Boats take partin D-Day event

Yachts Magic and Martine sailed from Rock Channel to the coast of Normandy.

Liz Royle, who sailed in Magic with husband John, said: “We moored at Ouistreham. All the boats were dress ed and we flew the 1066 flag.

It was organised by the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Yacht Club.

There were hundreds in uniform and there were military vehicles, helicopters and parachutists. Security was very high.

“We saw Charles and Camilla getting off HMS Richmond.

“We went to the town of Ryes, near Bayeaux where they showed the event on a big screen in the church square,

“We also visited the military cemetery, where soldiers who dies on the beaches were buried.

“It was very moving. It felt as though we were taking part in a moment of history.”

On 6 June 1944, No. 4 Commando landed at Ouistreham on Sword Beach and fought their way to Pegasus Bridge, spearheading the allied invasion.

The assault on Ouistreham was featured in the movie The Longest Day.

Members of 16 Air Assault Brigade mounted a mass parachute drop, which was followed by a memorial service at the statue of Field Marshal Montgomery in Colleville-Montgomery.

A joint UK-French service of remembrance took place at Bayeux Cathedral, followed by a special event at the Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.