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David Cameron at HMS Belfast for D-Day 70th anniversary event

London SE1 website team

Prime minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson joined D-Day veterans on board HMS Belfast on Tuesday for the start of this summer's commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings.

David Cameron
David Cameron told veterans: "Your country will always, always be immensely proud of you"
David Cameron at HMS Belfast for D-Day 70th anniversary event
Mayor of London Boris Johnson listens to the prime minister's speech
David Cameron at HMS Belfast for D-Day 70th anniversary event
Boris Johnson chats with veterans
David Cameron at HMS Belfast for D-Day 70th anniversary event
Armed forces minister Mark Francois MP was among the Government representatives
David Cameron at HMS Belfast for D-Day 70th anniversary event
Admiral Lord West, former First Sea Lord, is a trustee of Imperial War Museums

HMS Belfast, now permanently moored on the Thames, was one of the very first ships to open fire on German positions on 6 June 1944 when it was part of the bombardment fleet which supported the Normandy landings.

Tuesday's commemorative event included a fly-past by a C-75 Dakota aircraft.

HMS Belfast's guns were fired to salute the veterans. Judges presiding over trials at Southwark Crown Court advised jurors not be be alarmed if loud bangs were heard outside the courtroom.

Civic guests included Southwark's deputy mayor, Cllr Sunil Chopra, the council leader Cllr Peter John and chief executive Eleanor Kelly.

Local businesses were represented by Nadia Broccardo and James Dinwiddie of Team London Bridge.

This weekend HMS Belfast hosts a programme of D-Day themed family events.


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