Navy Veterans are guests of honour on HMS Queen Elizabeth

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A group of veterans have been guests of honour on board HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth. Among the group were five veterans who served in World War 2. They had coffee with Captain Angus Essenhigh, who took command of the ship 6 weeks ago. They were also given a tour of the bridge.

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Among the veterans was former Wren Marie Scott who transmitted a short message from the bridge. At the age of 17 she worked in the special communications centre for Operation Overlord at Fort Southwick in Hampshire. She passed on messages via a VHF radio set to troops landing on the beaches at Normandy. She was presented with the Legion d’honneur for her service in June 2019.

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“I can’t believe the honour that people place on what I did. At the time we all thought we were doing a job which we were. Now at the great age unbelievable is the only word that describes it, but I think there is a genuine feeling of relief that the war ended in victory and that we have maintained a sort of peace for over 75 years.”

– MARIE SCOTT

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This was a chance for veterans to share stories with the next generation of the Royal Navy. The veterans were brought to Portsmouth in a fleet of London cabs. The event was organised by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans who arrange trips across the UK and around the world for military veterans of all ages. 

“I’ve never been on anything like this ship before. I feel a privilege and honour to be able to come on here and see what I’ve seen.”

– ERNIE DAVIES, NAVY VETERAN

  • Watch Mary Stanley’s report below