If I had my time again, I'd go again

Army veteran tells of the perilous mission

- LUCY THORNTON

IT may not have been quite the same logistical undertaking as D-Day itself, but it was still a Herculean effort to assemble these heroes 80 years on.

The youngest of the 20 veterans travelling with the Royal British Legion on this emotional trip back to Normandy is 97, four are centenarians, and seven live in care homes.

There were tears as they were reunited on board a special Brittany Ferries ship to France ahead of tomorrow's 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Many witnessed unimaginable carnage on the beaches in 1944.

Joe Mines, 99, was called a "superstar" yesterday as he addressed the crowd that gathered to watch him and his comrades from the deck above.

He pointed to his fellow veterans and told the well-wishers: "These are all good men. Heroes."

From his wheelchair, he looked up at the cheering crowd and added: "If I had my time again, I would go again if necessary."

The former minesweeper, from Hornchurch, East London, who was an Army private on D-Day, was yesterday travelling with around 30 Second World War veterans in total.

They made the journey to remind the world of the sacrifices that were made by millions during the conflict to keep us free from tyranny. It is likely to be the last trip of remembrance these heroes make to France.

The Mirror was privileged to join the comrades on board and witness a remarkable guard of honour.

Veterans were stopped throughout the seven-hour ferry crossing and respectfully asked to pose for photos and offered pints. Other people queued up to shake hands.

PROUD

Just before we arrived on the Normandy coast, a wreath for those who did not make it ashore in 1944 was dropped at sea.

Albert Keir, 98, told how seeing the Royal Navy salute them "pulled him back" to his war-time service.

In tears, he told the Mirror: "They looked like me all those years ago.