# don't know where, don't know when # but i know we'll meet again some sunny day # we'll meet again # don't know where, don't know when # but i know we'll meet again some sunny day # keep smiling through # just like you always do # till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away # so will you please say hello to the folks that i know # tell them i won't be long # they'll be happy to know that as you saw me go # i was singing this song # we'll meet again # don't know where, don't know when # but i know we'll meet again # some sunny day. # applause by the time the sun had set on d—day, thousands of allied lives had been lost. the normandy campaign would claim tens of thousands more in the weeks to come. a generation of brothers, fathers and sons who never made the journey home. but their sacrifice was not in vain. the course of the second world war had been altered. the fight for democracy would soon be won. across the ports of southern england, as nightfall fell, some stopped to pray. a monumental operation's eve was 80 years ago today. they watched and waited for their window, calculated tides and tempestuous weather. and as normandy slept, the stage was set for a day that would change the world forever. the paratroopers prepared for their perilous passage. the royal air force soared toward enemy lines. and a naval fleet, of a scale unrivalled, traversed a channel chocked with mines. and soldiers, most barely in their 20s, armed with fortitude so few acquire, faced with a fate we just can't fathom, each charged head first into that fire. for a second, contemplate that courage, that sacrifice, so void of self to give your life to foster freedom for the benefit of someone else. when the longest day was finally finished, and they'd seized a foothold on that ground, because of all who bravely bore that burden, the atlantic wall came crashing down. that's why we dwell on d—day decades later, why we mark such days from history, why we honour those who were dealt that duty and protect their lasting legacy. why we gather together to give recognition, it's a promise, a vow that we'll not cease to show gratitude for the lives and the future they fought for in a safety and freedom that they'll never know. it's why we teach each fresh new generation to stay connected in one common way. and as long as their stories are never forgotten, we'll remember the people who gave us today. applause joined by his son—in—law keith and great granddaughters annabeland imogen, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome to the stage, d—day veteran eric bateman. applause i served on hms erebus. if there is anybody here that did so please get in touch with me. we were with the american fleet on the way to utah beach where there were ships as far as you could see. you could almost walk across the channel. i'm lucky to be here 80 years later with two of my great—grandchildren. so many men and women, including my dearfriend fred whojoined up with me but unfortunately never made it. i'm proud to be here today to honour them and to make sure they will always be remembered. thank you. applause we want to thank our great—grandfather and all of the veterans of d—day and the normandy landings. without them we would not - have the freedom we enjoy today. both: we will never forget, thank you. i applause # i may not always love you # but long as there are stars above you # you never need to doubt it # i'll make you so sure about it # god only knows what i'd be without you # if you should ever leave me # 0h, life would still go on, believe me # the world could show nothing to me # so what good would livin' do me? # god only knows what i'd be without you # without you # ah—ah, ah—ah # god only knows what i'd be without you # if you should ever leave me # 0h, life would still go on, believe me # the world could show nothing to me # so what good would livin' do me? # god only knows what i'd be without you # god only knows what i'd be without you # without you. # cheering applause # god save our gracious king # god save our gracious king # long live our noble king # long live our noble king # god save our king # god save our king # sent him victorious # sent him victorious # happy and glorious. # long to reign over us # god save the king.# applause gun salute applause military commands. by by the left, quick march. jet engines roar. well, it has been a moving, poignant and at times joyful event that we've witnessed here in portsmouth this morning. a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many. but their legacy lives on through the family members who continue to share their story and school children who learn about their history. the royal party id prime minister are preparing to meet some of veterans gathered at southsea common today, andy guard of honour has marched past behind me. —— and the guard of honour. dan snow and clare mulley throughout the event. what were your highlights? the kina's what were your highlights? tie: king's speech was absolutely wonderful. i love the way he commented about both men and women and spoke about all nations and all faiths and none, hindu, muslims and sikhs, it reflected on his character and on the's event. he sikhs, it reflected on his character and on the's event.— sikhs, it reflected on his character and on the's event. he made a point of talkin: and on the's event. he made a point of talking about _ and on the's event. he made a point of talking about the _ and on the's event. he made a point of talking about the commonwealth | of talking about the commonwealth which shows that sort of king he is. ijoins the dots to where we are today. i joins the dots to where we are toda . ~ , ,., , i joins the dots to where we are ijoins the dots to where we are today. absolutely, and so much of toda , so today. absolutely, and so much of today. so much — today. absolutely, and so much of today, so much of— today. absolutely, and so much of today, so much of the _ today. absolutely, and so much of today, so much of the past - today. absolutely, and so much of today, so much of the past has - today. absolutely, and so much of. today, so much of the past has been reflected _ today, so much of the past has been reflected by what we're doing today, you are _ reflected by what we're doing today, you are right, the commonwealth aspect— you are right, the commonwealth aspect of— you are right, the commonwealth aspect of it and i love seeing at the end — aspect of it and i love seeing at the end a — aspect of it and i love seeing at the end a modern ship hiring its guns _ the end a modern ship hiring its guns. those guns would have fired 80 years ago— guns. those guns would have fired 80 years ago tomorrow morning that vital years ago tomorrow morning that vitat naval— years ago tomorrow morning that vital naval gunfire support trying to saturate the beaches and making it safer _ to saturate the beaches and making it safer for — to saturate the beaches and making it safer for the service menu line. that— it safer for the service menu line. that was— it safer for the service menu line. that was such a poignant moment. the red arrows, _ that was such a poignant moment. the red arrows, all of the elements of 0-day, _ red arrows, all of the elements of 0-day, so — red arrows, all of the elements of d—day, so many elements, it was such a great _ d—day, so many elements, it was such a greatioh _ d—day, so many elements, it was such a greatioh 50 — d-day, so many elements, it was such a treat 'ob. . ., d-day, so many elements, it was such a greatjob-_ a great job. so much to talk about. hiuuhliht a great job. so much to talk about. highlight for _ a great job. so much to talk about. highlight for me — a great job. so much to talk about. highlight for me was _ a great job. so much to talk about. highlight for me was also - a great job. so much to talk about. highlight for me was also the - highlight for me was also the entertainment, the singing, taking us back in time, the veterans' stories stop the letters. the prince of wales read out the letter from bannerman, is a deeply moving and i like the bit when the americans were given an introduction and guide to the british. that was very good. that is all true, written down in little _ that is all true, written down in little handbooks issued to everybody. absolutely brilliant. at times— everybody. absolutely brilliant. at times it _ everybody. absolutely brilliant. at times it is, — everybody. absolutely brilliant. at times it is, to reconcile the british— times it is, to reconcile the british and americans back then but those _ british and americans back then but those letters, as well. the british and americans back then but those letters, as well.— those letters, as well. the letters are like fossils _ those letters, as well. the letters are like fossils of— those letters, as well. the letters are like fossils of emotion, - those letters, as well. the letters are like fossils of emotion, that l are like fossils of emotion, that intangible stuff that disappears. it was important to have that. i liaise was important to have that. i love that way of _ was important to have that. i love that way of explaining _ was important to have that. i love that way of explaining it. - was important to have that. i love that way of explaining it. and - was important to have that. i love that way of explaining it. and we | that way of explaining it. and we understand at that point when you don't know what if you're going to survive, what is most important in your mind? family and loved ones. proceedings in portsmouth are almost drawing to a close. you can hear the music behind me, we are preparing for the veterans to meet the king, or rather, they king to meet the veterans. kirsty young will be in normandy at the bayeux war cemetery, and ahead of the ceremony, she met jenny, whose uncle, norman was buried there.— buried there. welcome to the eaceful buried there. welcome to the peaceful surroundings - buried there. welcome to the peaceful surroundings of - buried there. welcome to the peaceful surroundings of the l buried there. welcome to the - peaceful surroundings of the bayeux cemetery and i am here the niece of norman bottoms who was with the wessex yeomanry, a signal. you never knew norman but he is very important to you, tell me why that is.— to you, tell me why that is. norman was the brother _ to you, tell me why that is. norman was the brother of _ to you, tell me why that is. norman was the brother of my _ to you, tell me why that is. norman was the brother of my mum, - to you, tell me why that is. norman was the brother of my mum, and i have _ was the brother of my mum, and i have always — was the brother of my mum, and i have always known about norman. my mother— have always known about norman. my mother and _ have always known about norman. my mother and grandmother talked about him often _ mother and grandmother talked about him often. he was pivotal in their life. him often. he was pivotal in their life my— him often. he was pivotal in their life. my grandfather died when norman— life. my grandfather died when norman was eight, and my mum was fourand_ norman was eight, and my mum was four and his — norman was eight, and my mum was four and his other sisters were ten, and 12. _ four and his other sisters were ten, and12,and — four and his other sisters were ten, and 12, and norman took on the role of being _ and 12, and norman took on the role of being the — and 12, and norman took on the role of being the man of the house. and he knew— of being the man of the house. and he knew how much his mum worked so hard, _ he knew how much his mum worked so hard. and _ he knew how much his mum worked so hard, and sacrificed, to keep them all together as a family. he realised. _ all together as a family. he realised, from a young age, how much it meant _ realised, from a young age, how much it meant he _ realised, from a young age, how much it meant. he was devoted to his family. — it meant. he was devoted to his family, devoted. they were so important. family, devoted. they were so important-— family, devoted. they were so imortant. . ., ., important. so, he was central to the famil . he important. so, he was central to the family. he himself— important. so, he was central to the family. he himself died _ important. so, he was central to the family. he himself died on _ important. so, he was central to the family. he himself died on d-day, i family. he himself died on d—day, the 6th ofjune, what do you know of the 6th ofjune, what do you know of the circumstances? i the 6th ofjune, what do you know of the circumstances?— the circumstances? i know that he was one of— the circumstances? i know that he was one of the _ the circumstances? i know that he was one of the furthest _ the circumstances? i know that he was one of the furthest forward i the circumstances? i know that he was one of the furthest forward of| was one of the furthest forward of the british— was one of the furthest forward of the british forces, he was what they call a _ the british forces, he was what they call a forward observer, he was with his captain, — call a forward observer, he was with his captain, and apparently they were _ his captain, and apparently they were quite well inland when he was kitted. _ were quite well inland when he was kitted. he _ were quite well inland when he was killed, he was killed by a shell. and i_ killed, he was killed by a shell. and i understand it was instantaneous, his death. he was 'ust 23 instantaneous, his death. he was just 23 when _ instantaneous, his death. he was just 23 when he _ instantaneous, his death. he was just 23 when he died _ instantaneous, his death. he was just 23 when he died and, - instantaneous, his death. he was just 23 when he died and, like - instantaneous, his death. he was just 23 when he died and, like so| just 23 when he died and, like so many of the young men here, there are over 4000 graves here, of course, he had his entire life in front of him, all of his hopes and ambitions is that why is it important for you to come back and acknowledge him and the role that he played? it is acknowledge him and the role that he -la ed? , ., , ., ., ., played? it is not 'ust norman that i come back to — played? it is notjust norman that i come back to honour, _ played? it is notjust norman that i come back to honour, it _ played? it is notjust norman that i come back to honour, it is - played? it is notjust norman that i come back to honour, it is all of. come back to honour, it is all of these _ come back to honour, it is all of these people. because, they gave their lives— these people. because, they gave their lives for our today. and it is so important that, as a family, my grandmother, she never came to her son's— grandmother, she never came to her son's grave — grandmother, she never came to her son's grave. she grandmother, she never came to her son's grave-— grandmother, she never came to her son's grave-_ we - grandmother, she never came to her son's grave._ we put - grandmother, she never came to her son's grave._ we put my l son's grave. she didn't. we put my mother in 1991 _ son's grave. she didn't. we put my mother in 1991 for— son's grave. she didn't. we put my mother in 1991 for the _ son's grave. she didn't. we put my mother in 1991 for the first - son's grave. she didn't. we put my mother in 1991 for the first time. i mother in 1991 for the first time. and that — mother in 1991 for the first time. and that was very, very emotional. my mum _ and that was very, very emotional. my mum stood there and she cried. she said _ my mum stood there and she cried. she said that it was like being at his funeral. it was a pleasure. but it was— his funeral. it was a pleasure. but it was in— his funeral. it was a pleasure. but it was in 1991, not 1945 after the war or— it was in 1991, not 1945 after the war or anything like that. norman himself is going _ war or anything like that. norman himself is going to _ war or anything like that. norman himself is going to play _ war or anything like that. norman himself is going to play an - himself is going to play an important role in the commemoration, and he, specifically, is going to be remembered at this evening's commemorations. what does that mean to you personally, and to use a family? it to you personally, and to use a famil ? . . to you personally, and to use a famil ? , ., ., ., ., ., family? it is a great honour, to have him _ family? it is a great honour, to have him remembered - family? it is a great honour, to have him remembered in - family? it is a great honour, to have him remembered in such| family? it is a great honour, to| have him remembered in such a special— have him remembered in such a special way is really, really important. my mum would be so, so proud _ important. my mum would be so, so proud. unfortunately, she can't be here. _ proud. unfortunately, she can't be here. irut— proud. unfortunately, she can't be here. but i— proud. unfortunately, she can't be here, but i am here for her. you are here, but i am here for her. you are here for her— here, but i am here for her. you are here for her and _ here, but i am here for her. you are here for her and for— here, but i am here for her. you are here for her and for all— here, but i am here for her. you are here for her and for all of— here, but i am here for her. you are here for her and for all of the - here for her and for all of the family and we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us. thank you for your time. the time to talk to us. thank you for your time-— the time to talk to us. thank you for your time._ a - the time to talk to us. thank you | for your time._ a stark for your time. thank you. a stark reminder that _ for your time. thank you. a stark reminder that thousands - for your time. thank you. a stark reminder that thousands of - for your time. thank you. a stark i reminder that thousands of families were changed forever due to the tragic events of 80 years ago. you canjoin kirsty on bbc one or iplayer tonight at 8:30pm, where they'll be remembering the brave men who fought on d—day. don't forget that tomorrow morning on the anniversary of d—day itself we'll have coverage from the british normandy memorial at ver—sur—mer, where we're expecting around 40 veterans will be gathered. before then we expect king charles, queen camilla and the prince of wales to meet the veterans here today in portsmouth. some would have been here five years ago for the 75th d—day anniversary. king charles was here on that occasion too with his mother queen elizabeth, where she gave a moving speech. dan, you were also there on that occasion. i was there. one of the most extraordinary days of my career. donald _ extraordinary days of my career. donald trump's helicopter landed over here — donald trump's helicopter landed over here. there were two helicopters so that we would know exactly _ helicopters so that we would know exactly one he was in, then we did this really— exactly one he was in, then we did this really moving commemoration and then the _ this really moving commemoration and then the veterans all got on a big ferry— then the veterans all got on a big ferry over— then the veterans all got on a big ferry over to normandy so that they could _ ferry over to normandy so that they could be _ ferry over to normandy so that they could be there the following day. i was lucky — could be there the following day. i was lucky to be with them. we sat in the bar. _ was lucky to be with them. we sat in the bar. they— was lucky to be with them. we sat in the bar, they were telling stories, one of— the bar, they were telling stories, one of the — the bar, they were telling stories, one of the greatest nights of my life, extraordinary. that one of the greatest nights of my life, extraordinary.— one of the greatest nights of my life, extraordinary. that you have ou have life, extraordinary. that you have you have that _ life, extraordinary. that you have you have that in _ life, extraordinary. that you have you have that in common. - life, extraordinary. that you have you have that in common. it - life, extraordinary. that you have| you have that in common. it must life, extraordinary. that you have - you have that in common. it must be such a privilege, and so humbling, to have heard that testimony first hand, sitting with veterans. it is a real honour _ hand, sitting with veterans. it is a real honour to _ hand, sitting with veterans. it is a real honour to sit _ hand, sitting with veterans. it is a real honour to sit down _ hand, sitting with veterans. it is a real honour to sit down and - hand, sitting with veterans. it is a real honour to sit down and chat | real honour to sit down and chat with him and quite often have a drink. i remember having some port with some of the range that i met. including patricia 0utram. you forget sometimes it is a privilege because they are there chatting to you about memories like your grandparents. they are so humble. go back all got a bit carried away? i5 back all got a bit carried away? is that the secret? she is whip smart, incredible. it must be the secret. she is full of great stories. she told me when she was working in whitehall... taste told me when she was working in whitehall. . .— told me when she was working in whitehall... ~ ., , ., whitehall... we are 'ust looking at -ictures whitehall... we are 'ust looking at pictures now _ whitehall... we are 'ust looking at pictures now of — whitehall... we are 'ust looking at pictures now of his _ whitehall... we are just looking at pictures now of his majesty - whitehall... we are just looking at pictures now of his majesty the i pictures now of his majesty the king, arriving to meet the veterans. what an honour for the veterans but what an honour for the what an honourfor the king. absolutely. he what an honour for the king. absolutely-— what an honour for the king. absolutel . . , ., absolutely. he is very involved with the veterans. _ absolutely. he is very involved with the veterans, away _ absolutely. he is very involved with the veterans, away from _ absolutely. he is very involved with the veterans, away from the - absolutely. he is very involved with i the veterans, away from the cameras. i've the veterans, away from the cameras. we met _ the veterans, away from the cameras. i've met several veterans who have attended _ i've met several veterans who have attended private events with him, he has interceded on their behalf to make _ has interceded on their behalf to make sure — has interceded on their behalf to make sure that they get what they wanted~ _ make sure that they get what they wanted. something he has been very close to _ wanted. something he has been very close to his— wanted. something he has been very close to his heart. completely away from his— close to his heart. completely away from his public role. for decades. so he _ from his public role. for decades. so he is _ from his public role. for decades. so he is not — from his public role. for decades. so he is notjust going through the motions _ so he is notjust going through the motions in— so he is not 'ust going through the motions. ii' so he is not 'ust going through the motions. ::' . ., , , ., so he is not 'ust going through the motions. ::' _, , , ., ' motions. in 2015 he commissioned 12 ortraits of motions. in 2015 he commissioned 12 portraits of d-day — motions. in 2015 he commissioned 12 portraits of d-day veterans _ motions. in 2015 he commissioned 12 portraits of d-day veterans to - portraits of d—day veterans to ensure that an artistic getty remain. ., ., , ., , ., remain. you meet veterans. i was at balmoral the — remain. you meet veterans. i was at balmoral the other _ remain. you meet veterans. i was at balmoral the other day. _ remain. you meet veterans. i was at balmoral the other day. he - remain. you meet veterans. i was at balmoral the other day. he checks i remain. you meet veterans. i was at| balmoral the other day. he checks in on that— balmoral the other day. he checks in on that generation. and balmoral the other day. he checks in on that generation.— on that generation. and he feels personally _ on that generation. and he feels personally connected, _ on that generation. and he feels personally connected, his - on that generation. and he feels | personally connected, his mother served, she was the first royal to work full—time for the military, so there is a family connection. ihtnd there is a family connection. and his grandfather _ there is a family connection. and his grandfather george vi, was grandfather during the war. his grandfather during the war. his grandfather was not supposed to be king _ grandfather was not supposed to be king he _ grandfather was not supposed to be king. he was actually at the battle ofjutland — king. he was actually at the battle ofjutland as the younger son so he knew— ofjutland as the younger son so he knew what — ofjutland as the younger son so he knew what it was to hear the big guns _ knew what it was to hear the big guns firing — knew what it was to hear the big guns firing on battleships and anger. — guns firing on battleships and anger. so— guns firing on battleships and anger, so the family has seen action at stretching back into the past, obviously — at stretching back into the past, obviously kings and princes were always _ obviously kings and princes were always on— obviously kings and princes were always on the battlefield. but i thought — always on the battlefield. but i thought it was really special today, how many— thought it was really special today, how many women were being recognised, the meteorology, the prep work— recognised, the meteorology, the prep work that was being done and some _ prep work that was being done and some women that are on their d—day memorial. _ some women that are on their d—day memorial, dorothy fields and dorothy evershed~ _ memorial, dorothy fields and dorothy evershed. , , , ., evershed. they were nurses at the queen alexandra, _ evershed. they were nurses at the queen alexandra, who _ evershed. they were nurses at the queen alexandra, who went i evershed. they were nurses at the queen alexandra, who went out i evershed. they were nurses at the | queen alexandra, who went out on evershed. they were nurses at the i queen alexandra, who went out on a medical ship, and unfortunately there ship was sunk and it was cut in half when it hit a beach that make it hit a mine onjuno beach, they were great swimmers, they could have got away but they went below deck to save the men, carrying out stretcher cases of men who could not move themselves and not only had to bring them up to the deck but get them over the side and onto lifeboats. them over the side and onto lifeboats— them over the side and onto lifeboats. ,, . , ., , ., , , . lifeboats. such bravery and presence of mind. norman _ lifeboats. such bravery and presence of mind. norman hayward, - lifeboats. such bravery and presence of mind. norman hayward, he i lifeboats. such bravery and presence of mind. norman hayward, he lost i of mind. norman hayward, he lost both legs. — of mind. norman hayward, he lost both legs. and _ of mind. norman hayward, he lost both legs, and the _ of mind. norman hayward, he lost both legs, and the sherwood i of mind. norman hayward, he lost i both legs, and the sherwood rangers, they serve _ both legs, and the sherwood rangers, they serve right through to berlin. with astonishing casualties, they took _ with astonishing casualties, they took it— with astonishing casualties, they took it is— with astonishing casualties, they took. it is great to see roy. this is robert jones _ took. it is great to see roy. this is robert jones is _ took. it is great to see roy. ti 3 is robertjones is speaking to you. he was at sword beach, the british beach— he was at sword beach, the british beach furthest to the east of the d-day_ beach furthest to the east of the d—day landing area, very fierce fighting — d—day landing area, very fierce fighting. there are very few men left from — fighting. there are very few men left from d—day altogether and very few from _ left from d—day altogether and very few from the first wave and he is one of— few from the first wave and he is one of those precious veterans. next he is ttoin one of those precious veterans. next he is going to — one of those precious veterans. next he is going to be _ one of those precious veterans. iiirt he is going to be talking to mr keith whiting. you can see the prince of wales also talking to the veterans. queen camilla just got her palm kissed. how charming! what a moment. we can't fail to recognise the significance of it being the 80th anniversary. this is probably the last major commemorative event. the last event with the veterans with us. it's even more important to capture the stories and pay tribute. as the human coast erodes. tats capture the stories and pay tribute. as the human coast erodes.- as the human coast erodes. as you see we are — as the human coast erodes. as you see we are down _ as the human coast erodes. as you see we are down to _ as the human coast erodes. as you see we are down to a _ as the human coast erodes. as you see we are down to a handful i as the human coast erodes. as you see we are down to a handful of i see we are down to a handful of veterans — see we are down to a handful of veterans now. but it is great that we have — veterans now. but it is great that we have that, as we saw through the film is _ we have that, as we saw through the film is that— we have that, as we saw through the film is that peppered this service, ithought— film is that peppered this service, i thought their memories were undimmed by age and some of them were incredibly moving the way they talked _ were incredibly moving the way they talked about the pride of being involved — talked about the pride of being involved in that day and the memories they have of the beaches themselves, of the friends and they way they— themselves, of the friends and they way they talked about friends who seem _ way they talked about friends who seem so _ way they talked about friends who seem so vivid to them but have been dead these _ seem so vivid to them but have been dead these 80 years because they didnt— dead these 80 years because they didn't come back.— dead these 80 years because they didn't come back. several mentioned it is not didn't come back. several mentioned it is rrot about _ didn't come back. several mentioned it is not about us, _ didn't come back. several mentioned it is not about us, we _ didn't come back. several mentioned it is not about us, we have _ didn't come back. several mentioned it is not about us, we have these i it is not about us, we have these medals in honour of those who didn't return and keeping the memory there as well. find return and keeping the memory there as well. �* ,., return and keeping the memory there as well. �* . , ., , return and keeping the memory there as well. . ., , ., , ., as well. and so many moments from the event we — as well. and so many moments from the event we have _ as well. and so many moments from the event we have just _ as well. and so many moments from the event we have just watched i as well. and so many moments from the event we have just watched that| the event we have just watched that stick in my mind. the young man who was only 15 when he went to sign up and he said if your country was under attack wouldn't you want to do the same? , ., , . ., the same? they made it very clear, didn't they? — the same? they made it very clear, didn't they? that _ the same? they made it very clear, didn't they? that is _ the same? they made it very clear, didn't they? that is keith _ the same? they made it very clear, didn't they? that is keith whiting. | didn't they? that is keith whiting. he is— didn't they? that is keith whiting. he is very— didn't they? that is keith whiting. he is very chipper. he looks decades younger~ _ he is very chipper. he looks decades ounter. , �* , he is very chipper. he looks decades younger-— he - he is very chipper. he looks decades younger-— he is - he is very chipper. he looks decades younger.— he is 90 i younger. doesn't he “ust! he is 90 ears old younger. doesn't he “ust! he is 90 years old and _ younger. doesn't he “ust! he is 90 years old and he i younger. doesn't hejust! he is 90 years old and he was _ younger. doesn't hejust! he is 90 years old and he was a _ younger. doesn't hejust! he is 90 years old and he was a corporal i younger. doesn't hejust! he is 90 years old and he was a corporal in | years old and he was a corporal in the royal— years old and he was a corporal in the royal marines. he years old and he was a corporal in the royal marines.— years old and he was a corporal in the royal marines. he was given his first mission — the royal marines. he was given his first mission which _ the royal marines. he was given his first mission which was _ the royal marines. he was given his first mission which was to _ the royal marines. he was given his first mission which was to liberate i first mission which was to liberate france. how about that for the first mission you were given to undertake? he was on a giant battleship, huge .uns he was on a giant battleship, huge guns firing, and he would have been probably— guns firing, and he would have been probably i_ guns firing, and he would have been probably i think, given hisjob title. — probably i think, given hisjob title, would have been on one of the turrets _ title, would have been on one of the turrets of— title, would have been on one of the turrets of those. he title, would have been on one of the turrets of those.— turrets of those. he was shelling sword beach. _ turrets of those. he was shelling sword beach. yes, _ turrets of those. he was shelling sword beach. yes, he _ turrets of those. he was shelling sword beach. yes, he was i turrets of those. he was shelling i sword beach. yes, he was shelling at sword beach. yes, he was shelling at sword lteach- — sword beach. yes, he was shelling at sword beach. queen _ sword beach. yes, he was shelling at sword beach. queen camilla - sword beach. yes, he was shelling at| sword beach. queen camilla speaking to vera lztrett- — sword beach. queen camilla speaking to vera brett. really _ sword beach. queen camilla speaking to vera brett. really important - sword beach. queen camilla speaking to vera brett. really important that i to vera brett. really important that we have incredible women represented. so many stories of veteran women that we don't know about or hear about.— about or hear about. absolutely. even some _ about or hear about. absolutely. even some of— about or hear about. absolutely. even some of the _ about or hear about. absolutely. even some of the women - about or hear about. absolutely. even some of the women in i about or hear about. absolutely. even some of the women in the l about or hear about. absolutely. i even some of the women in the ata delivered the aircraft in portsmouth and the area all along the south coast, one of those wasjoy lofthouse who looked down and saw all of the landing vessels filling all of the landing vessels filling all of the estuaries, and came back two days later and everything was gone. and of these pilots was polish born. she was delivering a mosquito, twin engined bomber command these women werejust twin engined bomber command these women were just delivering them with a little pad on the controls strapped to their knee, they didn't have radios, they were not armed, occasionally there were enemy aircraft in their airspace but they had to press on. she was caught by the fog rolling in from the coast here and had to divert to a landing field very skilfully. when she got there she realised she wasn't at the one she had expected to be but managed to get through. amazing stories and very dangerous. you did mention that _ stories and very dangerous. you did mention that queen _ stories and very dangerous. you did mention that queen elizabeth ii i stories and very dangerous. you did| mention that queen elizabeth ii was a veteran. it's incredible to think that she was only 13 when war broke out. , . . , ., that she was only 13 when war broke out. , , ., i. ., out. just a young girl at the start ofthe out. just a young girl at the start of the war- _ out. just a young girl at the start of the war. your _ out. just a young girl at the start of the war. your most _ out. just a young girl at the start of the war. your most formative | of the war. your most formative ears, of the war. your most formative years. your _ of the war. your most formative years, your teenage _ of the war. your most formative years, your teenage years, i of the war. your most formative years, your teenage years, 17 i of the war. your most formative years, your teenage years, 17 at of the war. your most formative i years, your teenage years, 17 at the end of the year. 18. years, your teenage years, 17 at the end of the year-— end of the year. 18, in fact. and when she _ end of the year. 18, in fact. and when she was _ end of the year. 18, in fact. and when she was 18, _ end of the year. 18, in fact. and when she was 18, she _ end of the year. 18, in fact. and when she was 18, she had i end of the year. 18, in fact. and i when she was 18, she had already done service to some regard. she had given announcements, given radio contributions. she had dug for victory in the gardens of windsor castle. but then she had gone on and when she was 18, although the king told her i didn't want her to, her role was to stay as the queen incumbent, but she insisted on serving. she wanted to do her bit, she said. and so she joined the ats and became a mechanic and engineer and became a mechanic and engineer and car driver. that and became a mechanic and engineer and car driver-— and car driver. that says so much about her — and car driver. that says so much about her character. _ and car driver. that says so much about her character. having i and car driver. that says so much | about her character. having grown and car driver. that says so much i about her character. having grown up with service — about her character. having grown up with service at _ about her character. having grown up with service at her _ about her character. having grown up with service at her country's - about her character. having grown up with service at her country's time i with service at her country's time of great need, she then went on to serve with such duty throughout. the queen and princess margaret were evacuated? ~ , ., evacuated? when there were young, the were evacuated? when there were young, they were two _ evacuated? when there were young, they were two of _ evacuated? when there were young, they were two of 3 _ evacuated? when there were young, they were two of 3 million _ evacuated? when there were young, they were two of 3 million children i they were two of 3 million children evacuated out of the cities, they were sent to windsor castle. that's what she spoke about on radio 4 bbc children in's hourfrom the what she spoke about on radio 4 bbc children in's hour from the drawing room of windsor castle, she with her sisters at her side gave a broadcast to express her sympathy for the children being evacuated but also to thank the families that took them in. and it was really well received. we are seeing pictures here of his majesty the king talking to the veterans. a really relaxed atmosphere up there. a beautiful, glorious day in portsmouth today. there are veterans from every single. — there are veterans from every single, not every single one, but so many— single, not every single one, but so many different branches of the services — many different branches of the services. you have got veterans of the navy. — services. you have got veterans of the navy, quite a few naval folk in there _ the navy, quite a few naval folk in there we — the navy, quite a few naval folk in there. we have learned truant up there. _ there. we have learned truant up there. he — there. we have learned truant up there, he was an airborne soldier, so he _ there, he was an airborne soldier, so he was — there, he was an airborne soldier, so he was one of the men of the many men who— so he was one of the men of the many men who parachuted down, or took gliders— men who parachuted down, or took gliders down behind german lines. and caused enormous confusion. this is betty with — and caused enormous confusion. ti 3 is betty with his that the prince of wales is talking to right now. what does the support of the royal family mean to the veterans today, dan? —— len trewin. mean to the veterans today, dan? -- len trewin-— len trewin. the great thing about the r0 al len trewin. the great thing about the royal family _ len trewin. the great thing about the royal family is _ len trewin. the great thing about the royal family is it _ len trewin. the great thing about the royal family is it is _ len trewin. the great thing about the royal family is it is an - the royal family is it is an embodiment of the nation saying, hello. _ embodiment of the nation saying, hello. we — embodiment of the nation saying, hello, we see you, and we are grateful— hello, we see you, and we are grateful for your service. and so i think— grateful for your service. and so i think that — grateful for your service. and so i think that in — grateful for your service. and so i think that in one handshake it's as if all— think that in one handshake it's as if all of— think that in one handshake it's as if all of us — think that in one handshake it's as if all of us are on the other end of that handshake and we're saying, thanks— that handshake and we're saying, thanks very much. particularly from that generation for whom we'll talk about— that generation for whom we'll talk about winston churchill but king george — about winston churchill but king george was a hugely important figurehead above politics as he did. how did _ figurehead above politics as he did. how did they do it? how did they boost morale? let's talk about 80 years ago. what was the role of the royal family?— years ago. what was the role of the royal family? there would be lots of radio transmissions _ royal family? there would be lots of radio transmissions and _ royal family? there would be lots of radio transmissions and broadcasts i radio transmissions and broadcasts and visits — radio transmissions and broadcasts and visits. enormous amounts of visits _ and visits. enormous amounts of visits. . ,, and visits. enormous amounts of visits. . . ., and visits. enormous amounts of visits. ., . ., ., visits. the king and queen would go to where the — visits. the king and queen would go to where the blitz _ visits. the king and queen would go to where the blitz had _ visits. the king and queen would go to where the blitz had been, - visits. the king and queen would go to where the blitz had been, where. to where the blitz had been, where families had been bombed out of their houses. and in fact, the queen at the time, so queen elizabeth's mother, said that she was very proud when very early on in the war in the palace itself was bombed, four bombs landed, took out part of the gate and part of the inner courtyard and and part of the inner courtyard and a couple of were injured and she said at last we can look the east end in the eye now. and then she would go out and she took particular interest in where these people would be rehoused and what would happen to them. this was really important to them. this was really important to the people, rich or poor, however, everyone was brought together, everyone was brought together, everyone was brought together, everyone was literally, blitz was a level in more ways than one and the royal family were right in the heart of that. so royal family were right in the heart of that. , , , ., of that. so they were supporting not only soldiers — of that. so they were supporting not only soldiers going _ of that. so they were supporting not only soldiers going to _ of that. so they were supporting not only soldiers going to war _ of that. so they were supporting not only soldiers going to war but i of that. so they were supporting not only soldiers going to war but the i only soldiers going to war but the general population, the morale of the general population.— general population, the morale of the general population. yeah. it is not coincidental _ the general population. yeah. it is not coincidental that _ the general population. yeah. it is not coincidental that that's - the general population. rear it is not coincidental that that's where the focus — not coincidental that that's where the focus of the date when it came 80 years _ the focus of the date when it came 80 years ago, next spring, the huge crowds _ 80 years ago, next spring, the huge crowds of— 80 years ago, next spring, the huge crowds of demic in front of buckingham palace, roaring to see the royal— buckingham palace, roaring to see the royal family on the balcony. they— the royal family on the balcony. they were — the royal family on the balcony. they were the embodiment in some ways of— they were the embodiment in some ways of the — they were the embodiment in some ways of the national, the imperial, the common war effort. the wonderful sto of the the common war effort. the wonderful story of the two _ the common war effort. the wonderful story of the two princesses _ the common war effort. the wonderful story of the two princesses slipping i story of the two princesses slipping away, princess elizabeth still wearing her ats uniform, going out to party amongst the crowds, she said she was worried about going out amongst the crowds so she pulled her ats cap over her face to try and hide a little bit. there are reports that she joined hide a little bit. there are reports that shejoined a hide a little bit. there are reports that she joined a dancing hide a little bit. there are reports that shejoined a dancing line doing the conga in and out through the ritz. she really let her hair down as well and was part of the people. you can see we have about 20 veterans who have assembled to meet the royal family. i'm going to name check some of them. their families will be watching. there we have betty with this, bob piper who is 98, we saw him talking to his majesty the king earlier. robert jones, 99 years old, a beach commando in the royal navy, you told us about him. some of the women up there. hazel picking, she was a wren. ,, . , there. hazel picking, she was a wren, ,, there. hazel picking, she was a wren. ,, .,, , ., , ., wren. she was based in portsmouth. she is one of — wren. she was based in portsmouth. she is one of those _ wren. she was based in portsmouth. she is one of those veterans - wren. she was based in portsmouth. she is one of those veterans who i wren. she was based in portsmouth. j she is one of those veterans who has told us _ she is one of those veterans who has told us how— she is one of those veterans who has told us how busy the solent was. you could _ told us how busy the solent was. you could walk _ told us how busy the solent was. you could walk almost from one side to the other— could walk almost from one side to the other without getting your feet wet between here and the isle of wight _ wet between here and the isle of witht. . ., ., ., wight. another of the female veterans is _ wight. another of the female veterans is marie _ wight. another of the female veterans is marie scott, i wight. another of the female veterans is marie scott, who| wight. another of the female i veterans is marie scott, who are 17 years old in 1944, she was a switchboard operator so she was connecting the generals in normandy with where the commanders were back here and when she put them through she could hear the sounds, the noises of the battle butjust had to keep going. iain noises of the battle but 'ust had to kee- ttoin. . . noises of the battle but 'ust had to kee- ttoin. ., , , noises of the battle but 'ust had to keep going.— noises of the battle but 'ust had to kee. ttoin_ ., , , ., ., keep going. iain glen 'ust gave that wonderful keep going. iain glen just gave that wonderful recollection. _ keep going. iain glen just gave that wonderful recollection. and - keep going. iain glen just gave that wonderful recollection. and so i keep going. iain glen just gave that wonderful recollection. and so that | wonderful recollection. and so that house _ wonderful recollection. and so that house still— wonderful recollection. and so that house still have the room where eisenhower walked into the map room and he _ eisenhower walked into the map room and he said _ eisenhower walked into the map room and he said all right, let's go. i find and he said all right, let's go. find that and he said all right, let's go. i find that interesting because it's a very american way of putting it. i don't think the brits would have put it in quite the same way. like the equivalent of a fist bump, "let's g°_.. equivalent of a fist bump, "let's go." straight to the point. and we equivalent of a fist bump, "let's go. see eight to the point. and we equivalent of a fist bump, "let's go. see that to the point. and we equivalent of a fist bump, "let's go. see that his the point. and we equivalent of a fist bump, "let's go. see that his majesty :. and we equivalent of a fist bump, "let's go. see that his majesty the d we equivalent of a fist bump, "let's go. see that his majesty the king is can see that his majesty the king is talking to percival trotman. percival trotman is decorated, he has a _ percival trotman is decorated, he has a distinguished flying cross and he was _ has a distinguished flying cross and he was one — has a distinguished flying cross and he was one of the many aviators on d-day_ he was one of the many aviators on d-day we _ he was one of the many aviators on d—day we mentioned earlier. it is worth— d—day we mentioned earlier. it is worth remembering, it is pretty much the busiest _ worth remembering, it is pretty much the busiest day of aviation history to that _ the busiest day of aviation history to that point. the skies above absolutely swarming with aircraft of all different shapes and sizes, all doing _ all different shapes and sizes, all doing very— all different shapes and sizes, all doing very particularjobs. and all different shapes and sizes, all doing very particularjobs. doing very particular “obs. and they didn't have doing very particularjobs. and they didn't have air-traffic— doing very particularjobs. and they didn't have air-traffic control i doing very particularjobs. and they didn't have air-traffic control like i didn't have air—traffic control like we have at sta nsted didn't have air—traffic control like we have at stansted or heathrow today, just that on its own, it is a day of superlatives, isn't it, but that's one of them, how they coordinated that.— that's one of them, how they coordinated that. �* , , _ , coordinated that. busy, busy skies. the prince of— coordinated that. busy, busy skies. the prince of wales _ coordinated that. busy, busy skies. the prince of wales is _ coordinated that. busy, busy skies. the prince of wales is talking i coordinated that. busy, busy skies. the prince of wales is talking to i the prince of wales is talking to keith, keith whiting, who is 98 years old, a corporal in the royal marines. tats years old, a corporal in the royal marines. �* . years old, a corporal in the royal marines. . , ., years old, a corporal in the royal marines. ~ , ., ., , marines. as i said earlier, he was in one of the _ marines. as i said earlier, he was in one of the turrets _ marines. as i said earlier, he was in one of the turrets on _ marines. as i said earlier, he was in one of the turrets on hms i in one of the turrets on hms ramillies, the vast battle ship blazing — ramillies, the vast battle ship blazing away at the beach. i met a veteran _ blazing away at the beach. i met a veteran who was on a smaller ship, destroy. _ veteran who was on a smaller ship, destroy, supplying fire support of omaha _ destroy, supplying fire support of omaha beach and they could see omaha beach was— omaha beach and they could see omaha beach was the bloodiest beach on d-day_ beach was the bloodiest beach on d—day and the americans suffered terribly— d—day and the americans suffered terribly in — d—day and the americans suffered terribly in first couple of waves. he said — terribly in first couple of waves. he said that their destroyer, even after— he said that their destroyer, even after they— he said that their destroyer, even after they ran out of ammunition, they stayed, the captain said just and fire _ they stayed, the captain said just and fire the blanks, we want the lads onshore to know that we are there _ lads onshore to know that we are there in— lads onshore to know that we are there in support of them. that lads onshore to know that we are there in support of them.- there in support of them. that is still terrifying — there in support of them. that is still terrifying the _ there in support of them. that is still terrifying the enemy - there in support of them. that is still terrifying the enemy forces. | still terrifying the enemy forces. claire, dan, today has all been about legacy so what will people take away from these commemorative events and today in particular? well, i always think that history is a bit like a song. you can only understand and envisage what is coming next if you have. we need to remember these days, some of the most important notes in our history and it's only through understanding them, remembering the courage and sacrifice, but also the whole coordinated effort, what we were serving for, that we can really think about our society and where we want to be today. trier?r think about our society and where we want to be today.— want to be today. very quickly, dan? it was a want to be today. very quickly, dan? it was a giant. _ want to be today. very quickly, dan? it was a giant, well— want to be today. very quickly, dan? it was a giant, well produced, - it was a giant, well produced, beautifully big history lesson. wonderful. and aren't i lucky i had two brilliant historians with me throughout it. thank you so much. our coverage from southsea common in portsmouth has come to an end. thank you to all of my guests. it has indeed been a privilege to share this morning with some extraordinary people and to hear so many personal stories of those who played their part in one of the most pivotal moments of the second world war. it's a day to pause and to take on board what these sons, fathers, daughters did 80 years ago in the name of freedom and democracy. as thomas roberts. from all of us here in portsmouth, goodbye, thank you. as long as their stories are written we will not forget the people. today at one... the king and queenjoin veterans in portsmouth to mark the 80th anniversary of d—day. at a special ceremony king charles paid tribute to their bravery and said they must never be forgotten. it is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and their sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom. veterans are gathering to mark the largest military operation ever attempted — and the start of the campaign to liberate europe from the nazis. so many men and women, including my dearfriend fred, whojoined up but unfortunately never made it. the ceremony marks the start of two days of events on both sides of the channel. also on the programme... a new twist in the row between sir keir starmer and rishi sunak — a letter from a top civil servant casts doubt on the consersatives' claims of £2,000 tax rises under labour. the post office inquiry hears the former chair alice perkins didn't follow up concerns raised over the horizon it system. coming up on bbc news... manchester city chairman khaldoon al mubarak says the club