on this plane. We did what we had to do, we jumped in there, and did what we had to do, we jumped in there, and i dont regret it at all, in fact, im glad i did it. Iwent from a boy to a man. Music hymn to the fallen byjohn williams. Welcome, your majesty, royal highness, 75 years ago today, hundreds of thousands of men set out on a journey. Ajourney all the more remarkable, as it held no promise of return. From across the globe, soldiers, sailors and airmen united, bound together by a common goal to reach normandy. Today these veterans represent those countless fathers, husbands, brothers and sons who departed these shores, not knowing whether they would ever see home again. On the 5th ofjune 19114, the view here on southsea common was very different. This was not green and open land but a sea of uniforms. An ocean of men. Together they waited, to cross the channel. 75 years later, we are honoured to bejoined by over 300 veterans of operation overlord. They bravely risked their lives, for our today. Vetera ns, veterans, present arms. And to them, we show our profound appreciation. Applause slope arms. It seemed an impossible task. An invading army had not successfully crossed the English Channel in over 250 years. To triumph, the allies would require the greatest Amphibious Force ever seen. And so they came together. Today, decades on, we stand unified again, with leaders from australia, belgium, canada, the czech republic, denmark, france, greece, luxembourg, the netherlands, new zealand, norway, poland, slovakia and the United States of america. We also stand side by side with the chancellor of germany, our nations long since reconciled and united in pursuit of world peace. A world peace that seemed terrifyingly out of reach just three quarters of a century ago. Music elegy for dunkirk while the trauma of conflict, still haunted a generation a Second World War began. Finally, on may tenth 1940, france too was attacked. Driven back to the port of dunkirk, the British Expeditionary force was overwhelmed and exhausted. Adolf hitler had achieved his objective. Control of mainland europe. An extract from the memoir of violette leduc, a civilian living in paris as france fell. The enemy were advancing, they were gaining ground, everyone else had cleared out. I was scared, i begged my mother to leave. We finally left at half past five one morning, through the silent streets, the silent buildings. It was heart breaking to see the bricks, the stones, the pavements, the churches, the benches, the squares, the bus stops, the curtains and the shutters all abandoned to their solitude, everything induced such pity. Paris was a human ruin. We followed the procession streaming along both sides of the road. Mothers nursing their infants in the ditches, young girls tottering along in heels, soldiers singing as they were driven past in trucks, mountains perched on the top of cars and one man making his solitary way with a mattress on his back. Suburbanites hung out of their windows to watch us pass, our misfortune had become a funeral cortege. Winston churchill we shall go on to the end, we shall fight in france, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills we shall never surrender. The United Kingdom became the centre of the free world as exiled european governments took refuge here. From crisis unity grew. But concerns for the soviet union were mounting. Combat on the Eastern Front was ferocious and Stalins Red Army vulnerable. So, a raid was planned on the german occupied port of dieppe. The canadians were to provide the majority of the personnel. And they would bear the deepest wound. As for the 6,000 men who fought, 4,000 were captured, wounded or killed. The prime of canada. The Prime Minister. He speaks french. This is the citation of Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Merritt Victoria Cross the First Canadian to be awarded a Victoria Cross in world war two. From the point of landing, his units advance had to be made across a bridge in pourville which was swept by very heavy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire the first parties were mostly destroyed and the bridge thickly covered by their bodies. A daring lead was required. Waving his helmet, Lieutenant Colonel merritt rushed forward shouting, come on over theres nothing to worry about here. he thus personally led the survivors of at least four parties in turn across the bridge. Quickly organising these, he led them forward. And when held by enemy pill boxes he again headed rushes which succeeded in clearing them. After several of his runners became casualties, he himself kept contact with his different positions. Although twice wounded, Lieutenant Colonel merritt continued to direct the units operations with great vigour and determination. He then coolly gave orders for the departure and announced his intention to hold off and get even with the enemy. When last seen he was collecting bren and tommy guns and preparing a defensive position which successfully covered the withdrawal from the beach. Lieutenant colonel merritt is now reported to be a prisoner of war. Lessons were learned from the raid on dieppe. Lord louis mountbatten claimed that for every soldier who died there, ten were saved on d day. In the wake of dieppe the vast and sandy beaches of northern france were now the target for landing. One thing had become startlingly clear. To triumph, all nations, all services, everyone, must Work Together. In 1943, the allied leaders met for the first time in tehran. It was a summit of great significance, not only because the timing of d day was discussed, but also, together, they pledged to form a common policy for world peace. We express our determination that our nations shall Work Together in war and in the peace that will follow. And as to peace we are sure that our concord will win an enduring peace. We recognise fully the supreme responsibility resting upon us and all the United Nations to make a peace which will command the goodwill of the overwhelming mass of the peoples of the world and banish the scourge and terror of war for many generations. We have surveyed the problems of the future, we shall seek the cooperation and active participation of all nations, large and small, whose peoples in heart and mind are dedicated, as are our own peoples, to the elimination of tyranny and slavery, oppression and intolerance. We will welcome them, as they may choose to come, into a world family of democratic nations. We look with confidence to the day when all peoples of the world may live free lives, untouched by tyranny, and according to their varying desires and their own consciences. We came here with hope and determination. We leave here, friends, in fact, in spirit and in purpose. Music when the lights go on again when the lights go on again all over the world and the boys are home again all over the world and rain or snow is all that may fall from the skies above a kiss wont mean goodbye but hello to love then well have time for things like wedding rings and free hearts will sing when the lights go on again all over the world when the lights go on again all over the world and the boys are home again all over the world then well have time for things like wedding rings and free hearts will sing when the lights go on again all over the world applause in 1942 support and resources arrived on a staggering scale, when from across the pond, the american contingent rallied. Over one and a half million men left the usa, bidding farewell to life as they knew it to coffee, to baseball, and to loved ones. With photographs folded in pockets, they travelled half way across the world to join the pursuit of freedom. During a radio message, president roosevelt led the nation in a prayer that will be forever remembered by the american people. The president applause the president of the United States. Applause almighty god our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavour, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion, and our civilisation, and to set free a suffering humanity. They will need thy blessings. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces but we shall return again and again; and we know that by thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. Some will never return. Embrace these, father, and receive them, thy heroic servants, into thy kingdom. And, 0 lord, give us faith. Give us faith in thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Thy will be done, almighty god. Amen. A letter home from private arthur pranger, 6th may 1944. Dear mom, well, here i am somewhere in england, we were put in private homes in this town. The people will do anything to help you and make you comfortable. They wont have us clean up the room in the morning. They clean it for us. They sure go for tea in a big way. Every time i turn around, somebody is always shoving a cup of tea in my fist. People even stop us on the street and invite us for tea and cake. The kids are always asking for chewing gum and candy. Everything is rationed. Theres hardly any automobiles and everybody rides a bicycle. They told us all about the bombings and this place has been hit quite a few times. There havent been any bombings for quite a while. They watch the movies all americans watch and they like bing crosby too. They hardly have any heat or hot water and it sure gets cold here. They sure are surprised when we tell them everything we get in the states. Well, thats all for now, but ill write again soon. Your son, private arthur pranger, 86th chemical mortar battalion. He was a famous trumpet man from out chicago way he had a boogie style that no one else could play he was the top man at his craft but then his number came up and he was gone with the draft hes in the army now, a blowin reveille hes the boogie woogie bugle boy of company b and when he plays boogie woogie bugle he was buzy as a bzzz bee and when he plays he makes the company jump eight to the bar hes the boogie woogie bugle boy of company b a a a and the companyjumps when he plays reveille hes the boogie woogie bugle boy of company b he puts the boys asleep with boogie every night and wakes em up the same way in the early bright they clap their hands and stamp their feet because they know how he plays when someone gives him a beat he really breaks it up when he plays reveille hes the boogie woogie bugle boy of company b and when he plays boogie woogie bugle he was buzy as a bzzz bee and when he plays he makes the company jump eight to the bar a a a and the companyjumps when he plays reveille hes the boogie woogie bugle boy of company b with the beaches of normandy decided upon, the Largest Military intelligence, sabotage and deception operation in history began. The aim to discover everything about what the invasion force would encounter, whilst concealing the intended target. Out of the several hundred agents working behind enemy lines, many were recruited from my corps the first aid nursing yeomanry. The enemy simply did not expect allied spies to be women. After meticulous selection, these brave women were dropped into europe where they began their perilous work. We stand here today honoured to pay tribute to the incredible men and women of the Intelligence Services and special operations executive. One of the these remarkable agents was Yvonne Cormeau who, against all the odds, survived 13 months and two days entrenched in occupied france. This is her story. After my husband was killed in november 1940, ijoined the waaf. I told them i spoke german, spanish and french. This filtered through the ministry, and suddenly i was being interrogated to assess my suitability for the soe. I joined them in 1943. After extensive training i was parachuted into france. We were greeted by five men from the resistance. Over the next year i hid in villages, and was shot at by the gestapo. But that was nothing compared to this, our closest run in. While travelling south, we came face to face with a german personnel carrier. They told us to get out the car and put us in a ditch. Two soldiers held pistols to our backs. The soldier in charge was on his radio asking what he should do with us. My perspiration was coming down, the flies were sticking to it. I couldnt move, they wouldve shot us. Then the crackle came again on his radio. He told us to get in the car. But before we could leave he stopped us, asking what was in the case on our back seat. It was my radio set. I opened it, and said a german word that meant both radio and x ray. Luckily, i was carrying a district nurse card, so he assumed it was the latter, and let us go. We got out, very fast. In this war of loud and overwhelming might, the quietness of collective knowledge was key. The Intelligence Services, together with resistance movements from across europe, carried the weight of this task. Working closely, they gathered valuable information for the allies. But it was the intelligence and skilfully managed sabotage missions of the french resistance, that proved absolutely critical to d days success. This is the last letter of a young resistance fighter henri fertet, executed atjust 16 years old, on the 25th september 1943. The president of the french republic. Applause music orchestral underscore based on le chant des partisans. Music le chant des partisans he sings in french montez de la mine, descendez des collines, camarades sortez de la paille, les fusils, la mitraille, les grenades ohe franc tireurs a la balle et au couteau, tuez vite ohe saboteur, attention a tonne fardeau dynamite cest nous qui brisons les barreaux des prisons pour nos freres ohe saboteur, attention a tonne fardeau dynamite ohe saboteur, attention a tonne fardeau dynamite cest nous qui brisons les barreaux des prisons pour nos freres la haine a nos trousses et la faim qui nous pousse, la misere il est des pays ou les gens au creux des lits font des reves ici nous vois tu, nous on marche, nous on tue, nous on creve ici chacun cest ce quil veut, ce quil fait quand il passe ami, si tu tombes, un ami sort de lombre a ta place demain du sang noir sechera au grand soleil sur les routes sifflez compagnons, dans la nuit la liberte nous ecoute. Ami. Applause technology has always played a decisive part in warfare, but never before has so much technical and Engineering Energy been applied to a single days fighting. The marvellous range of technology that helped to make the landings succeed and ensured that over two million men and half a million vehicles could be landed in the ensuing months included amphibious and mine clearing tanks, mulberry harbours, gliders, undersea pipelines, self heating soup cans, air portable motor bikes all reflected british ingenuity and innovation at its best. A host of civilian scientists, mathematicians and engineers saw their ideas transformed into reality by the very best of british industry, working round the clock to deliver what was needed for the front line. Above all d day was a truly national and Multi National endeavour. Supremacy means power, power to strike at the enemy where he is most vulnerable, the basis of that power is simply production. The british workers gave of their best, Winston Churchill promised and that promise was kept to the letter. British factories are turning out some of the heaviest bombers in the world, as the germans noted customer. Britain taken the offences and the long struggle for air supremacy is proof. We were building Great Harbour units in england, two of them across the sea and set them down during the battle of the normandy coast. Over 30,000 men were at work on a strange monstrous structures of which they could not move. 0. 5 Million Tonnes went to the building of these. These are they women, typical of thousands, who keep the family life going at the same time as working. These machines finish the inside of the gun barrel, they like a good sendoff. By the end of the ship, the thing piled up. Raw material was turned into components, subassemblies and the finished gun. Civilian alan atkins memories of the build up of soldiers and equipment on the south coast, june 1944. My father was very excited. Its on, rose, he kept saying, were going for sure. This is history in the making. At the top of our road we could hear a roaring sound. There were lots of people going the same way as us, many carrying little flags on sticks. Everybody was talking. Some spoke to my mother. Good news mrs. Were going. Yes my mother replied. It would seem so. I hope its notjust an exercise though not this time, missus, another man said. The docks are full of boats, three and four deep at each berth. Its on for sure. The roaring was louder now, we realised what was causing it, as two lines of trucks thundered past us, towards the docks. Some carried piles of boxes and crates, but most had soldiers, standing up, waving and smiling at us. A letterfrom captain n w g skinner, Royal Army Service corps to his wife, written two days before setting sail for normandy. 3rd june 1944. My darling, this is a very difficult letter for me to write. As you know something may happen at any moment and i cannot tell when you will receive this. I had hoped to be able to see you during last weekend but it was impossible to get away and all the things i intended to say must be written. Im sure that anyone with imagination must dislike the thought of whats coming, but my fears will be more of being afraid than of what can happen to me. You and i have had some lovely years which now seemed to have passed at lightning speed. My thoughts at this moment, in this lovely saturday afternoon, are with you all now. I can imagine you in the garden having tea with janey and anne getting ready to put them to bed. Although i would give anything to be back with you, i have not yet had any wish at all to back down from the job we have to do. There is so much that i would like to be able to tell you. Nearly all of which youve heard many, many times. But just to say that i mean it even more today. Im sure that i will be with you again soon and for good. Please give my fondest love to my anne and myjaney. God bless and keep you all safe for me. Dear mrs skinner, it is with the upmost difficulty that i write to offer you my most profound sympathies on the untimely death of your husband. All the time he had been under my command, he had done a grand job of work. Should there be any matters of which i could be of assistance, please do not hesitate to let me know. Yours very sincerely. 75 years ago today, just a stones throw away from here general eisenhower was in southwick house. While tactics were in order, and strategy was managed, there was one factor he simply could not command. The british weather. For a successful invasion to take place, calm weather conditions were essential. Despite diligent attention and meticulous planning, this operation now relied entirely on the unreliable. In these final stages, there was one man whose guiding hand remained steady. General eisenhowers chief meteorological officer, Group Captain james stagg. Pressure the west end play written by david haig, brings this remarkable and significant story, to life. Gentlemen, one feature has changed substantially since the last chart. The long north eastward extension of the azores anti cyclone has withdrawn from ireland and been forced south into the bay of biscay. We can no longer rely on this ridge of High Pressure to offer any protection whatsoever to the English Channel on 5thjune. Obviously, i havent conferred with colonel krick yet, but i imagine he would agree. No, iwould not. On what grounds . If you look at the charts on june 1923, you will see a similar, temporary weakening of the High Pressure over the azores. Within 24 hours, it had reinforced itself and pushed north eastward again. Not so in 1907, not so in 1915. You pick 1923 because it suits your purpose. Are you implying dr stagg that colonel krick is distorting the truth to persuade us . Not distorting the truth, no. I trust the colonels integrity totally. I trust his record, which is second to none. Gentleman, many of my men owe their lives to the accuracy of colonel kricks forecast. This chart is exactly what i expected. I maintain my prediction of calm, sunny weather for monday. Your prediction, dr stagg . Force seven winds, low cloud, waves of ten to 12 foot, possible 15. Are you aware of the consequences of postponing, even for as little as 24 hours . I think i am, sir. Essentially, i would be cancelling d day. The only other alternative this year, june 19th, is fraught with danger. No full moon, and more importantly between the 5th and the 19th we would need to disembark 300,000 men who have been fully briefed. With the best will in the world, preserving the secret of d day would be impossible. Thousands of ships returning to harbour in stormy seas, corrosive uncertainty, demoralised men cooped up like animals on the way to the slaughter house. Any hold up could be lethal we cannot delay unless we absolutely have too. Sir. I cant offer you certainty. I have always said that long term forecasting is a gamble. What i do offer is 25 years of observing british weather. Despite every risk youve identified, instinct and experience tell me that the landings should be postponed. I am now confident that the storm l6 will pass through the English Channel on monday morning. It is a storm of unprecedented malignity for the time of year. I anticipate Storm Force Winds throughout the day. 0k, 0k. Assuming for a moment we trust dr staggs prognosis force seven winds, low cloud, considerable swell what are the worst conditions we can tolerate . Bertie . Anything above force five and the Landing Craft will capsize. Waves of four to six feet would be dangerous but tolerable. Anything over six feet impossible. If staggs forecast is right the subsequent swell must not exceed seven feet. My other concern is deterioration in the weather on tuesday or wednesday, which would leave a quarter of a million men stranded on the beaches with no possibility of landing more troops and equipment as back up. Trafford . How complete would the cloud cover be on monday morning . 1010ths. 0 to 500 feet. Fog . Extremely likely. Absolutely impossible. My bombers wont be able to see their targets, so no guaranteed covers for the landings. Inaccurate bombing will put the lives of thousands of french civilians at risk. Under no circumstances could i support invasion in the conditions described by dr stagg. It would be a catastrophe. Tooey . Everything trafford says is true, and if base is as low a zero, youre gonna get mid air collisions lose a lot of aircraft, lose a lot of lives. But if we get ashore, the war is over, may take a while, but its over. Could argue that any sacrifice on monday is justifiable. Thank you, gentlemen. Lam inclined. To believe. To put my faith in. Dr staggs forecast. And in that case i have no choice but to postpone overlord by at least 24 hrs. Are there any dissentient votes. No. Spaatz . they wait for spaatzs spaatz . No. So be it. D day will be postponed. The memories of a royal naval electrician rg watts as he left southampton for normandy in june 1944. The troop Landing Craft was packed to full capacity. There was no cover for the army, just standing or sitting exposed to the elements. The weather conditions were atrocious. A force 8 gale was blowing. The craft, built with a flat bottom hull, was tossed about in all directions. By this time, i estimate that 90 of the soldiers were extremely sea sick, just holding on to anything to hand. All that training for fitness, but now old Mother Nature was laughing at us. The stench of diesel oil and vomit all over the deck became a situation one would not forget in a hurry. Experiencing these conditions right through a very dark night, being tossed about in such a rough sea, caused us to reach a state of exhaustion. Our eyes felt as heavy as lead. An extract of the memoir of private franz gockels of the 352nd Division German army as he guarded the normandy coast. During the evening hours on the 5th ofjune, like so often before, a debate raged in the bunker over the possibility of invasion. The opinions were varied, and with heated argument one group was convinced that the english or americans would never attempt to land here. I stood at my sentry post. Like so often before, the duty seemed to last an eternity. Finally, i was relieved, and i trotted to the bunker to try to get a few hours rest before i had to be awakened again. At the bunker stood a comrade who had alsojust been relieved at his post and was reporting to the sergeant of the watch over the radio. I said to him, i hope that we dont have more of those damned exercise alerts tonight, as we so often had in the past, and i disappeared into the bunker deep under the ground. Quickly, the overcoat and boots were pulled off and i dove into my bunk. Relieved. You wanted to see me . A development, sir. Out of the ordinary. Yeah . How long to turn the invasion force round again . Have you seen the weather . The storm east of newfoundland is slowing down. Enough to provide a window. A gap. A period of calmer weather on the morning of tuesday 6th. Certain . Never certain. 23 Landing Craft capsized today returning to port. Men drowned. Soldiers trapped in their cabins. Seasick. Terrified. Aye. Is tuesday possible, sir . Possible, but extremely risky. Information im receiving points to a gap long enough to launch the invasion on tuesday morning. Proof . The next chart. Five hours. Too late. I have to issue orders within an hour. Are you telling me to go . A calmer spell of weather will arrive tomorrow night. If you look at the chart. I dont wanna look at the chart. I want you to look me in the eye. Tell me the weathers gonna be good on tuesday morning. Good enough, sir. Then im prepared to take the risk. Im very confident. Ive seen this happen before. Very confident. You know theres a goddam hurricane blowing out there . Well its not a hurricane. Its a helluva storm. Irving . Tuesday morning may be possible sir. Christ on the mountain, my weathermen agree good enough for the bombers . Yes sir. Cloud cover . Very little. 12 105. Clear skies . Yes sir. Ok goddamit good work gentlemen, thank you. General eisenhowers order of the day delivered to the troops, june 5th1944. Soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the allied Expeditionary Force you are about to embark upon the great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave allies and brothers in arms on other fronts you will bring about the destruction of the german war machine, the elimination of nazi tyranny over oppressed peoples of europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle hardened. He will fight savagely the tide has turned. The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck and let us all beseech the blessing of almighty god upon this great and noble undertaking. Applause when the ist special Service Commandos arrived in normandy on d day, the commander of the brigade lord lovat brought his personal piper with him. Bill millin. This is his account. Ijumped off the ramp as quickly as possible holding the bagpipes above my head, and landed in the water up to my waist. I felt myself falling backwards due to the weight of my rucksack. Luckily, someone pulled me upright and i struggled through the water. There was a lot of noise, the sound of automatic fire and what appeared to be mortar shells bursting on the beach away to the right. I placed the bagpipes on my shoulder, blew them up, and started to play highland laddie as i waded the few yards to the beach. Lovat turned his head towards me when he heard the pipes. He looked at me for a moment, appeared to smile, then continued on his way. Music highland laddie. The memories of private tom duncan of the gordon highlanders regiment as he landed on sword beach. I shall never forget hearing the skirl of bill millins pipes. It is hard to describe the impact it had. It gave us a great lift and increased our determination. As well as the pride we felt, it reminded us of home and why we were there fighting for our lives and those of our loved ones. Joining us today is 99 year old portsmouth born and bred d day veteran john jenkins mbe. I was 12 years old when i landed, sorry, 23 years old i was terrified, i think everyone was. You dont show it, but it is there. I look back on it is a big part of my life, it changed me in a way. But i wasjust a small life, it changed me in a way. But i was just a small part of a very big machine. I was just a small part of a very big machine. Lam honoured was just a small part of a very big machine. I am honoured to be stood here today in front of so many other veterans. You never forget your comrades because we were all in it together. It is right that the courage and sacrifice of so many is being honoured 75 years on. We must never forget. Thank you. Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. When i attended the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the d day landings, some thought it might be the last such event. But the wartime generation, my generation, is resilient, and i am delighted to be with you in portsmouth today. 75 yea rs with you in portsmouth today. 75 years ago, hundreds of thousands of young soldiers, sailors and airmen left these shores in the cause of freedom. In a broadcast to the nation at that time, my father, King George Vi, said, what is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance. We need a revival of spirit, a you unconquerable resolve. That is exactly what those brave men brought to the battle, as the fate of the world depended on their success. Many of them would never return and the heroism, courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten. It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country, indeed the whole three world macro the whole free world, that i say to you all, thank you. Applause well meet again, dont know where, dont know when but i know well meet again some sunny day keep smiling through, just like you always do so will you please say hello, to the folks that i know tell them i wont be long theyll be happy to know, that as you saw me go i was singing this song well meet again, dont know where, dont know when but i know well meet again some sunny day well meet again, dont know where, dont know when but i know well meet again some sunny day applause the applause, and on cue we have the d Day Anniversary fly past, and we have had the iconic spitfire and hurricane, and the helicopter segment as well. We are now into the third element. These are c130, the transport aircraft. The dakotas were the workers, eisenhower said they we re the workers, eisenhower said they were the difference between the ability to transport things. The c130 ability to transport things. The c 130 were the descendants of those. We have had the royal salute from the water, and we have the iconic spitfire within the event area itself. With that special dday markings. Now, the sentinel. An incredible asset. Ground surveillance aircraft. You can see what is going on in the ground, you can control the battle space. We are looking down to the biggest aircraft Royal Air Force operates, which looking down to the biggest aircraft Royal Airforce operates, which is the voyager. It is so versatile, you can put seats on their and transport trips, but you can also rip everything out and put fuel in there. It is thundering through the grey skies above southsea common, where they d day commemorative event is taking place. Under frigate down below as well. You can see the aircraft coming in, reminding us of the tri service nature of the d day invasion. These are hawks, still used in training, used to simulate attacks particularly here, they are getting on a bit but still a vital pa rt getting on a bit but still a vital part of the rafs repertoire. Passing over the stage area and hundreds of people in the audience, of course, all members of the armed forces are keeping an eye on the flight forces are keeping an eye on the flight last red fly past. Forces are keeping an eye on the flight last red flypast. This is the typhoons, interceptor aircraft, shooting down aircraft that make incursions, and very little of that happened in d day. They played a huge role of breaking up the attacks. Here are the red arrows. Lets enjoy this. Magnificent. Red, white and blue above the d day commemorative event, 75 years since d day happened. The actual invasion is 75 years tomorrow. We are on the eve of that here in portsmouth today. The red arrows were flying remarkably low. All of the pilots have seen operational service, they are all raf pilots who see the aircraft does who fly the aircraft spreading the reputation all over the world. Music pomp and circumstance god, who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet, applause to the strains of land of hope and glory, her majesty the queen is leaving, and she will meet a group of vetera ns leaving, and she will meet a group of veterans after the event, while they are enjoying a spot of lunch. They will have the honour of meeting the queen on this very special day for them, and we have the group of the other World Leaders, the allied nations, still in the royal box, including President Trump, who is now leaving with the first lady, melania, we have representatives of germany, norway and poland as well, and we have the french president as we saw earlier, and the Prime Minister of luxembourg and netherlands as well. That contingent are now moving away, but a few of them will be meeting some of the vetera ns them will be meeting some of the veterans after the event itself. With me in the studio, dan and claire, andjj with me in the studio, dan and claire, and jj as well. That was an event that was reflected traditions, lots of individual histories, it was very emotional at times. The music was of the highest quality, so we will mark that is a success. Was of the highest quality, so we will mark that is a successlj was of the highest quality, so we will mark that is a success. I think so, will mark that is a success. I think so, yes it has the hugh seal of approval. Absolutely marvellous. I felt the clean spoke personally, and for me it is all about the veterans. Lets not forget those who did not return as well. Some of whom are remembered in portsmouth, with plaques as near as possible to their homes. It is about the diversity of those, the nations represented, and those, the nations represented, and those behind the scenes and on the front line. It is good to have that focus, and as i said at the start of the programme, to all of those at home, there will be many veterans, families at home who have known people who have played an important pa rt people who have played an important part orany people who have played an important part or any contribution on d day. So, it is notjust those gathered here, there is a big gathering of people watching at home, and the tributes are not just people watching at home, and the tributes are notjust for people here, they are also for you. And thatis here, they are also for you. And that is an important message. Absolutely. This is an important day, we have to market. I think about veterans of my generation and ultimately these are our forefathers and we have to fill their shoes, to try to live up to them. The time you spendin try to live up to them. The time you spend in the armed forces, my time in the royal marines, as a commander, you are a custodian of the brand. Yes, i still wear my blazer and watch, but we are trying to live up to the standards that these incredible men have set. On these incredible men have set. On the theme of the veterans. When they come face to face with her majesty inafew come face to face with her majesty in a few minutes, their elderly gentleman now, what will that mean to them . I thought that was so lovely that her majesty the queen said, it is my generation, first and foremost. She was also a veteran, she had service during the First World War the Second World War. The clean is everything to us. We need to say thank you to those who took part in the event today, let us join my colleague whos backstage with one of those who took part. Thank you, i am joined by sheridan smith, who performed. It was incredible. It was such an honour, a real honour that i got to sing with them. I was so nervous, i am still shaking. On the stage, singing the song,it shaking. On the stage, singing the song, it was so emotional for so many people in the audience. Yes, and everyone singing back. Everything they went through, and those classic war songs, to see them singing along. I have met some incredible people today, so humbled and honoured to be here. It is quite emotional. Some of the stories have been fascinating. What have you taken from today . What has resonated with you . That we all stick together. Being out there singing that we will keep smiling through, such camaraderie. Im getting emotional. Everyone is here together and we all pull together in times of need. It is an incredible experience, i have goose bumps. Thank you so much for helping make this day so special. It has been amazing watching you. We were just chatting, just listening to sheridan and thinking about the message that her majesty the queen gave earlier, and we were reflecting on the message that she delivered in 2004, which was remarkably similar today. Very personal, on behalf of my generation, but a personal word of thanks for this generation of people, which struck a note that many will have found moving. People, which struck a note that many will have found movingm people, which struck a note that many will have found moving. It is also her talking about her father, george vi. They dont talk about Winston Churchill much, well think about him, but he was pretty unpopular before the war, and would go on to lose an election. They respected him, but for them, go on to lose an election. They respected him, but forthem, King George Vi was the figurehead. Reference because the queen has gone out of her way to remind people he was a figure of immense reassurance for millions during the war, not just the way he and the family stayed in london and conducted themselves. The fact the queen wants to remind people of that because clearly he is a figure she holds an enormous respect and admiration and it was interesting, the tone. The quotes she used, talking about her father making the speech about the need for a revival of spirit. Things that perhaps a message he wants to get out now on the back of the state banquet speech and the union of nations and keeping together and staying together. It was lovely when she spoke about my generation, the wartime generation, having resilience. People not expecting to see so many veterans resilience. People not expecting to see so many veterans ten years on when we last saw her playing paying tribute in france. This is a nice image, young and old together. Really respecting and admiring the values of this generation and trying to uphold them. They have been enjoying the event. A lot of them making their way to the tea that has been laid on. I saw some of them singing along. They were enjoying the tunes. Even you, you admitted some of them were not half bad, even you admitted that as a singing snob. I have never been called that. We have standards. I said today was great, ok . That is the welsh seal of approval. When we see the queen beating veterans. Again, would it be reading too much into the remarks to say the queen is fully aware of every word she writes and how it will be interpreted, so everything she has said today in this week, she knows how it will be interpreted by the veterans and the media, and her meeting the veterans today will be hugely significant. Tomorrow the prince of wales will go on to normandy, joining the commemorations over there. That was a short speech from the queen, but very poignant and pointed one. It packed a punch. What did we make of the contribution of other leaders here . I thought that barack of other leaders here . I thought that ba rack obama of other leaders here . I thought that barack obama three struck note. President macron. It has gone very well from a uk perspective, donald trump was tweeting this morning that he couldnt have had a warmer welcome from the queen, and he has been at the churchill warm war rooms. From the queen, and he has been at the churchill warm war rooms. We have seen the clean is now in attendance, and President Trump congratulating those who have taken part. Very interesting Cross Section of vetera ns, very interesting Cross Section of veterans, for example douglas thorne, who served in a Landing Craft. They had to go back in, they knew how bad it was, i sometimes think some of the bravest men on d day. Then we have people laying giants amount of flammable material. The prince of wales enjoying a pretty lively conversation with the vetera ns, pretty lively conversation with the veterans, asking lots of questions, and knowing the prince, very interested in the answers. Always asking questions. It feels like they think it is one of the most important thing they do, having observed them from afar, it feels like it goes in their diary, number one. He would be taking all of this with him to france tomorrow, where he will attend a service in value bayeau. Tomorrow is the anniversary of d day. Bayeau. Tomorrow is the anniversary of dday. The ships would have been steaming out behind us, the biggest fleet ever assembled. We also have jack smith, he met King George Vi before d day, and he has never met her majesty the queen, but will meet her now. What an extraordinary thing. Now that we see the clean sort of face to face with some of the veterans, it is a lovely site. That is the impact i was talking about earlier in the type of impact it will make on these elderly gentleman. It is fantastic, ultimately for those who served, she is the boss, so, as dan was saying earlier, we really do herald her. For the veterans, these are the most extraordinary alive today, but all generations are pretty much cut from the same cloth. You were talking about prince charles, he was the first memberof about prince charles, he was the first member of the royal family to visit me in hospital. Very interested in all we had endured and gone through, and the first man to say thank you for our service. So, the protocol here is that the queen will meet a selection of veterans, each of them with a particular story to tell, and each of them representing different parts of the armed forces. I think this is joan butterfield, who was a wren, and she was on a submarine on the 6th of june, on d day, when the signal came through, and she was the first person to receive the signal and tell everyone else. They will be able to share their experience of two women serving in the Second World War, the clean and veterans is meeting. She is very animated and what she is explaining. I wonder if the question was, what were you doing 75 years ago . So we think that isjoan doing 75 years ago . So we think that is joan burfield, one doing 75 years ago . So we think that isjoan burfield, one of the six vetera ns isjoan burfield, one of the six veterans who have been selected to meet her majesty. Among them we also have. Edward cordaray, who had seven siblings serving. He was aboard hms belfast. It was murder in london, and served on d day and fired on german positions and straddled german gunfire. This could be him now, and following him we have thomas walling. Part of this huge logistical effort, back and forth across the channel from southampton to juno forth across the channel from southampton tojuno beach, several trips across the channel. He had lied about his age. He was a young teenager when he performed. That is the remarkable thing. We can see the queen, to remind ourselves, she was 13 when the Second World War broke out in 1939. She is already in a position to have formed a clear view of what was going on, to be totally aware of the predicament the country was in, and as we mentioned earlier, the role her father fulfilled. And her father was at the battle of jutland, they were able to put him on the front line. She is the daughter of a person who saw the war up daughter of a person who saw the war up close, and the mother and wife of people as well. The us president , donald trump, and the first lady, melania, meeting some of the vetera ns. Melania, meeting some of the veterans. And he is meeting with john burfield. She works as a coder in the wrens. On a submarine on d day herself when the signal came through. That must be quite a story to tell the president. Many of these people are going back to normandy, and i am struck by one of them, thomas walling, he hasnt been back since. There will still be first moments and emotional moments as men like thomas go back for the first time. What would that be like . There were 255 veterans on the vessel which is sailing from portsmouth this evening and will be in normandy tomorrow. That is a remarkable experience for
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