memorial, where the king and queen will lead the united kingdom's commemorative event. at a vigil at the bayeaux war cemetery here last night, more than 4,000 gravestones were individually lit up — in a tribute to those who never returned. they're the men who changed the course of history, more than a0 british veterans have made the trip to normandy — i've been speaking to one of them. i was up on the bridge and i could see it all but i couldn't do anything, i couldn't get in the water to help them or save them. the sculpture of three trips storming across the sand stands at

the centre of the memorial signifying the invasion by land, sea and air here at gold beach on the north coast of france. and i'm naga munchetty in the studio. also in the news this morning... the first minister of wales, vaughan gething, faces an uncertain future after losing a vote of no—confidence — he insists he'll carry on. premier league clubs will vote on whether to scrap the use of the video assistant referee, after a season of notable errors and mounting scrutiny. good morning from hms belfast, one of the first warships to arrive at the normandy beaches. it is a cold start to the day, across the board, sunshine and blustery showers, most of which will be in the north. all the details later. it's thursday the 6th ofjune —

welcome to normandy where 80 years ago today, more than 156,000 allied troops launched an attack on german forces which would change the course of the second world war. it would forever be known as d—day. it was just before 6.30 in the morning onjune 6th, 191m when british, american, canadian and french soldiers began to land on sword, juno, gold, omaha and utah beaches, taking the enemy by surprise in what was the largest ever amphibious invasion — leading to the eventual liberation of france from nazi occupation. more than a0 british veterans are here today, to commemorate what sir winston churchill,

called "the most complicated and difficult" operation of world war ii. we will have many of those voices in the programme today and give you a sense of the commemorations and celebrations that are to come during the day, speaking to those veterans themselves. 0ur correspondent sophie long reports now on the commemorations that have taken place here so far. we stand in the future which you gave to us. the one you were told you may never reach. the one lost in the words of your last breath. 0n the eve of the 80th anniversary of d—day, a service to honour the heroes who never came home. they fought in the largest naval, air and land operation

the world has ever witnessed. more than 150,000 allied soldiers landed on the shores of france. the numbers were phenomenal, as was their sacrifice. 4,144 of them lie here at the bayeux war cemetery, where those who enjoy the freedom they fought for — friends, family and royalty — came to remember them. the epitaphs on the headstones here capture the grief of those who loved these men. 0ne mother's words are, "he is not dead, whose memory lives in hearts that know and loved him." 80 years on, let their memory still live on in our hearts. they had one collective aim —

to liberate nazi—occupied europe. but they were individuals — sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. i am theo�*s daughter, anthea. i was nine years old in 1944. i always thought that when the war was over and we had peace, he would come back to us. but of course, he never did. as over 4,000 headstones were individually lit up, honouring those that

lost their lives here... ..so was the sky above portsmouth, where theirjourney began exactly 80 years ago. when we were passing the white cliffs of dover, the sergeant said as we passed, he said, "take a good look, boys." he said, "many of you will never see that again." of the 130 lads in my company, only 19 of us made it home. in those desperate battles, they gave their lives for the peace we enjoy today. i will never forget them. my families and their families and friends will never forget them. we will rememberthem.

pipes play. events commemorating the anniversary of d—day will continue throughout the day. at 9.30 the king and queen willjoin veterans for the first ever national commemoration here at the british normandy memorial. we'll be ending a little earlier, so you can follow the event live on bbc one from 8.30. we will try to give you a sense of the occasion here at the british memorial. you can see the weather is

stunning today and is a very —— and everyone who has arrived here has had the same thought about how beautiful it is and what it was like 80 years ago today. we have seen a number of aircraft moving across, a fly—past will be happening through the day. breakfast'sjohn maguire is here with us this morning. it is going to be a special, important and moving occasion for so many of those attending today. yes. many of those attending today. yes, when the idea _ many of those attending today. yes, when the idea was _ many of those attending today. yes, when the idea was first _ many of those attending today. yes when the idea was first mooted to build this memorial to those under british command who died during d—day and the subsequent battle for

normandy, veterans, who are dwindling in number, and their family and friends were given a focus, somewhere to pay respects. this is gold beach, one of the five on d—day which where divided up between the allies. a huge expanse of sand. the standing with giants installation represents those under british command who were killed on that first day. the memorial carries the names of 22,442 people. sometimes difficult to get your head around that number and that is one of the reasons why this installation has been so successful here at the memorial. this year, the 80th anniversary of d—day, is only the third time veterans will have been able to come on the 6th ofjune to

pay their respects. talking about those names, looking at the pillars and walls, the names are carved in stone, they are set out in units and days, the days which people died, those that didn't make it home, those that didn't make it home, those who died here in the waters off the coast, or here on the normandy soil. people can touch those names in position on the numbered pillars. it is a sombre spot but beautifully chosen, especially on a day like today, you look across the sea, as i am sure those soldiers, sailors and airmen would have done 80 years ago, wondering what was going on back in blighty, what their families and friends were up to. you can see the remains of the mulberry harbour. there would have been metal, machines, main as far as i could

see. the size of the allied invasion was staggering and difficult to comprehend, especially on a beautiful sunny day like today. it is appropriate to come here and perhaps take a moment to bow your head just as the standing with giants statues are. i have had the opportunity this morning to spend a moment, and this place is very special, the memorial itself, the names on the memorial, and you can take a moment to think about what happened in the past. clearly front and centre of everything which has been happening alongside these locations are the people, the veterans who were involved. we will be hearing from those this morning as well. events

have been taking place already in the early hours. we are going to sword beach. declan harvey is there for us, declan. you witnessed one of the first events of the d—day anniversary. just as the sun was coming up on sword beach, a piperfrom the royal irish regiment walked across this sand to remember the events here 80 years ago. there was a piper in 1944 as well, and by that time pipers were still relatively unusual, but they were here on dd. sword beach is they were here on dd. sword beach is the furthest east of all five landing beaches. it is a lot more flat perhaps than some of the other beaches, it does not have the major sand dunes or beachheads. that the

landing troops would have encountered on 0maha beach for example. some of the 25 tanks made it safely onto the ground here. it was also described as the most strategically ambitious landing because the men were charged with getting eight miles inland to a city by the end of the day, in fact it took six weeks. the german defences were reasonable if not formidable and a lot of these houses were used by the germans, they were bolstered there, and they became part of the atlantic wall itself. 29,000 men landed on this beach, 603 of them died, and a lot of them were from the royal ulster rifles, now the royal irish regiment. major general: we arejoins me. we royal irish regiment. ma'or general: we arejoins meh

we are joins me. we had that very rroinant we are joins me. we had that very poignant sunrise _ we are joins me. we had that very poignant sunrise ceremony. - we are joins me. we had that very poignant sunrise ceremony. the i we are joins me. we had that very i poignant sunrise ceremony. the vast armada _ poignant sunrise ceremony. the vast armada out— poignant sunrise ceremony. the vast armada out to sea and the confusion of men _ armada out to sea and the confusion of men and — armada out to sea and the confusion of men and machines on the beach. 0ne of men and machines on the beach. one could _ of men and machines on the beach. one could imagine the tugs and 0ne could imagine the tugs and gliders— one could imagine the tugs and gliders coming across to drop troops further_ gliders coming across to drop troops further into — gliders coming across to drop troops further into the interior of france. as the _ further into the interior of france. as the inheritors of the story, the royal— as the inheritors of the story, the royal ulster rifles, it makes us extremely proud.— royal ulster rifles, it makes us extremely proud. important to mention that _ extremely proud. important to mention that those _ extremely proud. important to mention that those who - extremely proud. important to| mention that those who signed extremely proud. important to . mention that those who signed up extremely proud. important to - mention that those who signed up to the royal ulster rifles, there was no conscription.— no conscription. they were volunteers. _ no conscription. they were volunteers. they _ no conscription. they were volunteers. they were - no conscription. they were volunteers. they were a i no conscription. they were - volunteers. they were a unique band of brothers —

volunteers. they were a unique band of brothers-— of brothers. they landed by sea and air, and everyone _ of brothers. they landed by sea and air, and everyone was _ of brothers. they landed by sea and air, and everyone was here - of brothers. they landed by sea and air, and everyone was here from - air, and everyone was here from the rifles. �* , , ., rifles. the regiment's fully formed compliment _ rifles. the regiment's fully formed compliment was _ rifles. the regiment's fully formed compliment was here. _ rifles. the regiment's fully formed compliment was here. the - rifles. the regiment's fully formed compliment was here. the first - compliment was here. the first airborne — compliment was here. the first airborne battalion coming in by glideh — airborne battalion coming in by rlider. �* , ., airborne battalion coming in by rlider. �* , ., , ., glider. and you brought cadets who were art glider. and you brought cadets who were part of — glider. and you brought cadets who were part of the — glider. and you brought cadets who were part of the ceremony - glider. and you brought cadets who were part of the ceremony at - were part of the ceremony at sunrise. i were part of the ceremony at sunrise. ~' , ,., ., ., sunrise. i think the lesson of all of this is that _ sunrise. i think the lesson of all of this is that freedom - sunrise. i think the lesson of all of this is that freedom comes . sunrise. i think the lesson of all| of this is that freedom comes at sunrise. i think the lesson of all. of this is that freedom comes at a price. _ of this is that freedom comes at a price, liberty is something we cannot— price, liberty is something we cannot necessarily take for granted, and the _ cannot necessarily take for granted, and the generation which fought this campaign, _ and the generation which fought this campaign, this great crusade as eisenhower called it, is now sadly but inevitably fading away, and if we can _ but inevitably fading away, and if we can pass on some of the experience of service and sacrifice to the _

experience of service and sacrifice to the generation of soldiers that emet— to the generation of soldiers that exist today and to the youth who may become _ exist today and to the youth who may become soldiers, in the future, that is arr— become soldiers, in the future, that is an opportunity which is our duty to follow_ is an opportunity which is our duty to follow through with. it is is an opportunity which is our duty to follow through with.— to follow through with. it is so stran . e to follow through with. it is so strange on _ to follow through with. it is so strange on a _ to follow through with. it is so strange on a morning - to follow through with. it is so strange on a morning like - to follow through with. it is so strange on a morning like this| to follow through with. it is so i strange on a morning like this to compare the scenes we have witnessed to what was happening in 1944. one survivor described what happened as like hell let loose, and that is one of the experiences people are taking time to recall. of the experiences people are taking time to recall-— time to recall. thank you. as we look at these _ time to recall. thank you. as we look at these amazing _ time to recall. thank you. as we | look at these amazing conditions, everyone's thoughts are very much the same of what it would have been like on that day. which is why the voices of the d—day veterans, those who saw what happened on that day,

become more important as the years go by. 40 or so from the uk have made thejourney here go by. 40 or so from the uk have made the journey here to normandy. 98—year—old roy harrison was an 18—year—old air defence officer at the time. he was already a veteran of some of the arctic crossings. he was on the hms diadem. he witnessed the landing is first hand and he welcomed me to his home. and here he is. hello, roy. how are you doing? what a pleasure to meet you. slowly. nice cushion. so, roy, here comes the tea. thank you. cheers.

immediately before d—day, you were in portsmouth — is that right? and what were you told? what were you told just before? nothing. we weren't told where we were going. we knew something was happening because we came down off the convoy and we ended up in portsmouth. and yourjob was to clear a path for the troops that were landing? yes, that's what the... yes. clearing a path almost for the troops, yeah, going ashore. and what was yourjob on the ship? what were you doing? 0urjob was, well, they called it a nice name, an ado, an air defence 0fficer. i was on the bridge and i was passing messages from gun positions and other positions on board the boat.

what could you see from that position? what do you remember of what you could see? we could see everything. too much to describe. spitfires and hurricanes chasing the messerschmitts. and seeing the men going ashore, wading through the water with their packs on their backs. some getting killed and... yeah, just floating there as well. those poor men in the water. i was up on the bridge and i could see it all, but i couldn't do anything.

ijust carried out myjob, what i was doing, but i couldn't get in the water to help them or save them. they will always be in my memory. everyone, roy, watching this right now, will know that you did everything that you could and you were asked to do. and i appreciate this is upsetting for you, and i hope you understand that anyone listening to you tell your story, which is so important, will only make them understand more the significance of what you did in those days. do you want a sip of your tea?

good idea, perhaps. feel like it's getting cold. cheers, phoebe. that's your granddaughter who's listening in over there. let's have a sip of tea. i still wake up sometimes, get what you call a flashback of different things, yes. we try... we try to forget but then people like charlie stayt comes in... comes in and stirs it all up, and it's... all right, 0k, charlie? well, roy, i hope you understand, the reason we ask these questions is precisely so people don't forget. yes. and you are of a generation who can tell these stories because you know it,

because you saw it with your own eyes. i should have put my unionjack ones on, shouldn't i? these are but... you've got better ones than that? brighter. roy, your family is all here while we're chatting, and they tell me that you are 98, but you think you're 58. would that be right? could be. is that about right? i still act that way. it was such an honour to meet him. anyone who has ever met one of the d—day veterans, there are so many emotions when you talk to them. they are very humble, that is a common

theme. roy is very charming, he loves to laugh, and it was a pleasure to spend time with him. we will take you to one of the events thatis will take you to one of the events that is happening right now. a piper is playing a lament near where we are on gold beach. let's listen in. let me give you a sense of the event itself. where we are in gold beach, r manche is near our location. the significant of this 7:25am timing, it is the precise moment recorded in

history when the very beginning of this land invasion began. given the scale of this moment, the everyone understands now that this is when the invasion began. pipe major trevor macey is on the landing vehicle, he is playing a tune called highland laddie.

pipes play.

you have been watching one of the first events that will be happening here on the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. that was pipe major trevor macey—lillie. in arromanches on gold beach, playing the pipes on one of the first events today. bright sunshine, as you have seen already, where the british memorial in normandy. it is a beautiful, bright, sunny day. there will be so many mixed emotions today. front and centre of everything happening today will be the d—day veterans themselves, who

will be arriving in the next hour or so, a number of key events here, the king and queen will be here, alongside president emmanuel macron. those events will be happening from 8:30am onwards and we will be speaking to many of those involved through the morning. hello, good morning from bbc london. i'm victoria hollins. a ransomware cyber—attack is continuing to cause disruption to services at a number of hospitals and care providers in london. 0perations were cancelled at short notice, and emergency patients had to be diverted elsewhere. the national cyber security centre said the attack on the pathology services firm, synnovis, was "a very, very serious incident". experts say the attacks of this nature are very hard to trace. the way that the dark web works, itjust gives an upper hand to the criminals. these are criminals that are using

the best technology to anonymize where they are in the world. so they are using cryptocurrencies — that's digital currencies that don't have a very good evidence trail behind them. and these criminals are so good at making that money move across into their accounts with no evidence at all that we have to do other things about it. police are continuing to appeal to the turkish and kurdish communities for information about a drive—by shooting in east london which left a nine—year—old girl in a critical condition. the girl who was having dinner with herfamily, was seriously injured after shots were fired towards a restaurant on kingsland high street, in dalston, on 29th may. as we've been hearing, events have been taking place across the country and in france to mark the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. one of london's most famous landmarks hms belfast will be firing a gun salute at one o clock this afternoon to remember the role it played in the opening bombardment.

it was belfast that signaled it was time to begin the bombardment it opened fire at 527. and after it did, all the ships around it then continued to open fire as well. so belfast was positioned there at the centre of the landing and had been given a specific target. and we'll be bringing you lots of d—day coverage on our teatime programme at 6.30 tonight let's take a look at the tubes now. there are minor delays on the bakerloo line. severe delays on the elizabeth line and the piccadilly line and london 0verground is part suspended. now onto the weather with kawser. hello. good morning. we're looking at generally settled conditions over the next few days with high pressure not too far away from us. a cloudy start, but this will break up to some sunny spells. but there is the chance of some scattered showers during the day today. and one or two of these could be heavy. but there will be some decent spells of sunshine around. a lot of dry weather as well,

and temperatures generally reaching around the mid to high teens with a moderate breeze. any showers we do see will tend to fade away this evening. it becomes largely dry with some clear spells and patchy cloud. more in the way of clearer skies by the end of the night. but there may be a few patches of mist and fog as temperatures dip down to around 6 to 10 celsius. so a dry start to the day tomorrow with some sunshine. but we do have this weak cold front that's arriving in and this will bring a bit more in the way of cloud during the day, tomorrow and for saturday as well, with a greater chance perhaps of a few scattered showers. so it's a case of sunny spells, scattered showers all the way through to the weekend. a lot of dry weather and temperatures generally reaching around the high teens to maybe the low twenties. that's your forecast. that's it — head to our website for all the day's stories including the first poet—in—residence for a charity celebrating five of london's bridges. we're back in half an hour. see you then. hello, this is breakfast with naga munchetty in the studio and charlie stayt here in normandy, where events are taking place to commemorate the 80th

anniversary of d—day. at 0:30, the king and queen will join veterans for the first ever national commemoration here at the british normandy memorial. it will be the king's first official overseas engagement since his cancer diagnosis. the service will include a special tribute from the red arrows as well as performances from johnny flynn and sir tom jones. at 10am, prince william will attend the canadian commemorative ceremony at thejuno beach centre. at 11:30am after meeting veterans at the normandy american cemetery, presidentjoe biden and president macron speak at the us commemorative event where there will be a 21—gun salute.

and at 2:30pm, the main international ceremony will be taking place on 0maha beach. over 25 heads of state, veterans and officials will honour the more than 156,000 troops who landed on the beach on d—day. we are trying to give you a sense of the occasion here at the memorial. and as we look out over the scene today, our royal correspondent daniela relphjoins me now. probably worth taking a look at the scene with the viewers this morning to give them a sense of this place. i had not been before yesterday evening and i had a chance to walk around, and it is spectacular and the setting today, with the sea

beyond,is the setting today, with the sea beyond, is an extraordinary place. it is, and you cannot help but be moved on a day like today being at a place like this. i had a bit of time earlier to go across and watch the sunrise over the memorial this morning and it was an incredibly emotional moment on a personal level to be her on this day to see something as significant as that and it is a beautiful memorial. it is brand—new and was only completed in 2021 and there had not been that focal point here in normandy before that for the british veterans to come to, so it has real poignancy today that the major british commemoration event can be here in this new memorial, the first time they've hosted an event of this kind and of course the king and queen believe they the commemorations and it was really important for the king he was here. it's been a bumpy few months for him since his cancer diagnosis and their diary was cleared and engagements cancelled but this was the one thing he wanted to make sure he could get to and

having spoken to some of his staff and people in the royal household, they said everything was going to be donein they said everything was going to be done in order to make sure the king could make it here today, so really important for him to be present. you can probably — important for him to be present. you can probably hear a number of aircraft flying past this morning. front and centre of everything that has happened, and we saw it with the king and queen talking to the d—day veterans, will be their stories. absolutely. it will be full of pomp and ceremony, kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents but at the heart of everything will be the stories, the memories, the testimony of the veterans and even the royal family are very focused on that and know there will be a lot of attention on them but they wanted to be about those veterans, that small group that travelled to be here today, the small group of british veterans, probably the last time they will attend the commemoration of this kind and there will be added poignancy today. of this kind and there will be added poignancy today-— poignancy today. thank you very

much. poignancy today. thank you very much- we _ poignancy today. thank you very much. we are _ poignancy today. thank you very much. we are spending - poignancy today. thank you very much. we are spending time - poignancy today. thank you very l much. we are spending time here looking at this place and feeling the emotions of the moment. the veterans themselves will be arriving in the next hour or so. breakfast'sjohn maguire is here with us at the british memorial this morning. you had the opportunity to speak to those veterans and it's hard to imagine what their emotions will be when they arrive here and see the place and get a sense of the occasion, on top of all of the memories that they have from that day. has memories that they have from that da . ~ , , ., memories that they have from that da. 4' ., memories that they have from that da. ~ ., ., .«r memories that they have from that day. as you know from talking to roy in the film we — day. as you know from talking to roy in the film we saw _ day. as you know from talking to roy in the film we saw a _ day. as you know from talking to roy in the film we saw a few— day. as you know from talking to roy in the film we saw a few moments i in the film we saw a few moments ago, very conflicted. there are conflicting thoughts, emotions, memories they have and they will always tell you that that though they had some very happy memories there is all ways within a military unit that sense of camaraderie and brotherhood and of a united force, but there would have been some bleak

and dark difficult memories for them as well. the thing they always tell us is that when they come here and i hear later today, what is absolutely paramount, at the front of their mind is to think about their colleagues that did not make it home as they did, to think of those whose names are born on these walls and on these pillars of the memorial. read this will be laid later on during the service and the veterans themselves, they have had a busy time in the last few days, and wherever they go, they are feted and greeted and cheered. we have been with them now for a couple of days and to be perfectly honest, it's difficult to keep up with them but this is what they have been up to recently. as they did 80 years ago, local people lined the streets of normandy to applaud the men who'd risked their lives to secure their freedom.

that appreciation is part fuelled by the realistion that with each anniversary that passes, the numbers are dwindling. 0n d—day, peter smooth was a member of crew on a huge landing ship carrying tanks. he was still a teenager onjune the sixth. bit frightening i suppose, because you are among the shells, and when the shells are whizzing over, once we got into the beach, they left us alone and concentrated on what was coming in and out only the british, but the naval fleets as well. they were the ones protecting us. that was how serious it was and how difficult it was at that particular time. , ,., , difficult it was at that particular time. _, , difficult it was at that particular time. , time. everybody en'oys seeing you, don't time. everybody en'oys seeing you, den-t they? _ time. everybody enjoys seeing you, don't they? goodness _ time. everybody enjoys seeing you,

don't they? goodness gracious. - time. everybody enjoys seeing you, don't they? goodness gracious. my| don't they? goodness gracious. my hands have — don't they? goodness gracious. my hands have been _ don't they? goodness gracious. my hands have been nearly _ don't they? goodness gracious. my hands have been nearly shaken - don't they? goodness gracious. my hands have been nearly shaken off| hands have been nearly shaken off the last couple of days. an army famously marches on its stomach. and that's also true for these veterans, as well as bringing them over from the uk. the taxi charity for military veterans is today feeding them what's on the menu? so on the menu we have lovely tomato soup, beautiful tomato soup, and i'm doing saddle of lamb, and mussels in white wine sauce. courtesy of london cabbie paul cook. i love cooking. it's a passion for mine. and when the charity said the caterers over here want to charge a fortune, i said, look, i can do this. it'd be a pleasure for me to do this. actually to feed my friends and feed the veterans. it's an absolute honour. another essential ingredient to achieve military success is communication, as it proved in operation 0verlord, the codename for the allied invasion. marie scott was a switchboard operator, providing a vital link between the front line and headquarters in portsmouth. it is a true commemoration.

the scale of the military might sent across the channel stays with her to this day. i was on duty over d—day, but the day before d—day, as we passed portsmouth harbour, you couldn't see any water whatsoever. the harbour was choked with ships. there wasn't an inch of water to be seen. but at the end of that shift for me when i came back up to ground level, there wasn't a boat to be seen. the harbour was serene and smooth as you might imagine. it was an incredible moment because you suddenly knew that armada

was off to try and liberate europe. today, many of the remaining few will come here to the british normandy memorial. at gold beach, in their minds and in their hearts, will be comrades who died during the battle for normandy. the 22,442 under british command, whose names are carved here in stone. they will also see the standing with giants installation and once again will be among friends. just so wonderful to spend quality time with those people, the greatest generation, we call them, and quite rightly. ijust wanted to show generation, we call them, and quite rightly. i just wanted to show you some of the other features of the memorial, quote along the top. to us is given the honour of striking a blow for freedom which will live in history and in the better days that lie ahead, men will speak with pride of our doings. that was a message sent to the allied land forces by bernard montgomery, field marshal montgomery, monty, the message he sent to his troops inscribed on the

walls, all sorts of poignant things like that around here at the memorial that really take you back 80 years and make you think about exactly what happened on these beaches way back then. we can talk to the man responsible for the stone and the wonderful sculpture behind us, alan mcconnell and david william ellis. good morning to you. allen, when you are given a brief to take on something like this, i assume it is quite daunting. i know you have great experience, but how do you approach it? irate great experience, but how do you approach it?— great experience, but how do you approach it? we get to design and for this design _ approach it? we get to design and for this design it _ approach it? we get to design and for this design it was _ approach it? we get to design and for this design it was liam - approach it? we get to design and l for this design it was liam o'connor who put— for this design it was liam o'connor who put the — for this design it was liam o'connor who put the design in here and then obviously— who put the design in here and then obviously we manufacture all of the stone _ obviously we manufacture all of the stone and _ obviously we manufacture all of the stone and get that manufactured but quite daunting, as you say. whenever you are _ quite daunting, as you say. whenever you are faced with all of this from the beginning, from the outset. but we are _ the beginning, from the outset. but we are well— the beginning, from the outset. but we are well used to it and we've done _ we are well used to it and we've done a — we are well used to it and we've done a lot— we are well used to it and we've done a lot of memorials over the years— done a lot of memorials over the years and — done a lot of memorials over the years and we are well used to working — years and we are well used to working with this type of material.

when _ working with this type of material. when the — working with this type of material. when the veterans, here, it is very special to them. you will see an old hand touch the names of friends who were left behind. that is incredibly moving. it were left behind. that is incredibly movinr . , were left behind. that is incredibly movinr. , ., ., moving. it is, really moving, to think of these _ moving. it is, really moving, to think of these guys _ moving. it is, really moving, to think of these guys coming - moving. it is, really moving, to| think of these guys coming here moving. it is, really moving, to - think of these guys coming here who fought— think of these guys coming here who fought for— think of these guys coming here who fought for our freedom, it is harrowing, the thought of it, what so many _ harrowing, the thought of it, what so many gave, their full lives for our freedom today, it is amazing. the sculpture, i've seen it so many times over the last few years, but there is always something new to see in it. it is so lifelike. how do you get that life into metal, as it work and to tell the story of the young man who stormed the beaches. its quite complicated that i started with little — quite complicated that i started with little models _ quite complicated that i started with little models and - quite complicated that i started with little models and i- quite complicated that i started with little models and i work. quite complicated that i started i with little models and i work from life, with little models and i work from life. so _ with little models and i work from life. so i_ with little models and i work from life. so i had— with little models and i work from life. so i had a— with little models and i work from life, so i had a footballer- with little models and i work from life, so i had a footballer who - with little models and i work from life, so i had a footballer who was a striker— life, so i had a footballer who was a striker called ashley _ life, so i had a footballer who was a striker called ashley bayliss - life, so i had a footballer who wasl a striker called ashley bayliss from oxford _ a striker called ashley bayliss from oxford united, _ a striker called ashley bayliss from oxford united, and _ a striker called ashley bayliss from oxford united, and another- a striker called ashley bayliss from oxford united, and another modell a striker called ashley bayliss from - oxford united, and another model who was a _ oxford united, and another model who was a ballet _ oxford united, and another model who was a ballet dancer— oxford united, and another model who was a ballet dancer and _ oxford united, and another model who was a ballet dancer and i— oxford united, and another model who was a ballet dancer and i needed - was a ballet dancer and i needed

people _ was a ballet dancer and i needed people who _ was a ballet dancer and i needed people who are _ was a ballet dancer and i needed people who are strong _ was a ballet dancer and i needed people who are strong who - was a ballet dancer and i neededj people who are strong who could was a ballet dancer and i needed - people who are strong who could hold the position— people who are strong who could hold the position and — people who are strong who could hold the position and i— people who are strong who could hold the position and i asked _ people who are strong who could hold the position and i asked the _ the position and i asked the footballer, _ the position and i asked the footballer, can _ the position and i asked the footballer, can you - the position and i asked the footballer, can you imagine| the position and i asked the - footballer, can you imagine you are up footballer, can you imagine you are up against — footballer, can you imagine you are up against a — footballer, can you imagine you are up against a defender— footballer, can you imagine you are up against a defender and - footballer, can you imagine you are up against a defender and you - footballer, can you imagine you are up against a defender and you want to get— up against a defender and you want to get around — up against a defender and you want to get around him _ up against a defender and you want to get around him and _ up against a defender and you want to get around him and you've - up against a defender and you want to get around him and you've got. to get around him and you've got this feeling — to get around him and you've got this feeling of— to get around him and you've got this feeling of slightly _ to get around him and you've goti this feeling of slightly off— balance and that— this feeling of slightly off— balance and that made _ this feeling of slightly off— balance and that made the _ this feeling of slightly off— balance and that made the energy- this feeling of slightly off— balance and that made the energy and - and that made the energy and movement _ and that made the energy and movement i_ and that made the energy and movement. i then— and that made the energy and movement. i then wanted - and that made the energy and movement. i then wanted to i and that made the energy and . movement. i then wanted to get and that made the energy and - movement. i then wanted to get the weight— movement. i then wanted to get the weight of— movement. i then wanted to get the weight of the — movement. i then wanted to get the weight of the sculpture _ movement. i then wanted to get the weight of the sculpture in _ movement. i then wanted to get the weight of the sculpture in and - movement. i then wanted to get the weight of the sculpture in and it- movement. i then wanted to get the weight of the sculpture in and it is. weight of the sculpture in and it is modelled — weight of the sculpture in and it is modelled in— weight of the sculpture in and it is modelled in clay _ weight of the sculpture in and it is modelled in clay so _ weight of the sculpture in and it is modelled in clay so it _ weight of the sculpture in and it is modelled in clay so it goes - weight of the sculpture in and it is modelled in clay so it goes from l modelled in clay so it goes from clay to _ modelled in clay so it goes from clay to bronze _ modelled in clay so it goes from clay to bronze and _ modelled in clay so it goes from clay to bronze and the _ modelled in clay so it goes from clay to bronze and the clay, - modelled in clay so it goes from clay to bronze and the clay, thel clay to bronze and the clay, the battle _ clay to bronze and the clay, the battle dress _ clay to bronze and the clay, the battle dress come _ clay to bronze and the clay, the battle dress come into - clay to bronze and the clay, the battle dress come into the - clay to bronze and the clay, thel battle dress come into the water clay to bronze and the clay, the - battle dress come into the water and they are _ battle dress come into the water and they are running _ battle dress come into the water and they are running at _ battle dress come into the water and they are running at the _ battle dress come into the water and they are running at the beach - battle dress come into the water and they are running at the beach with i they are running at the beach with sand _ they are running at the beach with sand in_ they are running at the beach with sand in their— they are running at the beach with sand in their feet _ they are running at the beach with sand in their feet and _ they are running at the beach with sand in their feet and i— they are running at the beach with sand in their feet and i wanted - they are running at the beach with sand in their feet and i wanted to| sand in their feet and i wanted to feel the _ sand in their feet and i wanted to feel the weight _ sand in their feet and i wanted to feel the weight in _ sand in their feet and i wanted to feel the weight in their— sand in their feet and i wanted to feel the weight in their feet - sand in their feet and i wanted to feel the weight in their feet and i j feel the weight in their feet and i think— feel the weight in their feet and i think the — feel the weight in their feet and i think the final — feel the weight in their feet and i think the final thing _ feel the weight in their feet and i think the final thing was - feel the weight in their feet and i think the final thing was the - think the final thing was the apprehension _ think the final thing was the apprehension and _ think the final thing was the apprehension and tension . think the final thing was the l apprehension and tension and think the final thing was the - apprehension and tension and the endeavour — apprehension and tension and the endeavour. what _ apprehension and tension and the endeavour. what is _ apprehension and tension and the endeavour. what is in _ apprehension and tension and the endeavour. what is in their- apprehension and tension and the endeavour. what is in their faces, we wanted — endeavour. what is in their faces, we wanted to— endeavour. what is in their faces, we wanted to get _ endeavour. what is in their faces, we wanted to get something - endeavour. what is in their faces, we wanted to get something and i endeavour. what is in their faces, j we wanted to get something and i endeavour. what is in their faces, - we wanted to get something and i was speaking _ we wanted to get something and i was speaking earlier— we wanted to get something and i was speaking earlier about _ we wanted to get something and i was speaking earlier about it, _ we wanted to get something and i was speaking earlier about it, but- we wanted to get something and i was speaking earlier about it, but there . speaking earlier about it, but there were no— speaking earlier about it, but there were no photographs, _ speaking earlier about it, but there were no photographs, proper- were no photographs, proper photographs _ were no photographs, proper photographs of _ were no photographs, proper photographs of action, - were no photographs, proper photographs of action, clearl photographs of action, clear photographs _ photographs of action, clear photographs of _ photographs of action, clear photographs of d—day, - photographs of action, clearl photographs of d—day, there photographs of action, clear - photographs of d—day, there were distant _ photographs of d—day, there were distant ones — photographs of d—day, there were distant ones are _ photographs of d—day, there were distant ones are people _ photographs of d—day, there were distant ones are people mainly- photographs of d—day, there were . distant ones are people mainly taken by the _ distant ones are people mainly taken by the americans _ distant ones are people mainly taken by the americans but _ distant ones are people mainly taken by the americans but there - distant ones are people mainly taken by the americans but there was - distant ones are people mainly taken by the americans but there was oxyl distant ones are people mainly takeni by the americans but there was oxy a lot of— by the americans but there was oxy a lot of vietnam — by the americans but there was oxy a lot of vietnam footage, _ by the americans but there was oxy a lot of vietnam footage, maybe - by the americans but there was oxy a lot of vietnam footage, maybe not. lot of vietnam footage, maybe not korean _ lot of vietnam footage, maybe not korean but — lot of vietnam footage, maybe not korean but vietnam _ lot of vietnam footage, maybe not korean but vietnam and _ lot of vietnam footage, maybe not korean but vietnam and later- lot of vietnam footage, maybe not korean but vietnam and later and i lot of vietnam footage, maybe not| korean but vietnam and later and i

took a _ korean but vietnam and later and i took a lot— korean but vietnam and later and i took a lot of— korean but vietnam and later and i took a lot of images _ korean but vietnam and later and i took a lot of images of— korean but vietnam and later and i took a lot of images of people - korean but vietnam and later and i took a lot of images of people in l took a lot of images of people in battle _ took a lot of images of people in battle and — took a lot of images of people in battle and i_ took a lot of images of people in battle and i worked _ took a lot of images of people in battle and i worked with - took a lot of images of people in battle and i worked with my - took a lot of images of people in i battle and i worked with my models and with— battle and i worked with my models and with these _ battle and i worked with my models and with these pictures _ battle and i worked with my models and with these pictures of _ battle and i worked with my models and with these pictures of people i and with these pictures of people under— and with these pictures of people under stress _ and with these pictures of people under stress in _ and with these pictures of people under stress in battle, _ and with these pictures of people under stress in battle, it- and with these pictures of people| under stress in battle, it captures the nervousness, _ under stress in battle, it captures the nervousness, the _ under stress in battle, it captures. the nervousness, the apprehension, the nervousness, the apprehension, the endeavour— the nervousness, the apprehension, the endeavour of— the nervousness, the apprehension, the endeavour of that _ the nervousness, the apprehension, the endeavour of that generation i the nervousness, the apprehension, the endeavour of that generation inl the endeavour of that generation in the endeavour of that generation in the sculpture _ the endeavour of that generation in the sculpture-— the endeavour of that generation in the sculpture. when you showed an earl draft the sculpture. when you showed an early draft to _ the sculpture. when you showed an early draft to the _ the sculpture. when you showed an early draft to the general, - the sculpture. when you showed an early draft to the general, he i the sculpture. when you showed an early draft to the general, he said l early draft to the general, he said he loved it and thought it was spot on but they didn't look scared enough, so that is how you go back to some of that imagery of the troops. to some of that imagery of the troo s. ., ., , to some of that imagery of the troos. ., .,, ., , ., troops. that was really important and there were _ troops. that was really important and there were a _ troops. that was really important and there were a few— troops. that was really important and there were a few things i troops. that was really important and there were a few things like l and there were a few things like that _ and there were a few things like that when _ and there were a few things like that. when lord _ and there were a few things like that. when lord dan— and there were a few things like that. when lord dan at- and there were a few things like that. when lord dan at came i and there were a few things like that. when lord dan at came to| and there were a few things like i that. when lord dan at came to see the small— that. when lord dan at came to see the small models _ that. when lord dan at came to see the small models at _ that. when lord dan at came to see the small models at my _ that. when lord dan at came to see the small models at my studio, i that. when lord dan at came to see the small models at my studio, he i the small models at my studio, he said there — the small models at my studio, he said there is — the small models at my studio, he said there is one _ the small models at my studio, he said there is one thing _ the small models at my studio, he said there is one thing wrong, and| said there is one thing wrong, and he said every— said there is one thing wrong, and he said every soldier— said there is one thing wrong, and he said every soldier would - said there is one thing wrong, and he said every soldier would go i said there is one thing wrong, andl he said every soldier would go with a water— he said every soldier would go with a water bottle _ he said every soldier would go with a water bottle and _ he said every soldier would go with a water bottle and only _ he said every soldier would go with a water bottle and only one - he said every soldier would go with a water bottle and only one of- he said every soldier would go withi a water bottle and only one of them had a water— a water bottle and only one of them had a water bottle, _ a water bottle and only one of them had a water bottle, so _ a water bottle and only one of them had a water bottle, so the - a water bottle and only one of them had a water bottle, so the detail i had a water bottle, so the detail was really — had a water bottle, so the detail was really important, _ had a water bottle, so the detail was really important, the - had a water bottle, so the detail was really important, the little i was really important, the little idiosyncrasies, _ was really important, the little idiosyncrasies, there _ was really important, the little idiosyncrasies, there is - was really important, the little idiosyncrasies, there is a - was really important, the littlej idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, was really important, the little l idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little _ idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little tin — idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little tin cup _ idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little tin cup which _ idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little tin cup which i _ idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little tin cup which i found - idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little tin cup which i found in- idiosyncrasies, there is a mug, a little tin cup which i found in a i little tin cup which i found in a photograph— little tin cup which i found in a photograph of— little tin cup which i found in a photograph of a _ little tin cup which i found in a photograph of a d—day- little tin cup which i found in a photograph of a d—day soldier running — photograph of a d—day soldier running up _ photograph of a d—day soldier running up the _ photograph of a d—day soldier running up the beach - photograph of a d—day soldier running up the beach with i photograph of a d—day soldier running up the beach with a i photograph of a d—day soldier i running up the beach with a little enamel— running up the beach with a little enamel cup—

running up the beach with a little enamel cup on— running up the beach with a little enamel cup on his _ running up the beach with a little enamel cup on his back- running up the beach with a little enamel cup on his back and - running up the beach with a little enamel cup on his back and he i running up the beach with a little i enamel cup on his back and he had to have the _ enamel cup on his back and he had to have the right — enamel cup on his back and he had to have the right kit, _ enamel cup on his back and he had to have the right kit, so— enamel cup on his back and he had to have the right kit, so there _ enamel cup on his back and he had to have the right kit, so there were i enamel cup on his back and he had to have the right kit, so there were a i have the right kit, so there were a lot of— have the right kit, so there were a lot of veterans _ have the right kit, so there were a lot of veterans around _ have the right kit, so there were a lot of veterans around with - have the right kit, so there were a lot of veterans around with us i have the right kit, so there were a lot of veterans around with us andj have the right kit, so there were al lot of veterans around with us and i was only— lot of veterans around with us and i was only criticised _ lot of veterans around with us and i was only criticised by— lot of veterans around with us and i was only criticised by one _ lot of veterans around with us and i was only criticised by one who i was only criticised by one who said i was only criticised by one who said i was _ was only criticised by one who said i was a _ was only criticised by one who said i was a bren— was only criticised by one who said iwas a bren gun— was only criticised by one who said i was a bren gun carrier— was only criticised by one who said i was a bren gun carrier and - was only criticised by one who said i was a bren gun carrier and i- i was a bren gun carrier and i carried — i was a bren gun carrier and i carried it _ i was a bren gun carrier and i carried it and _ i was a bren gun carrier and i carried it and the _ i was a bren gun carrier and i carried it and the strap, i i was a bren gun carrier and i carried it and the strap, the i carried it and the strap, the official_ carried it and the strap, the official way _ carried it and the strap, the official way was— carried it and the strap, the official way was what - carried it and the strap, the official way was what a - carried it and the strap, the official way was what a lot i carried it and the strap, thel official way was what a lot of people — official way was what a lot of pe0ple got _ official way was what a lot of pe0ple got but_ official way was what a lot of willa got but i_ official way was what a lot of people got but i carried - official way was what a lot of people got but i carried my. official way was what a lot of. people got but i carried my with official way was what a lot of - people got but i carried my with it strapped — people got but i carried my with it strapped down— people got but i carried my with it strapped down and _ people got but i carried my with it strapped down and i— people got but i carried my with it strapped down and i was lucky- people got but i carried my with it strapped down and i was lucky to| strapped down and i was lucky to get it right _ strapped down and i was lucky to get it right i— strapped down and i was lucky to get it riuht. ~' strapped down and i was lucky to get it riuht. ~ ,i, strapped down and i was lucky to get it riuht. ~ p, i, strapped down and i was lucky to get it riht. ~ i, strapped down and i was lucky to get it riuht. ~ i, i, it right. i think both of you have not it right. i think both of you have got everything _ it right. i think both of you have got everything very _ it right. i think both of you have got everything very right - it right. i think both of you have| got everything very right indeed. the sculpture, the whole place, it sums up the youth, the terror but ultimately the determination, the steely determination required of all of the forces that stormed these beaches 80 years ago this morning. charlie, back to you.— charlie, back to you. john, thank ou so charlie, back to you. john, thank you so much _ charlie, back to you. john, thank you so much and _ charlie, back to you. john, thank you so much and across - charlie, back to you. john, thank you so much and across our - charlie, back to you. john, thank - you so much and across our coverage this morning, john will be meeting and talking to so many involved in events here. as you will have

already seen, we are in bright sunshine today here on the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. we can go to carol who is on board hms belfast, and of course, it has a direct relationship with d—day itself, and maybe you can give us a little insight in comparing and contrasting the conditions we are seeing today with what it was on that day. seeing today with what it was on thatda. , ~ seeing today with what it was on thatda. , �*, , that day. absolutely right. a sunny start to the day — that day. absolutely right. a sunny start to the day in _ that day. absolutely right. a sunny start to the day in london - that day. absolutely right. a sunny start to the day in london and - start to the day in london and before — start to the day in london and before i— start to the day in london and before i go into that comparison, let me _ before i go into that comparison, let me show you a little bit around hms belfast. you can see the guns over there — hms belfast. you can see the guns over there and this afternoon there will he _ over there and this afternoon there will he a _ over there and this afternoon there will be a simulated firing of the guns _ will be a simulated firing of the guns minutes at one o'clock and hms belfast _ guns minutes at one o'clock and hms betfast is _ guns minutes at one o'clock and hms belfast is one of only three remaining vessels from the bombardment fleet which supported the nominally landings on this day 80 years— the nominally landings on this day 80 years ago. we are talking about

the comparisons between then and now, _ the comparisons between then and now. and _ the comparisons between then and now. and if— the comparisons between then and now, and if we take a look at the weather— now, and if we take a look at the weather chart from d—day 80 years a-o, weather chart from d—day 80 years ago. we _ weather chart from d—day 80 years ago. we are — weather chart from d—day 80 years ago, we are looking at the time being _ ago, we are looking at the time being seven o'clock in the morning, eight _ being seven o'clock in the morning, eight o'clock bst and captainjames stagg _ eight o'clock bst and captainjames stagg noticed there was a ridge of hi-h stagg noticed there was a ridge of high pressure likely to be building in from _ high pressure likely to be building in from the atlantic which is why he recommended that the day was changed to the 6th _ recommended that the day was changed to the 6th ofjune for the d—day landings — to the 6th ofjune for the d—day landings. there was low—pressure to the north— landings. there was low—pressure to the north of— landings. there was low—pressure to the north of us and the conditions were not— the north of us and the conditions were not as — the north of us and the conditions were not as fine they had hoped because — were not as fine they had hoped because the wind was a bit stronger and the _ because the wind was a bit stronger and the seas were not as calm and there _ and the seas were not as calm and there was— and the seas were not as calm and there was low cloud over the french coast _ there was low cloud over the french coast for— there was low cloud over the french coast for example and if we compare that to _ coast for example and if we compare that to today, we also have low pressure — that to today, we also have low pressure to the north and high pressure — pressure to the north and high pressure in the atlantic building in from _ pressure in the atlantic building in from the _ pressure in the atlantic building in from the west. the differences, the low pressure on d—day was much deeper— low pressure on d—day was much deeper and — low pressure on d—day was much deeper and closer to the uk than today _ deeper and closer to the uk than today. talking up today, we have a weak— today. talking up today, we have a weak weather front crossing england and wales _ weak weather front crossing england and wales and a band of cloud with

one or— and wales and a band of cloud with one or two — and wales and a band of cloud with one or two showers and then the forecast — one or two showers and then the forecast for most of us today is basicatty— forecast for most of us today is basically sunshine and showers and most _ basically sunshine and showers and most of— basically sunshine and showers and most of the showers in the north accompanied by a brisk wind with temperatures between ten and 18 degrees _ temperatures between ten and 18 degrees north to south. as we head through— degrees north to south. as we head through the evening and overnight, we got _ through the evening and overnight, we got another weather from coming into the _ we got another weather from coming into the north—west introducing rain across— into the north—west introducing rain across scotland and also in northern iretand _ across scotland and also in northern iretand it's— across scotland and also in northern ireland. it's going to be a cool night — ireland. it's going to be a cool night under clear skies so it will be night under clear skies so it will he a _ night under clear skies so it will he a cold — night under clear skies so it will be a cold start to the day tomorrow nrorning _ be a cold start to the day tomorrow nrorning so — be a cold start to the day tomorrow morning. so talking up tomorrow, the rain continues to move south out of scotland _ rain continues to move south out of scotland and northern ireland, into north— scotland and northern ireland, into north england and north wales and the north midlands before it weakens and ctears _ the north midlands before it weakens and clears and to the south of that, dry out _ and clears and to the south of that, dry out with— and clears and to the south of that, dry out with one or two showers and also looking — dry out with one or two showers and also looking at some sunshine. in dependent — also looking at some sunshine. in dependent on the sunshine amounts we could reach— dependent on the sunshine amounts we could reach 20 degrees tomorrow and it is going _ could reach 20 degrees tomorrow and it is going to be a breezy day widely— it is going to be a breezy day widely but the strongest winds will be widely but the strongest winds will he across— widely but the strongest winds will be across the north west. as we head into saturday the weather still does remain— into saturday the weather still does remain quite unsettled and still a

lot remain quite unsettled and still a tot of— remain quite unsettled and still a lot of showers and a lot of them heavy _ lot of showers and a lot of them heavy and — lot of showers and a lot of them heavy and emerging across the north of the _ heavy and emerging across the north of the country and you come south, and there _ of the country and you come south, and there will still be one or two showers — and there will still be one or two showers knocking around as well but generally— showers knocking around as well but generally speaking, you will be drier— generally speaking, you will be drier with some sunshine and temperatures again up to about 19 degrees, — temperatures again up to about 19 degrees, and if you are wondering about— degrees, and if you are wondering about sunday, sunday is looking windy— about sunday, sunday is looking windy and — about sunday, sunday is looking windy and again there will be some of those _ windy and again there will be some of those showers around, so a beautiful — of those showers around, so a beautiful start to the day here in london. — beautiful start to the day here in london, but it is pretty nippy. carot, — london, but it is pretty nippy. carol, thank you very much. welcome back to normandy, and those veterans who lost their lives are front and centre of everything. we are telling some of those stories this morning. more than 22,000 people under british command lost their lives during the 12—week—long battle of normandy campaign — among them,

just two were women. mollie evershed and dorothy field who were working as nurses aboard a hospital ship when it struck a mine off the french coast. now, a new project has seen the two women immortalised as silhouettes, high above the beaches of normandy. 0ur reporter shaun peel has been to hear more about their remarkable lives. of the 22,410 who died in the normandy campaign, they're the only two women. now they've been turned into eight—foot high figures standing in the wild meadows behind the war memorial overlooking gold beach. they were created by dan barton, who founded the project, standing with giants. it seems to be a bit of a phenomenon, really. people come up to one of the installations and they appear to start to grieve and they seem to release a lot of emotion. it's incredible to witness,

actually, and nearly always when they leave the installation, they have tears in their eyes and they say to me, thank you for doing this. the figures represent the actual number of d—day fatalities. they're made from reclaimed aluminium and plastic signage, often found on building sites and new housing developments. they're mainly generic silhouettes of the men who died. but molly and dorothy's creations are different. they're based on real photographs. you see it one way with your eyes. you see it another way through the camera. you see it a different way. you see it a different way, looking into the sun. you see a different way, looking away from the sun. and you really feel as though there's some life in them. yeah, it's quite magical. it really is. and it really is a reaction from people. the reaction of the relatives. yeah, everyone, everyone. it's just for me it's been life changing, really has been. after leaving ely high school for girls, molly trained at the norfolk and norwich hospital.

dorothy trained at king's college hospital in london. they were serving on the ss amsterdam. at7a.m, on a foggy sunday morning in a heavy swell, the ship was swinging a tanker off khan when it hit a mine. it was about to make its third cross—channel journey to southampton, packed with wounded men. as the ship began to sink, they left their lifeboat and went below deck to try and rescue men from the wards. dorothy was 32. molly died a week before her 28th birthday. she was about to be married. they received the king's commendation for bravery. and the ship's captain described them as the bravest women he'd ever known. the standing with giants installation will be in place behind the normandy war memorial on gold beach until the going down of the summer.

then all but two of them will be taken away and brought home. but molly and dorothy will stay there forever. we are learning so much about those people who sacrificed so much on those days. that was the story of molly and dorothy, so well told, and quite rightly getting the recognition. people know who they were and what they did. we will hear throughout the morning from so many of the d—day veterans involved. you can probably hear behind me this morning, throughout being here in the last hour or so there have been a number of aircraft, presumably practising the fly past around a memorial where we are this morning, and i think you can see the shot nearfrom where we and i think you can see the shot near from where we are, out looking over gold beach itself. it is a

spectacular day—to—day and as carol was explaining to us earlier this morning, very much in contrast to the weather on d—day itself. we are looking out on the beach, gold beach, and the memorial itself is on the grassland just above and i think we can show you the images from high above where we are there at ver—sur—mer in this dramatic location, and any of those people who come here today, everyone is struck by how remarkable this memorial is. you walk in amongst reid the names of all of those who died —— read the names. it stops you in your tracks every time. a little mate —— later on today there are a number of official events commemorating the 80th anniversary

of d—day. the king and queen will be here and the french president emmanuel macron as well will be joining those veterans who will be front and centre of everything that happens this morning. we are back with more of those stories of the individuals caught up on d—day here individuals caught up on d—day here in normandy, but right now the news and travel where you are. hello, good morning from bbc london. a ransomware cyber—attack is continuing to cause disruption to services at a number of hospitals and care providers in london. operations were cancelled at short notice, and emergency patients had to be diverted elsewhere. the national cyber security centre said the attack on the pathology services firm, synnovis, was "a very, very serious incident". experts say the attacks of this nature are very hard to trace. the way that the dark web works, itjust gives an upper

hand to the criminals. these are criminals that are using the best technology to anonymise where they are in the world. so they are using cryptocurrencies — that's digital currencies that don't have a very good evidence trail behind them. and these criminals are so good at making that money move across into their accounts with no evidence at all that we have to do other things about it. victims of the grenfell tower fire are set to receive £a2 million in direct payments and wellbeing support until 2028. kensington and chelsea borough council's leadership team have voted to approve the final model of the future grenfell support package. as we've been hearing, events have been taking place across the country and in france to mark the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. one of london's most famous landmarks, hms belfast, will be firing a gun salute at one o'clock this afternoon to remember the role it played in the opening bombardment. it was belfast that signaled

it was time to begin the bombardment it opened fire at 527. and after it did, all the ships around it then continued to open fire as well. so belfast was positioned there at the centre of the landing and had been given a specific target. and we'll be bringing you lots of d—day coverage on our teatime programme at 6.30 tonight. let's take a look at the tubes now. there are minor delays on the bakerloo line and the elizabeth line. severe delays on the picadilly line. now onto the weather. hello. good morning. we're looking at generally settled conditions over the next few days with high pressure not too far away from us. a cloudy start, but this will break up to some sunny spells. but there is the chance of some scattered showers during the day today. and one or two of these could be heavy.

but there will be some decent spells of sunshine around. a lot of dry weather as well, and temperatures generally reaching around the mid to high teens with a moderate breeze. any showers we do see will tend to fade away this evening. it becomes largely dry with some clear spells and patchy cloud. more in the way of clearer skies by the end of the night. but there may be a few patches of mist and fog as temperatures dip down to around 6 to 10 celsius. so a dry start to the day tomorrow with some sunshine. but we do have this weak cold front that's arriving in and this will bring a bit more in the way of cloud during the day, tomorrow and for saturday as well, with a greater chance perhaps of a few scattered showers. so it's a case of sunny spells, scattered showers all the way through to the weekend. a lot of dry weather and temperatures generally reaching around the high teens to maybe the low twenties. that's your forecast. that's it. head to our website for all the day's stories including the first poet—in—residence for a charity celebrating five of london's bridges. we're back in half an hour. see you then.

good morning, welcome to a special edition of breakfast with me, charlie stayt, in normandy on the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. 0ur headlines today... the scene is set in ver—sur—mer, the site of the british normandy memorial, where the king and queen will lead the united kingdom's commemorative event. pipes play. just after six o'clock this morning, a piper played a lament on gold beach, to mark the exact moment in 191m that the first british boat landed on french soil. they're the men who changed the course of history — but victory came at a price, more than 4,000 allied forces lost their lives. it makes you wonder why i'm still alive and they've all been dead for years, years and years.

and i'm naga munchetty in the studio. also in the news this morning... the first minister of wales, vaughan gething, faces an uncertain future after losing a vote of no—confidence — he insists he'll carry on. premier league clubs will vote on whether to scrap the use of the video assistant referee, after a season of notable errors and mounting scrutiny. good morning from hms belfast, one of the first warships to arrive at the normandy beaches. here in london, it is a cold start to the day, as across most of the uk, another day of sunshine in blustery showers, most of which will be in the north. all the details later. it's thursday the 6th ofjune.

welcome to normandy where, 80 years ago today, more 156,000 allied troops launched an attack on german forces which would change the course of the second world war and forever be known as d—day. it was just before 6.30 in the morning onjune 6th, 1944, when british, american, canadian and french soldiers began to land on sword, juno, gold, omaha and utah beaches, taking the enemy by surprise in what was the largest ever amphibious invasion — leading to the eventual liberation of france from nazi occupation. around a0 british veterans of d—day have travelled to be here in person today as events take place to mark the anniversary of a day which britain's wartime leader sir winston churchill, called "the most complicated and difficult" operation of world war ii.

our correspondent sophie long reports now on just some of the commemorations so far. as the sun rose on the normandy beaches on the 80th anniversary of d—day. .. beaches on the 80th anniversary of d—day... a single piper marked the exact moment thousands of british troops disembarked on french beaches. we stand in the future which you gave to us. the one you were told you may never reach. the one lost in the words of your last breath. on the anniversary of d—day, a service to honour the heroes

who never came home. they fought in the largest naval, air and land operation the world has ever witnessed. more than 150,000 allied soldiers landed on the shores of france. the numbers were phenomenal, as was their sacrifice. 4,144 of them lie here at the bayeux war cemetery, where those who enjoy the freedom they fought for — friends, family and royalty — came to remember them. the epitaphs on the headstones here capture the grief of those who loved these men. one mother's words are, "he is not dead, whose memory lives in hearts that know and loved him." 80 years on, let their memory

still live on in our hearts. they had one collective aim — to liberate nazi—occupied europe. but they were individuals — sons, brothers, husbands and fathers. as over 4,000 headstones were individually lit up, honouring those that lost their lives here... ..so was the sky above portsmouth,

where theirjourney began exactly 80 years ago. when we were passing the white cliffs of dover, the sergeant said as we passed, he said, "take a good look, boys." he said, "many of you will never see that again." of the 130 lads in my company, only 19 of us made it home. in those desperate battles, they gave their lives for the peace we enjoy today. i will never forget them. my families and their families and friends will never forget them. we will rememberthem. pipes play.

we will remember them, words we will hear many times today. events commemorating the anniversary of d—day will continue throughout the day. we'll be ending our coverage here on breakfast a little earlier, at 8.30 this morning, when our colleagues take over here on bbc one. at 9.30 the king and queen willjoin veterans for the first ever national commemoration here at the british normandy memorial. the british memorial here near the village of ver—sur—mer, at the eastern end of gold beach, pays tribute to the more than 22,000 servicemen and women under british command who fell on d—day and during the battle of normandy in the summer of 1944. breakfast�*sjohn maguire is here with us this morning.

you had the opportunity earlier this morning to look around this extraordinary place, in this bright sunshine today, and i am sure anyone coming here will immediately be mindful of what it was like on that day, and of course all of our thoughts will be first and foremost with those d—day veterans who will be arriving here in the next hour or so. . , be arriving here in the next hour or so. , , , be arriving here in the next hour or so. . y , ., be arriving here in the next hour or so. , , , ., ., so. yes, they will be front and centre, so. yes, they will be front and centre. the — so. yes, they will be front and centre, the stars _ so. yes, they will be front and centre, the stars of— so. yes, they will be front and centre, the stars of the - so. yes, they will be front and centre, the stars of the show, | centre, the stars of the show, really, as they have been for the few days they are here in normandy, incredibly popular with the french population, the people they ultimately liberated, but also lots of other people here to commemorate as well, including serving members of the armed forces today, including those with family connections. for one veteran it will be a very special day.

before d—day began, planning for operation overlord, as it was known, took many months, if not years. working alone in a basement room in whitehall, christian lamb created maps for the landing craft that were central to the amphibious attack. last month, we traveled here to normandy with christian, who saw the beaches she'd charted 80 years ago for the very first time. it looks absolutely wonderful, so clear and so blue and it's so attractive. i don't suppose it looked like that then, really. one was very worried about it and expecting ghastly things to happen. these are what i am supposed to have made. these are the maps you made. amazing. we also showed her an original invasion map. again, something she'd never seen before. this will have saved lives.

i hope so. there will have been so many lives lost. but perhaps one or two saved. i'm sure more than that. and you think of how young they all were too. and also brave, so desperately keen to win. her role would have been vital, so today she'll be presented with france's highest honour, the legion d'honneur. i'm just amazed, really. i'm not expecting that sort of thing. president macron will give christian her medal here in ver—sur—mer, so she says she's brushing up on her french. i spent that morning trying to go through my french dictionary to find some really polite things to say in french, because i used to be

absolutely bilingual when i was young and i lived in france for a whole year, and now i've forgotten it all. but as we witnessed at a school here in northern france last month, christian is being far too modest about her linguistic skills. she speaks french. i feel wonderful. thrilled by it all. yesterday she was flown from portsmouth with pat outram, also a recipient of the medal. i like yours very much. yes. i've always been ratherjealous of it. wishing her bon voyage. have a good trip. thank you very much. very exciting. with the distinctive red ribbon and white cross, the people of france are bestowing their highest honor on someone who for many years kept silent about their top secret work. but today, at long last, will receive the recognition she deserves.

christian said she is very excited and i'm sure a lot of people are excited about her receiving that medal. some other people taking part today, military of course, they will be forming a guard of honour. tell us about your role today. it be forming a guard of honour. tell us about your role today.- us about your role today. it has been busy- _ us about your role today. it has been busy. we _ us about your role today. it has been busy. we are _ us about your role today. it has been busy. we are providing i us about your role today. it has | been busy. we are providing the us about your role today. it has been busy. we are providing the army part of— been busy. we are providing the army part of the _ been busy. we are providing the army part of the guard of honour for commemorations and so we are looking forward _ commemorations and so we are looking forward to— commemorations and so we are looking forward to that. for commemorations and so we are looking forward to that-— forward to that. for current serving personnel. — forward to that. for current serving personnel. what — forward to that. for current serving personnel, what is _ forward to that. for current serving personnel, what is it _ forward to that. for current serving personnel, what is it like _ forward to that. for current serving personnel, what is it like to - forward to that. for current serving personnel, what is it like to meet l personnel, what is it like to meet the veterans?— personnel, what is it like to meet the veterans? poignant and such an honour to meet _ the veterans? poignant and such an honour to meet them _ the veterans? poignant and such an honour to meet them and _ the veterans? poignant and such an honour to meet them and hear - the veterans? poignant and such an j honour to meet them and hear their stories. _ honour to meet them and hear their stories. and — honour to meet them and hear their stories, and respect what they have done _ stories, and respect what they have done and _ stories, and respect what they have done and what they achieved on this day 80 _ done and what they achieved on this day 80 years ago. you done and what they achieved on this day 80 years ago-— day 80 years ago. you have a family connection- — day 80 years ago. you have a family

connection- my _ day 80 years ago. you have a family connection. my great _ day 80 years ago. you have a family connection. my great grandfather i day 80 years ago. you have a family | connection. my great grandfather was in the merchant _ connection. my great grandfather was in the merchant navy _ connection. my great grandfather was in the merchant navy and _ connection. my great grandfather was in the merchant navy and on - connection. my great grandfather was in the merchant navy and on the - connection. my great grandfather was in the merchant navy and on the ship| in the merchant navy and on the ship which _ in the merchant navy and on the ship which took— in the merchant navy and on the ship which took the troops to the barges to go— which took the troops to the barges to go to _ which took the troops to the barges to go to the beach that day. he was 14 years _ to go to the beach that day. he was 14 years old, he took his brother's id, 14 years old, he took his brother's id. birth _ 14 years old, he took his brother's id, birth certificate, lied about his age. — id, birth certificate, lied about his age, 14 years old coming to the beaches _ his age, 14 years old coming to the beaches i— his age, 14 years old coming to the beaches. i can't imagine how it felt _ beaches. i can't imagine how it felt is — beaches. i can't imagine how it felt. ' . beaches. i can't imagine how it felt. ' , , ., , ., felt. 14 is the youngest i have heard, extraordinary. - felt. 14 is the youngest i have heard, extraordinary. i- felt. 14 is the youngest i have i heard, extraordinary. i couldn't believe it when _ heard, extraordinary. i couldn't believe it when my _ heard, extraordinary. i couldn't believe it when my dad - heard, extraordinary. i couldn't believe it when my dad told - heard, extraordinary. i couldn'tl believe it when my dad told me. heard, extraordinary. i couldn't. believe it when my dad told me. i don't _ believe it when my dad told me. i don't know— believe it when my dad told me. i don't know what i would be doing at 14. ., ., i. don't know what i would be doing at 14. ., ., , don't know what i would be doing at 14. corporal, you will be performing toda , a 14. corporal, you will be performing today, a musician. _ 14. corporal, you will be performing today, a musician. yes, _ 14. corporal, you will be performing today, a musician. yes, royal- 14. corporal, you will be performing today, a musician. yes, royalair. today, a musician. yes, royalair force college _ today, a musician. yes, royalair force college band _ today, a musician. yes, royalair force college band but _ today, a musician. yes, royalair force college band but we - today, a musician. yes, royalair force college band but we are . today, a musician. yes, royalair force college band but we are a i force college band but we are a combined — force college band but we are a combined band today. fire force college band but we are a

combined band today. are events like this particularly _ combined band today. are events like this particularly special? _ combined band today. are events like this particularly special? yes, - combined band today. are events like this particularly special? yes, and - this particularly special? yes, and i have a personal _ this particularly special? yes, and i have a personal connection, - this particularly special? yes, and i have a personal connection, my| i have a personal connection, my grandad — i have a personal connection, my grandad was on hms largs on d—day, operational— grandad was on hms largs on d—day, operational headquarters. he was not on the _ operational headquarters. he was not on the beaches but he was very much involved _ on the beaches but he was very much involved for— on the beaches but he was very much involved. ., ,., ., i. on the beaches but he was very much involved. ., ., i. ., i. involved. for both of you, and your families, were _ involved. for both of you, and your families, were those _ involved. for both of you, and your families, were those stories - involved. for both of you, and your| families, were those stories passed down through the generations or were they reluctant to talk about what they reluctant to talk about what they saw? my they reluctant to talk about what the saw? ~ , . ., they reluctant to talk about what the saw? ~ , . . ., , they saw? my grandad died when i was uuite ouna they saw? my grandad died when i was quite young but — they saw? my grandad died when i was quite young but we _ they saw? my grandad died when i was quite young but we have _ they saw? my grandad died when i was quite young but we have letters - quite young but we have letters which _ quite young but we have letters which described the scene, the boats. — which described the scene, the boats, the aircraft coming in, it sounds — boats, the aircraft coming in, it sounds horrific what they went through. — sounds horrific what they went through, so it is a real honour to be here — through, so it is a real honour to be here today. a through, so it is a real honour to be here today-— through, so it is a real honour to be here today. a treasured family heirloom to _ be here today. a treasured family heirloom to see _ be here today. a treasured family heirloom to see some _ be here today. a treasured family heirloom to see some of - be here today. a treasured family heirloom to see some of those. i be here today. a treasured family i heirloom to see some of those. and the same question to you, how have those stories passed down? he didn't reall want those stories passed down? he didn't really want to — those stories passed down? he didn't really want to speak _ those stories passed down? he didn't really want to speak about _ those stories passed down? he didn't really want to speak about it - those stories passed down? he didn't really want to speak about it so - really want to speak about it so 'ust really want to speak about it so just little — really want to speak about it so just little snippets of information i just little snippets of information

i got _ just little snippets of information i not. �* just little snippets of information iaot. . . ,., i got. and grandparents and grandchildren _ i got. and grandparents and grandchildren never - i got. and grandparents and grandchildren never seem i i got. and grandparents and| grandchildren never seem to i got. and grandparents and - grandchildren never seem to serve in the same branch of the armed forces! my the same branch of the armed forces! my dad was in the royal artillery, so i decided tojoin the army but i wanted _ so i decided tojoin the army but i wanted something a little different so ijoined the infantry which he wasn't — so ijoined the infantry which he wasn't happy about! best so i joined the infantry which he wasn't happy about!— so i joined the infantry which he wasn't happy about! best of luck toda , i wasn't happy about! best of luck today. i am _ wasn't happy about! best of luck today, i am sure _ wasn't happy about! best of luck today, i am sure you _ wasn't happy about! best of luck today, i am sure you will- wasn't happy about! best of luck today, i am sure you will do - wasn't happy about! best of luck today, i am sure you will do us l wasn't happy about! best of luck. today, i am sure you will do us all proud, and especially the veterans. things are starting to build up your, charlie. people getting in place for what will be a busy morning. from at the memorial near the sea front, back to you.— the sea front, back to you. thank ou, the sea front, back to you. thank you. john- _ the sea front, back to you. thank you. john- as— the sea front, back to you. thank you. john- as you _ the sea front, back to you. thank you, john. as you can _ the sea front, back to you. thank you, john. as you can see, - the sea front, back to you. thank you, john. as you can see, john i the sea front, back to you. thank| you, john. as you can see, john is just behind me, the ocean beyond. as

john said, a lot of what we are doing this morning are talking to people involved in the events but also the veterans themselves. alongside that there are a number of formal events happening, moments to capture some of what happened 80 years ago today. that is what we will look at now. a little earlier, just after 6am, pipe major trevor macey of the scottish gunners recreated the sound of highland laddie which was played to trips by piper bill millin as they landed on the beaches of normandy on d—day itself. our reporter watched as it happened. itself. our reporter watched as it ha ened. . itself. our reporter watched as it ha ened. , itself. our reporter watched as it happened-— itself. our reporter watched as it ha ened. , ., , happened. yes, good morning. this was the epicentre _ happened. yes, good morning. this

was the epicentre of _ happened. yes, good morning. this was the epicentre of so _ happened. yes, good morning. this was the epicentre of so much - happened. yes, good morning. this was the epicentre of so much 80 i was the epicentre of so much 80 years ago and it is again for what is going on over these few days. a focal point for people who want to pay their own perhaps less formal tributes to the liberators in 1944. businesses from around the world, —— visitors from around the world, locals, they are joined visitors from around the world, locals, they arejoined by visitors from around the world, locals, they are joined by military enthusiasts, people coming from all over europe, gathering, and they have one thing uniting them, a respect for the men of the allied armies, navies and air forces who were here in different circumstances 80 years ago this very morning. 7:25am, during the sixth, the time british troops set foot sure in 1944. a lone piper arrived on the beach and played a lament, and true to tradition it happened as planned.

under one hour ago. pipes play. lam iamjoined by i am joined by pipe major trevor and i am joined by pipe major trevor and i know this is extremely important to you and the people of this town and your regiment. how often have you done this? i and your regiment. how often have you done this?— you done this? i was here on the 75th anniversary _ you done this? i was here on the 75th anniversary over— you done this? i was here on the 75th anniversary over your i you done this? i was here on the 75th anniversary over your right. 75th anniversary over your right shoulder— 75th anniversary over your right shoulder and i was asked to come back and — shoulder and i was asked to come back and do this on the 80th, truly humbling —

back and do this on the 80th, truly humblinu. ., . , back and do this on the 80th, truly humblinu. ., ., , .., back and do this on the 80th, truly humblinu. ., ., , .. .,, humbling. your army career was in the r0 al humbling. your army career was in the royal artillery _ humbling. your army career was in the royal artillery i _ humbling. your army career was in the royalartillery i believe. i humbling. your army career was in the royalartillery i believe. howl the royal artillery i believe. how important was it to you to be back here? ., . , important was it to you to be back here? ., ., , ., . ., here? totally important. we are here to remember— here? totally important. we are here to remember the _ here? totally important. we are here to remember the veterans _ here? totally important. we are here to remember the veterans who i here? totally important. we are here to remember the veterans who are i to remember the veterans who are still here _ to remember the veterans who are still here today and for the young soldiers — still here today and for the young soldiers of all the allied forces who did — soldiers of all the allied forces who did not make it home. and the --eole who did not make it home. and the people you — who did not make it home. and the people you talk _ who did not make it home. and the people you talk to _ who did not make it home. and the people you talk to must _ who did not make it home. and the people you talk to must tell - who did not make it home. and the people you talk to must tell you i people you talk to must tell you amazing stories. any stick in your mind? ., , amazing stories. any stick in your mind? . , ., mind? there are but i cannot repeat them, it mind? there are but i cannot repeat them. it is— mind? there are but i cannot repeat them, it is their _ mind? there are but i cannot repeat them, it is their memories, - mind? there are but i cannot repeat them, it is their memories, they i them, it is their memories, they have _ them, it is their memories, they have passed them on to me but trying to explain— have passed them on to me but trying to explain them, it is scary, the thoughts — to explain them, it is scary, the thoughts they have referred to me, it is hard _ thoughts they have referred to me, it is hard to — thoughts they have referred to me, it is hard to put into perspective. and all— it is hard to put into perspective. and all that expectation, you have to be not perfect, you are heard from miles around.— to be not perfect, you are heard from miles around. freezing cold out there this morning _ from miles around. freezing cold out there this morning and _ from miles around. freezing cold out there this morning and last - from miles around. freezing cold out there this morning and last night, i there this morning and last night, last night— there this morning and last night, last night i— there this morning and last night, last night i was on the landing craft— last night i was on the landing craft behind the mulberry harbour and looking up at the stars and

thinking — and looking up at the stars and thinking to myself what those young soldiers _ thinking to myself what those young soldiers had thought prior to coming to the _ soldiers had thought prior to coming to the beaches.— to the beaches. thank you for 'oinin: to the beaches. thank you for joining us- — to the beaches. thank you for joining us- a _ to the beaches. thank you for joining us. a mixture - to the beaches. thank you for joining us. a mixture of i to the beaches. thank you for - joining us. a mixture of atmospheres today, the sombre, spine tingling and celebratory. the whole town will turn out for a parade in arromanches.- turn out for a parade in arromanches. ~ ., ., arromanches. we will have more covera . e arromanches. we will have more coverage of— arromanches. we will have more coverage of all _ arromanches. we will have more coverage of all today's _ arromanches. we will have more | coverage of all today's anniversary events this morning. i think you're getting a sense of the mixture of emotions, a sense of occasion, and solemnity, and a great deal ofjoy and celebration for the people played. especially talking to those individuals, for d—day veterans, who will be arriving in the next hour or

so. yes, a great deal of pride. we will be back with charlie in normandy shortly but for now let's get the rest of the day's news. the first minister of wales, vaughan gething, has vowed to remain in post after losing a vote of no—confidence at the senedd. the ballot came just 77 days after mr gething took office, following weeks of scrutiny about donations to his recent leadership campaign. the conservative party has pledged not to increase taxes on property if they win the general election. writing in the telegraph, the chancellorjeremy hunt, said there would be no rise in stamp duty, council tax bands, or capital gains tax when selling a main residence. labour said taxes were at a "70—year high" under the conservatives. liberal democrat leader ed davey has set out plans to support veterans. if it won the election the party says it would improve housing and ensure military compensation for illness or injury didn't count towards means testing for benefits.

the green party has revealed their plans to invest billions of pounds into the nhs in the next parliament. the party said it would use the money to reduce waiting lists, offer everyone access to an nhs dentist, boost nhs salaries and invest £23 billion into social care, alongside £20 billion footage on social media shows destroyed classrooms in gaza. the israeli military said it carried out the strike because it housed a hummus compound. —— hamas compound. premier league clubs are voting on whether to scrap the use of video assistant referee at their annual meeting later today.

the vote was triggered by wolverhampton wanderers who say the technology has led to "unintended negative consequences". the proposal needs support from 14 clubs to be accepted. junior doctors in northern ireland are striking again for 48 hours from today over a dispute over pay and working conditions. the department of health has said it "stands ready" to continue discussions with thejunior doctors committee and has warned that services will be affected during and shortly after the strike. european elections get under way today. dutch voters will be first to go to the polls. 373 million people across 27 countries will be eligible to vote over the next four days. the outcome will have a wider impact across the eu with far—right party is expected to make significant gains. boeing successfully launched its starliner spacecraft towards the international space station yesterday. it follows two failed attempts following problems. the capsule is carrying two nasa astronauts in its first crewed mission from the kennedy space center in cape canaveral, florida and will be tested during a week long mission. they will take manual control of flight systems during the mission. time to find out

what's happening where you are. hello, good morning from bbc london. i'm victoria hollins. a ransomware cyber—attack is continuing to cause disruption to services at a number of hospitals and care providers in london. operations were cancelled at short notice, and emergency patients had to be diverted elsewhere. the national cyber security centre said the attack on the pathology services firm, synnovis, was "a very, very serious incident". experts say the attacks of this nature are very hard to trace. the way that the dark web works, itjust gives an upper hand to the criminals. these are criminals that are using the best technology to anonymize where they are in the world. so they are using cryptocurrencies — that's digital currencies that don't have a very good evidence trail behind them. and these criminals are so good at making that money move across into their accounts with no evidence at all that we have to do other things about it.

police are continuing to appeal to the turkish and kurdish communities for information about a drive—by shooting in east london which left a nine—year—old girl in a critical condition. the girl who was having dinner with herfamily, was seriously injured after shots were fired towards a restaurant on kingsland high street, in dalston, on 29th may. as we've been hearing, events have been taking place across the country and in france to mark the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. one of london's most famous landmarks hms belfast will be firing a gun salute at one o clock this afternoon to remember the role it played in the opening bombardment. it was belfast that signaled it was time to begin the bombardment it opened fire at 527. and after it did, all the ships around it then continued to open fire as well. so belfast was positioned there at the centre of the landing and had been given a specific target. and we'll be bringing you lots of d—day coverage on our teatime programme at 6.30 tonight let's take a look at the tubes now.

there are minor delays on the elizabeth line and piccadilly line. now onto the weather with kawser. hello. good morning. we're looking at generally settled conditions over the next few days with high pressure not too far away from us. a cloudy start, but this will break up to some sunny spells. but there is the chance of some scattered showers during the day today. and one or two of these could be heavy. but there will be some decent spells of sunshine around. a lot of dry weather as well, and temperatures generally reaching around the mid to high teens with a moderate breeze. any showers we do see will tend to fade away this evening. it becomes largely dry with some clear spells and patchy cloud. more in the way of clearer skies by the end of the night. but there may be a few patches of mist and fog as temperatures dip down to around 6 to 10 celsius. so a dry start to the day tomorrow with some sunshine. but we do have this weak cold front that's arriving in and this will bring a bit more in the way of cloud during the day, tomorrow and for saturday as well, with a greater chance perhaps of a few scattered showers.

so it's a case of sunny spells, scattered showers all the way through to the weekend. a lot of dry weather and temperatures generally reaching around the high teens to maybe the low twenties. that's your forecast. that's it — head to our website for all the day's stories including the first poet—in—residence for a charity celebrating five of london's bridges. we're back in half an hour. see you then. hello, this is breakfast with naga munchetty in the studio and charlie stayt here in normandy. over my shoulder you can see the british war memorial in ver—sur—mer on this beautiful day on the normandy coast where 80 years ago today up to 7,000 ships and landing craft were involved in delivering more than 150,000 men to beaches along

this stretch of the normandy coast as part of the d—day landings. our correspondent hugh schofield is on board one vessel recreating such a landing at gold beach this morning, hugh. around a quarter of a mile off the coast from where we are, tell us more. . ., , coast from where we are, tell us more. . . , , ., more. yeah, we have 'ust steamed ast ou more. yeah, we have 'ust steamed past you at — more. yeah, we have just steamed past you at ver-sur-mer _ more. yeah, we have just steamed past you at ver-sur-mer and i more. yeah, we have just steamed past you at ver-sur-mer and had l more. yeah, we have just steamed past you at ver-sur-mer and had a past you at ver—sur—mer and had a beautiful view of the memorial and it's a bit more than a quarter of a mile and i'm told it is a mile off shore, so in gold beach and i am with soldiers from hms plymouth who are doing what they've done for several years, which is on d—day, re—enacting or paying tribute to their forebears who were one of the several royal marine units who went ashore on d—day. with me is colonel

wil northcott, currently an officer today. tell us in the next hour what we will do. taste today. tell us in the next hour what we will do. ~ . today. tell us in the next hour what we will do— we will do. we are going to put two landin: we will do. we are going to put two landing craft _ we will do. we are going to put two landing craft utility _ we will do. we are going to put two landing craft utility onto _ we will do. we are going to put two landing craft utility onto gold i landing craft utility onto gold beach — landing craft utility onto gold beach where they will cross the beach _ beach where they will cross the beach and we will have a small memorial— beach and we will have a small memorial service and then we will replicate — memorial service and then we will replicate what we call a young, but think— replicate what we call a young, but think of— replicate what we call a young, but think of a _ replicate what we call a young, but think of a hike, that the 407 kamano conducted _ think of a hike, that the 407 kamano conducted 80 years ago when they hiked _ conducted 80 years ago when they hiked from here to a nazi location, and there — hiked from here to a nazi location, and there was an important strategic location _ and there was an important strategic location because that was part of the pipeline under the ocean, so it was a _ the pipeline under the ocean, so it was a really— the pipeline under the ocean, so it was a really important strategic location — was a really important strategic location. . . was a really important strategic location. , , ., location. this is something you do every year. _ location. this is something you do every year. but — location. this is something you do every year, but more _ location. this is something you do every year, but more important i location. this is something you do i every year, but more important this year. every year, but more important this ear. ~ ., y every year, but more important this ear. ~ ., , , ., every year, but more important this ear. ., year. we do it every year because it's really important _ year. we do it every year because it's really important to _ year. we do it every year because it's really important to rememberj it's really important to remember what _ it's really important to remember what those people did for us 80 years— what those people did for us 80 years ago. what is also really

important is we want to commemorate what they— important is we want to commemorate what they did and respect the sacrifices that were made for the freedom — sacrifices that were made for the freedom of not only this part of france — freedom of not only this part of france but _ freedom of not only this part of france but all of europe. but it's also _ france but all of europe. but it's also really— france but all of europe. but it's also really important we educate younger— also really important we educate younger people coming through about what happened, and we are also trying. _ what happened, and we are also trying, as— what happened, and we are also trying, as we take the commando force _ trying, as we take the commando force forward, we are trying to get back to _ force forward, we are trying to get back to our— force forward, we are trying to get back to our commando roots and retain— back to our commando roots and retain the — back to our commando roots and retain the mindsets that those people — retain the mindsets that those people had 80 years ago when the commandos first started. commandos at the time are _ commandos first started. commandos at the time are quite _ commandos first started. commandos at the time are quite a _ commandos first started. commandos at the time are quite a new _ commandos first started. commandos at the time are quite a new force. i at the time are quite a new force. this was quite a big testing ground. that's right, and what we are trying to do— that's right, and what we are trying to do is— that's right, and what we are trying to do is learn those lessons from the past — to do is learn those lessons from the past as— to do is learn those lessons from the past as we develop into the future — the past as we develop into the future as— the past as we develop into the future as the navy special ops or fighting _ future as the navy special ops or fighting force. and one of the uk's very high— fighting force. and one of the uk's very high readiness forces of choice — very high readiness forces of choice. we are trying to adapt for the future — choice. we are trying to adapt for the future while also learning from

the future while also learning from the past _ the future while also learning from the past and making sure we retain the past and making sure we retain the original— the past and making sure we retain the original mindset.— the original mindset. briefly, it's imortant the original mindset. briefly, it's importantfor— the original mindset. briefly, it's important for the _ the original mindset. briefly, it's important for the younger i the original mindset. briefly, it's. important for the younger recruits have those stories passed on. absolutely, it's a really important part of— absolutely, it's a really important part of this and we make sure every time we _ part of this and we make sure every time we come along we bring young people _ time we come along we bring young people from notjust time we come along we bring young people from not just for seven commando, people from 30 commando and people _ commando, people from 30 commando and people from special forces units and people from special forces units and we _ and people from special forces units and we just— and people from special forces units and we just wanted make sure that we .et and we just wanted make sure that we get as— and we just wanted make sure that we get as many— and we just wanted make sure that we get as many of the young people as possible _ get as many of the young people as possible for exactly that reason. what _ possible for exactly that reason. what is — possible for exactly that reason. what is intriguing for me is that the craft is optionally a modern craft but it's very reminiscent of the craft that went ashore on d—day. there is a ramp that will go down shortly and will be pouring off in different conditions. we have to leave it there but thank you very much and i will hand it back to you in london.

much and i will hand it back to you in london-— much and i will hand it back to you in london. . ~' ,, , . in london. few, thank you very much. that is hugh — in london. few, thank you very much. that is hugh schofield _ in london. few, thank you very much. that is hugh schofield off _ in london. few, thank you very much. that is hugh schofield off the - in london. few, thank you very much. that is hugh schofield off the coast i that is hugh schofield off the coast from where we are at gold beach and we are live at the british normandy memorial where the names are recorded of more than 22,000 service men and women under british command who fell on d—day. we're joined now by general sir richard dannatt, the former head of the british army and chair of trustees with the british normandy memorial. welcome. good morning. just a sense, this is a place — welcome. good morning. just a sense, this is a place you _ welcome. good morning. just a sense, this is a place you know— welcome. good morning. just a sense, this is a place you know well, _ welcome. good morning. just a sense, this is a place you know well, and i this is a place you know well, and while you are seeing it today, may be for the first time trying to get a sense of this place and occasion today, how would you sum it up? i think today and 80 years ago are so very different. if we can try and put our heads into 80 years ago, the troops had started to land an hour or two ago and there were explosions

everywhere and the infantry brigade fighting its way ashore and the only victoria cross won on d—day was the first engagement at the battery over there and this would have been a mayhem 80 years ago. and today it is a beautiful sunny day, it is calm and i think when we chose this site to be the british national memorial, we couldn't have chosen a better side. out to the right you can see gold beach, where the 50th division landed and over to the left, you can see the remains of the mulberry harbour where the logistics went through, so this is a very special site to commemorate the 22,442 servicemen and women under british command who lost their lives in the normandy campaign, so then and now, very different. normandy campaign, so then and now, very different-— very different. anyone who comes here, and very different. anyone who comes here. and we _ very different. anyone who comes here, and we are _ very different. anyone who comes here, and we are seeing - very different. anyone who comes here, and we are seeing the i very different. anyone who comes i here, and we are seeing the pictures from overhead where we are now, anyone who comes to this place, and i've been fortunate to spend a moment or twojust i've been fortunate to spend a moment or two just looking at the

names and feeling the sense of the place, the impact, you know better than i, for those veterans who will be making the journey here today, it will be a very proud and may be, is it ok to say happy, may be happy is not the word but it will be a moment for them to reflect and think and be given the tributes they deserve. the 70th given the tributes they deserve. tue: 70th anniversary, given the tributes they deserve. tte: 70th anniversary, ten given the tributes they deserve. tt9: 70th anniversary, ten years ago, given the tributes they deserve. tt9 70th anniversary, ten years ago, a number of the veterans say why is it that the americans and canadians have got a national memorial but we the british haven't? my colleague said we had to do something about it, and to his credit, he was the driving force behind forming the normandy memorial trust and we raised the money and the british government put a lot in additionally to make this beautiful site here and the veterans are just so pleased that all 22,422 names of those who they fought with and fell alongside our here in one place. and we have

just delivered what they really, really wanted. maybe we have delivered it 50 or 60 years too late but it is here now when the king and queen, later on it will be the crowning glory, if you like of what the veterans wanted, that small band of surviving veterans who have got their memorial and we delivered it for them and the nation and later on the king is going to open the winston churchill centre for learning and education because it's one thing to commemorate those who fought and fell but future generations must know the story of the normandy campaign and the role that britain played in bringing peace, security freedom and democracy back to europe. you cannot take that away from the british. we are very much in the lead as far as thatis are very much in the lead as far as that is concerned. taste are very much in the lead as far as that is concerned.— that is concerned. we are being interrupted _ that is concerned. we are being interrupted a — that is concerned. we are being interrupted a number— that is concerned. we are being interrupted a number of- that is concerned. we are being interrupted a number of times i interrupted a number of times through the broadcast by these fly pasts, happening routinely, but the spectacle today and sense of occasion will be huge. the king and queen will be here. it is a set

piece event. but i know that key to what you want is education and also key to that is hearing still, as we can, we are privileged to hear first—hand from those involved. while we have remaining veterans capable and able, to hear those stories is very important. a lot of stories is very important. a lot of stories have been recorded and archival tapes of veterans but to be able to talk to talk to some of those in their late 905 or early hundreds to get their authentic voice is so special. we really have to preserve the moment. in ten years' time there won't be any and in a few years' time there won't be any but while we have them here and at this special place, the place they wanted, we have to really not take advantage of them, but listen to them and hear their message that the younger generations must know what they did and that younger generations of young people don't have to do the same thing again. peace has been restored to europe until mr putin mucked it up. but

what they fought for has been achieved and lasted most of the last 80 years. find achieved and lasted most of the last 80 ears. : :, _, , achieved and lasted most of the last 80 ears. : :, , ., 80 years. and of course, you wear our 80 years. and of course, you wear your medals _ 80 years. and of course, you wear your medals with _ 80 years. and of course, you wear your medals with pride _ 80 years. and of course, you wear your medals with pride as - 80 years. and of course, you wear your medals with pride as those i your medals with pride as those d—day veterans did today. i had your medals with pride as those d-day veterans did today. i had 40 ears in d-day veterans did today. i had 40 years in the — d-day veterans did today. i had 40 years in the army, _ d-day veterans did today. i had 40 years in the army, a _ d-day veterans did today. i had 40 years in the army, a misspent i d-day veterans did today. i had 40 l years in the army, a misspent youth and middle age and in the army we tend to not go places where things are going well, we go where they are not going very well, so ijoin for three years and stayed for 40 but it's been a privilege to serve and it's been a privilege to serve and it is a privilege to be chairman of the normandy memorial trust. it is the normandy memorial trust. it is a sectacular the normandy memorial trust. it is a spectacular environment, _ the normandy memorial trust. it is a spectacular environment, as - the normandy memorial trust. it is a spectacular environment, as you i spectacular environment, as you describe it and it will be the perfect place to hold today's events. we thank you for your time and we know you are busy this morning, so good to see you in this extraordinary bright sunshine. it is extraordinary bright sunshine. it is wonderful. i've _ extraordinary bright sunshine. it 3 wonderful. i've been in normandy on many d—day celebrations and i can tell you this is a good one but compare it to 80 years ago when they were fighting for their lives, shops, shells, explosions, absolute mayhem and today it is a privilege

to be here in this wonderful mayhem —— wonderful sunshine. it’s to be here in this wonderful mayhem -- wonderful sunshine.— -- wonderful sunshine. it's so true what he was _ -- wonderful sunshine. it's so true what he was saying, _ -- wonderful sunshine. it's so true what he was saying, and _ -- wonderful sunshine. it's so true what he was saying, and everyone | -- wonderful sunshine. it's so true i what he was saying, and everyone is thinking the same thing, you look at the weather and think how beautiful is and you see the scale of the place and immediately you think of the realities of what happened 80 years ago today. let's tell you now one of those stories. 97—year—old alfred booker was just 17 when, as an able seaman in the royal navy, he was tasked with manning the guns aboard hms ramillies during the d—day landings. alfred isn't one of the estimated 40 veterans who have returned to normandy for today's commemorations. he's been telling our correspondent navtej johal, how the events of 80 years ago have shaped his life, and how he will be marking the anniversary today. alfred remembers. he can't help but remember. but he never celebrates and he has no time for people who do.

if they saw what i saw, they would want to celebrate, they wouldn't want to celebrate, they wouldn't want to celebrate, they wouldn't want to remember and then go and sit down somewhere quiet and forget about it. this is it. they're on the beach, plunging waist deep into the sea. and this is what he remembers. the 6th ofjune, 1944. d—day. the moment allied forces arrived in normandy, nazi occupied france, and began the liberation of western europe. it was the largest sea and airborne invasion the world had ever seen and one of the great turning points of 20th century history. alfred was just 17 years old, an able seaman in the royal navy. we didn't really know a great deal because we weren't told a lot. we were told you're going, you know,

you'll be in action tomorrow and all the big guns would be going off, which they did. his battleship, hms rameses, arrived that morning at sword beach on the north west coast of france. 0h. what we saw was the main thing that i can't forget. it was all them young lads. running and climbing up the beach. to get at the why of the bloody german machine guns were firing in everywhere, mowing them down. terrible. it makes you wonder why i'm still alive, wnd they've all been dead for years, years and years. and i mean, they would have grown up like i did. and had a family and all that

and all that was all lost on it. all them were killed. in total, more than 4000 allied troops were killed that day. i'm nearly in tears thinking of those lads. 0h. what a way to go. go out there, bang, dead. you were there 80 years ago. what do you want people to know to be your message? for god's sake, keep away from war. alfred is a father, grandfather and great grandfather. he's thankful for the life he's had after the war. they are all to do with normandy. on the anniversary, the 97 year old will be remembering those who didn't make it. you survived it. yeah.

lucky, eh? lucky old bugger. if you can survive that, you could survive anything. so lovely to hear from alfred booker, and if there is a theme from the d—day veterans i have met, and john who is behind me, you will know this, whenever you speak to the veterans there is a mixture of emotions but sometimes the guilt of being the survivors, knowing what they had seen and then at the same time the pride in what they achieved, and i think you have been catching up with some of those d—day veterans yourself, and looking around this remarkable place on this peaceful day. around this remarkable place on this peaceful day-— peaceful day. you're absolutely riaht, a peaceful day. you're absolutely right. a lot _

peaceful day. you're absolutely right. a lot of — peaceful day. you're absolutely right, a lot of mixed _ peaceful day. you're absolutely right, a lot of mixed emotions. right, a lot of mixed emotions especially when they come back here. and we told you several times this morning, 22,442 names on the pillars and walls, the names of the men and the two nurses, also women, who died during d—day and the battle for normandy, and these are the people who are absolutely at the forefront of the minds of the veterans when they come back here and look out to sea and look across the beaches and spend time at this memorial and we are always fascinated by a link between current serving military personnel and those whose grandparents, great grandparents often would have been involved in d—day, so we have corralled a view tell us a few stories. brian, we met a couple of times in the last few days because you've been looking after the wonderful allen, how are you getting on keeping up with him? i think i've lost track of him because _ i think i've lost track of him because you cannot keep hold of him.

and his _ because you cannot keep hold of him. and his stories, he's like a rock star, _ and his stories, he's like a rock star, it's — and his stories, he's like a rock star, it's wonderful. it and his stories, he's like a rock star, it's wonderful.— star, it's wonderful. it was his 101st birthday _ star, it's wonderful. it was his 101st birthday yesterday. i star, it's wonderful. it was his 101st birthday yesterday. you | star, it's wonderful. it was his i 101st birthday yesterday. you have a ioist birthday yesterday. you have a couple of medals there. tell us about your family link. couple of medals there. tell us about yourfamily link. my about your family link. my grandfather, _ about your family link. my grandfather, oliver, was part of a naval— grandfather, oliver, was part of a naval commando unit that were landing — naval commando unit that were landing craft obstacle clearance units _ landing craft obstacle clearance units so — landing craft obstacle clearance units so theirjob was to come off shore _ units so theirjob was to come off shore with— units so theirjob was to come off shore with the first wave on juno beach_ shore with the first wave on juno beach and — shore with the first wave on juno beach and clear the beaches ready for successive waves to follow up and their — for successive waves to follow up and theirjob was to continue clearing _ and theirjob was to continue clearing the beaches in order for more _ clearing the beaches in order for more and — clearing the beaches in order for more and more vessels and person to .et more and more vessels and person to get off— more and more vessels and person to get off the _ more and more vessels and person to get off the beaches and move in to help with _ get off the beaches and move in to help with the liberation and the build-up — help with the liberation and the build—up. it's quite a remarkable 'ob build—up. it's quite a remarkable job for— build—up. it's quite a remarkable job for the — build—up. it's quite a remarkable job for the commando, train, votunteer— job for the commando, train, volunteer to become a commando after he joined _ volunteer to become a commando after he joined up _ volunteer to become a commando after hejoined up and volunteer to become a commando after he joined up and they were effectively won personnel because of the risks— effectively won personnel because of the risks involved. i cannot imagine the risks involved. i cannot imagine the risks— the risks involved. i cannot imagine the risks they were undertaking and the risks they were undertaking and the fact— the risks they were undertaking and the fact that they came through it. quite _ the fact that they came through it. quite remarkable. if

the fact that they came through it. quite remarkable.— quite remarkable. if you can't imaaine quite remarkable. if you can't imagine it. — quite remarkable. if you can't imagine it, imagine _ quite remarkable. if you can't imagine it, imagine from - quite remarkable. if you can't imagine it, imagine from a . quite remarkable. if you can't - imagine it, imagine from a civilian perspective trying to get your head around it. jill watson of the raf, good morning to you, proudly holding your grandfather's medals. tell us a little bit about him, and did he talk to the family about what he had seen here and what he did? mat talk to the family about what he had seen here and what he did?- seen here and what he did? not so much, unfortunately _ seen here and what he did? not so much, unfortunately but _ seen here and what he did? not so much, unfortunately but we - seen here and what he did? not so much, unfortunately but we knew. seen here and what he did? not so i much, unfortunately but we knew he landed _ much, unfortunately but we knew he landed in _ much, unfortunately but we knew he landed in queen— much, unfortunately but we knew he landed in queen bey— much, unfortunately but we knew he landed in queen bey and _ much, unfortunately but we knew he landed in queen bey and was - landed in queen bey and was unfortunately— landed in queen bey and was unfortunately shot— landed in queen bey and was unfortunately shot through i landed in queen bey and was. unfortunately shot through the landed in queen bey and was - unfortunately shot through the front and back_ unfortunately shot through the front and back and — unfortunately shot through the front and back and he _ unfortunately shot through the front and back and he was— unfortunately shot through the front and back and he was sent _ unfortunately shot through the front and back and he was sent back- and back and he was sent back to manchester— and back and he was sent back to manchester hospital— and back and he was sent back to manchester hospital and - and back and he was sent back to manchester hospital and the - and back and he was sent back to manchester hospital and the onlyj manchester hospital and the only thing _ manchester hospital and the only thing he — manchester hospital and the only thing he ever— manchester hospital and the only thing he ever spoke _ manchester hospital and the only thing he ever spoke about - manchester hospital and the only thing he ever spoke about was i manchester hospital and the onlyl thing he ever spoke about was the fact that _ thing he ever spoke about was the fact that he — thing he ever spoke about was the fact that he ate _ thing he ever spoke about was the fact that he ate rice _ thing he ever spoke about was the fact that he ate rice pudding - thing he ever spoke about was the fact that he ate rice pudding for. fact that he ate rice pudding for six months _ fact that he ate rice pudding for six months and _ fact that he ate rice pudding for six months and refused - fact that he ate rice pudding for six months and refused to - fact that he ate rice pudding for six months and refused to eat i fact that he ate rice pudding for| six months and refused to eat it fact that he ate rice pudding for- six months and refused to eat it for the rest _ six months and refused to eat it for the rest of— six months and refused to eat it for the rest of his— six months and refused to eat it for the rest of his life _ six months and refused to eat it for the rest of his life after _ six months and refused to eat it for the rest of his life after that - six months and refused to eat it for the rest of his life after that and . the rest of his life after that and then— the rest of his life after that and then he — the rest of his life after that and then he was— the rest of his life after that and then he was shipped _ the rest of his life after that and then he was shipped back- the rest of his life after that and then he was shipped back into l the rest of his life after that and - then he was shipped back into egypt on that— then he was shipped back into egypt on that side — then he was shipped back into egypt on that side of— then he was shipped back into egypt on that side of the _ then he was shipped back into egypt on that side of the world, _ then he was shipped back into egypt on that side of the world, so - then he was shipped back into egypt on that side of the world, so we - then he was shipped back into egypt on that side of the world, so we are| on that side of the world, so we are lucky— on that side of the world, so we are lucky that— on that side of the world, so we are lucky that he — on that side of the world, so we are lucky that he did _ on that side of the world, so we are lucky that he did pull— on that side of the world, so we are lucky that he did pull through- on that side of the world, so we are lucky that he did pull through but. lucky that he did pull through but seeing _ lucky that he did pull through but seeing what _ lucky that he did pull through but seeing what he _ lucky that he did pull through but seeing what he potentially - lucky that he did pull through but seeing what he potentially couldl seeing what he potentially could have gone — seeing what he potentially could have gone through _ seeing what he potentially could have gone through today- seeing what he potentially could have gone through today is - seeing what he potentially could| have gone through today is mind blowing, — have gone through today is mind blowing, absolutely _ have gone through today is mind blowing, absolutely mind - have gone through today is mind i blowing, absolutely mind blowing. and spending _ blowing, absolutely mind blowing. and spending time _ blowing, absolutely mind blowing. and spending time with _ blowing, absolutely mind blowing. and spending time with the - blowing, absolutely mind blowing. . and spending time with the veterans now that are here, how is that? like brian said. — now that are here, how is that? like brian said. you _ now that are here, how is that? like

brian said, you can't keep up with him, _ brian said, you can't keep up with him. you — brian said, you can't keep up with him. you need _ brian said, you can't keep up with him, you need leading _ brian said, you can't keep up with him, you need leading rains, - brian said, you can't keep up with him, you need leading rains, and| him, you need leading rains, and thankfully— him, you need leading rains, and thankfully they _ him, you need leading rains, and thankfully they are _ him, you need leading rains, and thankfully they are in _ him, you need leading rains, and| thankfully they are in wheelchairs because _ thankfully they are in wheelchairs because otherwise _ thankfully they are in wheelchairs because otherwise you _ thankfully they are in wheelchairs because otherwise you cannot - thankfully they are in wheelchairs i because otherwise you cannot keep thankfully they are in wheelchairs - because otherwise you cannot keep up with then _ because otherwise you cannot keep up with then hit— because otherwise you cannot keep up with them. �* ., , because otherwise you cannot keep up with them. �* .,, i. .. , with them. at least you can put the brakes on- — with them. at least you can put the brakes on. down _ with them. at least you can put the brakes on. down from _ with them. at least you can put the brakes on. down from the - with them. at least you can put the brakes on. down from the royal. brakes on. down from the royal marines, good morning to you, your grandfather landed atjuno beach, so tell us a little bit about him. he was a commando onjuno beach 80 years— was a commando onjuno beach 80 years ago— was a commando onjuno beach 80 years ago and for me it is quite a bil years ago and for me it is quite a irig thing — years ago and for me it is quite a irig thing to — years ago and for me it is quite a big thing to be here. a massive privilege — big thing to be here. a massive privilege and i feel absolutely proud to be able to do that and seeing — proud to be able to do that and seeing where he landed at that time, it's a trit— seeing where he landed at that time, it's a bit like — seeing where he landed at that time, it's a bit like brian, he had an extra — it's a bit like brian, he had an extra five _ it's a bit like brian, he had an extra five shillings for the week and a _ extra five shillings for the week and a week's leave, so that's the only— and a week's leave, so that's the only reason— and a week's leave, so that's the only reason he d—day and anti—was 20 years— only reason he d—day and anti—was 20 years old _ only reason he d—day and anti—was 20 years old when he landed here he we never _ years old when he landed here he we never heard — years old when he landed here he we never heard him talk about training and some _ never heard him talk about training and some good friends he made in training _ and some good friends he made in training and when i reflect, he would —

training and when i reflect, he would laugh and then get quite emotional about it and then when i look lrack— emotional about it and then when i look back it — emotional about it and then when i look back it was probably because he nright— look back it was probably because he might have _ look back it was probably because he might have lost during this landing or future _ might have lost during this landing or future battles. how might have lost during this landing or future battles.— might have lost during this landing or future battles. how old were you when ou or future battles. how old were you when you joined? _ or future battles. how old were you when youjoined? i— or future battles. how old were you when you joined? i was _ or future battles. how old were you when youjoined? i was 19, - or future battles. how old were you when youjoined? i was 19, nearly. when you 'oined? iwas 19, nearly 20, sa when youjoined? iwas 19, nearly 20. say 25 — when youjoined? iwas 19, nearly 20. say 25 years _ when youjoined? iwas 19, nearly 20, say 25 years ago. _ when youjoined? iwas 19, nearly 20, say 25 years ago. can - when youjoined? iwas 19, nearly 20, say 25 years ago. can you - 20, say 25 years ago. can you imaaine 20, say 25 years ago. can you imagine what _ 20, say 25 years ago. can you imagine what it _ 20, say 25 years ago. can you imagine what it would - 20, say 25 years ago. can you imagine what it would have i 20, say 25 years ago. can you i imagine what it would have been like, especially as a raw recruit? you can't comprehend it and unfortunately he passed away when i was in _ unfortunately he passed away when i was in training and i know he was trying _ was in training and i know he was trying to— was in training and i know he was trying to hang on until i passed out, _ trying to hang on until i passed out, but — trying to hang on until i passed out, but once i passed out, if he were _ out, but once i passed out, if he were still— out, but once i passed out, if he were still alive, he would have opened — were still alive, he would have opened up a bit more because we would _ opened up a bit more because we would have had something in common. he would _ would have had something in common. he would have been very proud of you, i am sure. reflecting on a day like today, standing out this wonderful memorial, all of the names on the walls, on the pillars, where does your mind go? to on the walls, on the pillars, where does your mind go?— on the walls, on the pillars, where does your mind go? to us, we have a du to does your mind go? to us, we have a duty to present _ does your mind go? to us, we have a duty to present ourselves _ does your mind go? to us, we have a duty to present ourselves and - does your mind go? to us, we have a duty to present ourselves and also i duty to present ourselves and also carry— duty to present ourselves and also carry ourselves _

duty to present ourselves and also carry ourselves forward _ duty to present ourselves and also carry ourselves forward in - duty to present ourselves and also carry ourselves forward in the - carry ourselves forward in the memory— carry ourselves forward in the memory of— carry ourselves forward in the memory of these _ carry ourselves forward in the memory of these guys, - carry ourselves forward in the memory of these guys, from i carry ourselves forward in the - memory of these guys, from here, from _ memory of these guys, from here, from previous— memory of these guys, from here, from previous conflicts, _ memory of these guys, from here, from previous conflicts, we - memory of these guys, from here, from previous conflicts, we are - memory of these guys, from here, from previous conflicts, we are the current _ from previous conflicts, we are the current british _ from previous conflicts, we are the current british forces _ from previous conflicts, we are the current british forces and - from previous conflicts, we are the current british forces and we - from previous conflicts, we are the current british forces and we have| current british forces and we have to carry _ current british forces and we have to carry that — current british forces and we have to carry that memory _ current british forces and we have to carry that memory and - current british forces and we have to carry that memory and do - current british forces and we have to carry that memory and do our. to carry that memory and do our jobs _ to carry that memory and do our jobs whatever— to carry that memory and do our jobs. whatever we _ to carry that memory and do our jobs. whatever we are _ jobs. whatever we are confronted with _ jobs. whatever we are confronted with 35— jobs. whatever we are confronted with 35 years _ jobs. whatever we are confronted with. 35 years experience - jobs. whatever we are confronted with. 35 years experience and - jobs. whatever we are confronted with. 35 years experience and i. with. 35 years experience and i consider— with. 35 years experience and i consider myself, _ with. 35 years experience and i consider myself, thanks - with. 35 years experience and i consider myself, thanks to - with. 35 years experience and i. consider myself, thanks to these guys. _ consider myself, thanks to these guys, and — consider myself, thanks to these guys, and incredibly— consider myself, thanks to these guys, and incredibly fortunate, l guys, and incredibly fortunate, lucky— guys, and incredibly fortunate, lucky career~ _ guys, and incredibly fortunate, lucky career. and _ guys, and incredibly fortunate, lucky career. and but - guys, and incredibly fortunate, lucky career. and but for - guys, and incredibly fortunate, lucky career. and but for the l guys, and incredibly fortunate, - lucky career. and but for the grace. we owe _ lucky career. and but for the grace. we owe these — lucky career. and but for the grace. we owe these guys— lucky career. and but for the grace. we owe these guys a _ lucky career. and but for the grace. we owe these guys a huge - lucky career. and but for the grace. we owe these guys a huge debt. i. we owe these guys a huge debt. i don't _ we owe these guys a huge debt. i don't think— we owe these guys a huge debt. i don't think we _ we owe these guys a huge debt. i don't think we can _ we owe these guys a huge debt. i don't think we can ever— we owe these guys a huge debt. i don't think we can ever repay - we owe these guys a huge debt. i don't think we can ever repay it, i we owe these guys a huge debt. ii don't think we can ever repay it, to be honest — don't think we can ever repay it, to be honest-— be honest. thanks very much for talkin: to be honest. thanks very much for talking to us _ be honest. thanks very much for talking to us and _ be honest. thanks very much for talking to us and expressing - be honest. thanks very much for| talking to us and expressing your feelings and telling us about your family's stories and it's great to see you. i know you have a busy day escorting veterans and vips so all the best to you and i hope things go smoothly. i'm sure they are in capable hands. that is right, yes, capable hands. that is right, yes, capable hands. that is right, yes, capable hands. thank you so much. very interesting, charlie, to hear from as brian was saying, the

current bearers of that burden, i'm not sure what the correct words are, but the current people that have that responsibility to defend the realm and perhaps put themselves where the rest of us would not want to be and on a day like today reflecting back on what happened on these beaches and on the subsequent days until victory in europe and japan and it really does make you stop and think and puts a lot of things into perspective. it is stop and think and puts a lot of things into perspective.- things into perspective. it is so true. things into perspective. it is so true- you _ things into perspective. it is so true. you are _ things into perspective. it is so true. you are probably - things into perspective. it is so true. you are probably getting | things into perspective. it is so i true. you are probably getting an idea at home of the place we are today. john is on the other side of the memorialfrom where we john is on the other side of the memorial from where we are today and it is gradually getting busy and i'm not sure if you can hear it at home, and you probably can if i pause for and you probably can if i pause for a second. we are hearing a number of the bands who are warming up and doing their rehearsals ahead of events a little later on and in the

red i think you can see behind me thatis red i think you can see behind me that is the band of the yorkshire regiment, but that is not who we are hearing right now. but ahead of events from 830 on, we know the king and queen will be here. that's all coming up later on but now we can go to the weather with carol. not here in normandy, she is in london on board hms belfast, which had a role, of course, in d—day and a lot of people, i have to say who are arriving here are having a moment where they are safe, just imagine what it was like, literally in terms of the weather and what was happening on that day 80 years ago and it was very, very different. it and it was very, very different. it absolutely was. it is so poignant when you start thinking about that. we don't think about it often enough stop we take everything for granted but here on hms belfast, you can see

the guns behind me and this afternoon at one o'clock, there will be a simulated firing of the guns a0 minutes. hms belfast supported troops landed at gold and juno beach and it was one of the larger ships in the fleet with a fully equipped sickbay and charlie mentioned how important the role of the weather was. the group captain was advising general eisenhower and suggested there was a window of opportunity on there was a window of opportunity on the 6th ofjune, 80 years ago and that opportunity as we know was taken but the weather could have been better. the forecast was slightly awry in the sense that the winds were stronger and it whipped up winds were stronger and it whipped up the sea in the english channel and also there was low cloud across the coast of northern france. so if we take a look at a chart from d—day 80 years ago, at seven o'clock gmt, you can see why captain stagg thought there was a window of

opportunity because there was a ridge of high pressure building in from the atlantic which would normally offer a bit more settled conditions, but there was a low pressure to the north of the country. if we compare that to what we have today, we also have a ridge of high pressure building in from the atlantic and low pressure to the north but the low pressure on d—day was deeper and closer to the uk which is why the weather was more inclement than we are looking at today. talking up today we have a weak weather front sinking south across england wales producing cloud and the odd shower and that will clear and there will be sunshine developing as we have here but as we are seeing showers here today, more especially across the country where they could be heavy with hail. and brisk winds in the north west and here it will feel cooler and a top temperature of around 18 degrees in the south. through the evening and

overnight a weather front or coming across the north west of scotland and northern ireland, introducing rain and it will be breezy, clear skies and it will be another cold night especially under the clear skies. as we had through tomorrow, the weather front bearing the rain will sink through scotland and northern ireland into northern england, fringing into north wales or the north midlands before weakening and then it's another day of sunshine and showers. the driest conditions will be further south and in the north of the showers will be more prolific and they will be heavier and once again it will be a widely breezy day with the strongest winds in the north—west and depending on sunshine amounts, some in the south could hit 20 degrees. as we head into saturday, another unsettled day and again in the north there will be further showers and some of them merging to give longer spells of rain. dry but not bone dry as we can further south with temperatures up to about 18, and on sunday, it will be windy for most and the driest weather once again

will be in the south, and charlie, i'm glad to say it's warmed up a bit in london after that chilly start. carol, thank you very much. welcome back to normandy and we are covering events here ahead of the commemorative services that will be happening a little later on this morning but events have been taking place both here in france and in the uk ahead of today's anniversary. around a0 paratroopers have jumped out of two second world war planes over an airfield in east devon, marking where the american ioist airborne division began their journey to d—day. our reporterjohnny rutherford was there. 80 years ago, the famous band of brothers ioist airborne division took off on board more than 80 c—a7 dakotas from here. raf upottery. easy company ioist

airborne left from here on the evening ofjune 5th, i9aa, bound for normandy to basically start the massive wheel that was the d—day invasion. so the paras went forward first to knock out strategic items, closed bridges, etc., so the germans couldn't reinforce for the anticipated d—day invasion. this is probably one of the most iconic places in britain, - and this was actually one of the dakotas that took part in the d—day landings. it had all the paratroopers at the back and actually took a bit of flak. today, around a0 parachutistsjumped out of two second world war dakotas into the upottery airfield as a mark of respect to those who left from here for normandy in i9aa. two aircraft, both of them based in the uk. one is called pegasus spirit of arnhem and the other is called dragomu. pegasus is a very late

war c—a7 aircraft. dragomu actually took part in the d—day operations, towing gliders backwards and forwards to normandy. fire! yeah. most of us are doing this kind of as an homage to the guys that came before us. you know, they they paved the way for us, led us here. and if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be able to do what we're doing now. so we've made a way for all the vets to come out and get their knees back in the breeze. how was thatjump for you? oh, it's fabulous. it's fabulous. i got to use my helmet, bumped my head a little bit because i couldn't keep my chin on my chest now that i'm so old, but landed in the high grass right over there. and i'm a former american paratrooper. i spent 12 years onjump status and active duty military. and there's there's nothing like this. this is a pilgrimage. this is religious. after 28 years in the military, i'd still never be able to put myselfl in their shoes. too big shoes to fill.

watching the canopies unfold and the wind taking the parachutes slightly off course makes you realize how vulnerable the paratroopers were as they slowly floated onto enemy ground. johnny rutherford, bbc news. just getting a sense of some of the events that will be happening both in the uk and here in france. we are live in normandy this morning and coverage of the 80th d—day anniversary and you can hear the bands striking up. very much a sense coming up to eight o'clock that the build—up to the major events starting from 830 with full coverage on the bbc, the dignitaries, the d—day veterans themselves, all arriving now and in the next half an hour. t�*s time for the news, travel, and weather

iwhere you are. hello, good morning from bbc london. victims of the grenfell tower fire are set to receive £a million in direct payments and wellbeing support until 2028. kensington and chelsea borough council's leadership team have voted to approve the final model of the future grenfell support package. police are continuing to appeal to the turkish and kurdish communities for informationabout a drive—by shooting in east london which left a nine—year—old girl in a critical condition. the girl, who was having dinner with herfamily, was seriously injured after shots were fired towards a restaurant on kingsland high street, in dalston last week. an investigation is underway into a fire at a block of flats in hackney late yesterday afternoon. the fire brigade says the roof of the building at dalston lane was alight and produced a significant amount of smoke. a number of residents were sheltered in a nearby church. let's take a look at the tubes now.

there are minor delays on the elizabeth line and picadilly line. now onto the weather... today will be variably cloudy with the risk of a few isolated light showers during the morning and afternoon. these will tend to ease through the evening. maximum temperature 18 celsius. that's it. head to our website for all the day's stories, including the first poet—in—residence for a charity celebrating five of london's bridges. we're back at lunchtime. see you then. good morning. welcome to a special edition of breakfast with me charlie stayt in normandy — on the 80th anniversary of the d—day landings. our headlines today... the scene is set in normandy, where the king and queen will lead

the united kingdom's commemorative event. pipes play. just after six o'clock this morning, a piper played a lament on gold beach, to mark the exact moment in i9aa that the first british boat landed on french soil. they're the men who changed the course of history, more than a0 british veterans have made the trip to normandy — i've been speaking to one of them. i was up on the bridge and i could see it all but i couldn't do anything i couldn't get in the water to help them or save them. these are the fallen, the names of over 22,000 men and women under british command who died on d—day

and the subsequent battle for normandy. they paid the ultimate price for freedom. good morning from hms belfast, one of the first warships to arrive at the normandy beaches. in london, the temperature is picking up slowly but a cold start for all of us, sunshine and showers, blustery showers particularly in the north. all the details later. it's thursday the 6th ofjune. welcome to normandy where, 80 years ago today, 156,000 allied troops launched an attack on german forces to liberate mainland europe. d—day would change the course of the second world war. it was just before 6.30 in the morning onjune 6th, i9aa, when british, american, canadian and french soldiers began to land on sword, juno, gold, omaha and utah beaches, taking the enemy by surprise

in what was the largest ever amphibious invasion, leading to the eventual liberation of france from nazi occupation. around a0 d—day veterans have travelled here today. sir winston churchill called it "the most complicated and difficult" operation of world war ii. our correspondent sophie long reports now on the commemorations that have taken place here so far. as the sun rose on the normandy beaches on the 80th anniversary of d—day. .. pipes play. ..a single piper marked the exact moment thousands of british troops disembarked onto french beaches.

we are here to represent and remember the veterans who are still here today. — remember the veterans who are still here today, and for the young soldiers — here today, and for the young soldiers of all the allied forces who did — soldiers of all the allied forces who did not make it home. we stand in the future which you gave to us. the one you were told you may never reach. the one lost in the words of your last breath. on the eve of the 80th anniversary of d—day, a service to honour the heroes who never came home. they fought in the largest naval, air and [and operation the world has ever witnessed. more than 150,000 allied soldiers landed on the shores of france. the numbers were phenomenal, as was their sacrifice.

a,iaa of them lie here at the bayeux war cemetery, where those who enjoy the freedom they fought for — friends, family and royalty — came to remember them. the epitaphs on the headstones here capture the grief of those who loved these men. one mother's words are, "he is not dead, whose memory lives in hearts that know and loved him." 80 years on, let their memory still live on in our hearts. they had one collective aim — to liberate nazi—occupied europe. but they were individuals — sons, brothers, husbands and fathers.

as over a,000 headstones were individually lit up, honouring those that lost their lives here... ..so was the sky above portsmouth, where theirjourney began exactly 80 years ago. when we were passing the white cliffs of dover, the sergeant said as we passed, he said, "take a good look, boys." he said, "many of you will never see that again." of the 130 [ads in my company, only 19 of us made it home. in those desperate battles,

they gave their lives for the peace we enjoy today. i will never forget them. my families and their families and friends will never forget them. we will rememberthem. pipes play. from here in normandy, let me give you a sense of the events taking place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of d—day. at 9.30 the king and queen willjoin veterans for the first ever national commemoration here at the british normandy memorial. it will be the king's first official overseas engagement since his cancer diagnosis.

the service will include a special tribute from the red arrows as well as performances from johnny flynn and sir tom jones. at 10am, prince william will attend the canadian commemorative ceremony at the juno beach centre. at ii.30am, after meeting veterans at the normandy american cemetery, presidentjoe biden and president macron speak at the us commemorative event where there will be a zi—gun salute. and at 2:30pm, the main international ceremony will be taking place on omaha beach. over 25 heads of state, veterans and officials will honour the more than 156,000 troops who landed on the beach on d—day. just giving you a sense of the place we are today. right next to the british memorial looking out to sea on gold beach, we have seen a number

of vessels, there have been enactments taking place of those landing craft. this is a french vessel passing by our location as we look out to sea on what is a beautiful day and everyone has told us this morning is in stark contrast to the scenes which would have been played out 80 years ago this morning. daniela relphjoins daniela relph joins me daniela relphjoins me now. daniela relph joins me now. things daniela relph 'oins me now. things have shifted — daniela relph joins me now. things have shifted in _ daniela relph joins me now. things have shifted in the _ daniela relph joins me now. things have shifted in the past _ daniela relph joins me now. things have shifted in the past 30 - daniela relph joins me now. things| have shifted in the past 30 minutes, we have seen huge queues of people to get into the main centre of the memorial where they will sit for a today's commemorations. around 2000

guests coming to ver—sur—mer to the british memorial. getting the bands, the vips, we have seen the labour leader keir starmer, prime minister rishi sunak will be here, the king and queen later, french president emmanuel macron. it is a huge logistical operation swinging into gear. amidst all of these vips, the p°mp gear. amidst all of these vips, the pomp and ceremony, kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, it is the veterans at the heart of what is the veterans at the heart of what is going on today. particularly the small group of british d—day veterans who have travelled to normandy, perhaps the last time they will be at an event of this kind of scale. ., .., will be at an event of this kind of scale. ., ,., _ ., scale. you can probably hear in the background — scale. you can probably hear in the background some _ scale. you can probably hear in the background some of— scale. you can probably hear in the background some of the _ scale. you can probably hear in the background some of the bands - scale. you can probably hear in the| background some of the bands who scale. you can probably hear in the - background some of the bands who are going through their rehearsals as i am talking to you this morning. such

am talking to you this morning. such a spectacular location but it is so true that at the centre of all of these events and moments are the veterans themselves. i've been speaking to 98—year—old roy harrison, who served as an air defence officer on hms diadem. he says himself he thinks of himself a lot younger than that. he was part of the arctic crossings as a young man in the royal navy. the hms diadem were helping the americans come to shore onjuno beach just down the coast from where we are. he welcomed me to his home. and here he is. hello, roy. how are you doing? what a pleasure to meet you. slowly. nice cushion. so, roy, here comes the tea. thank you, phoeb.

cheers. love you. immediately before d—day, you were in portsmouth — is that right? and what were you told? what were you told just before? immediately before d—day, you were in portsmouth — is that right? and what were you told? what were you told just before? nothing. we weren't told where we were going. we knew something was happening because we came down off the convoy and we ended up in portsmouth. and yourjob was to clear a path for the troops that were landing? yes, that's what the... yes. clearing a path almost for the troops, yeah, going ashore. and what was yourjob on the ship? what were you doing? 0urjob was, well, they called it a nice name, an ado, an air defence officer. i was on the bridge and i was passing messages from gun positions and other positions on board the boat. what could you see from that position?

what do you remember of what you could see? we could see everything. too much to describe. spitfires and hurricanes chasing the messerschmitts. and seeing the men going ashore, wading through the water with their packs on their backs. some getting killed and... yeah, just floating there as well. those poor men in the water. i was up on the bridge and i could see it all, but i couldn't do anything.

ijust carried out myjob, what i was doing, but i couldn't get in the water to help them or save them. they will always be in my memory. everyone, roy, watching this right now, will know that you did everything that you could and you were asked to do. and i appreciate this is upsetting for you, and i hope you understand that anyone listening to you tell your story, which is so important, will only make them understand more the significance of what you did in those days. do you want a sip of your tea? good idea, perhaps. feel like it's getting cold. cheers, phoebe.

i've got one... that's your granddaughter who's listening in over there. let's have a sip of tea. i still wake up sometimes, get what you call a flashback of different things, yes. we try... we try to forget but then people like charlie stayt comes in... comes in and stirs it all up, and it's... all right, ok, charlie? well, roy, i hope you understand, the reason we ask these questions is precisely so people don't forget. yes. and you are of a generation who can tell these stories

because you know it, because you saw it with your own eyes. i should have put my unionjack ones on, shouldn't i? these are but. .. you've got better ones than that? brighter. roy, your family is all here while we're chatting, and they tell me that you are 98, but you think you're 58. would that be right? could be. is that about right? i still act that way. it was a real privilege to meet roy, and his family have come with him to normandy. the veterans are arriving as we speak. you can see behind me,

such a mixture going on today because we have the dignitaries, the vips, we have seen a number of motorcades arriving this morning, but we are also seeing the d—day veterans, you might be able to see some of them in wheelchairs going down to the event itself, there is a real sense of the build—up now. john maguire has been with us all morning and you are actually at the memorial itself behind me. you will know very well, as we were saying to roy a moment ago, so many mixed emotions, he is charming and funny and then those moments when he was lost in the thoughts of his friends and colleagues who he lost on this day 80 years ago. colleagues who he lost on this day 80 years ago-— 80 years ago. yes, so many have chosen not — 80 years ago. yes, so many have chosen not to — 80 years ago. yes, so many have chosen not to tell— 80 years ago. yes, so many have chosen not to tell their _ 80 years ago. yes, so many have chosen not to tell their stories, i chosen not to tell their stories, and so we obviously will not hear from those people, many who have not joined regimental associations, have not been in contact with some of the organisations which bring veterans

here, royal british legion, spirit of normandy, the taxi charity etc. so we do not know what they think. presumably people who have taken a decision not to talk about things. you do hear that time and time again. let's look at one of the pillars. they are divided into, you can go on to the website and type in the unit to details or your relative, and the name will be on a pillar or on the walls of the memorial itself. it will have their unit and rank and i wanted to show you this here, the ages. a lot of the people we have spoken to on bbc breakfast were teenagers, 80 years ago, it makes them 98, 99,100,101, but the ages are extraordinary. 21,

23, 20, a couple of 19—year—olds at the top. these people had hardly started living in as much as they had just finished their childhood, about to get into adult hood, volunteering, sign up, drafted, whatever, next thing you know they are here in the operation at dd storming the beaches, overhead, whatever it may be, and as we have said before, they paid the ultimate price. i want to introduce a couple of guests, lord peter ricketts of the normandy memorial trust and lance sergeant dougie warren of the scots guards, resplendent uniform and your grandfather's bagpipes. this is the first big event of the memorial since he opened a couple of years ago. what is the mood? abs, years ago. what is the mood? a wonderful and moving moment. we have been open _ wonderful and moving moment. we have been open for three years but this is the _

been open for three years but this is the royal— been open for three years but this is the royal launch of the memorial, 22,442 _ is the royal launch of the memorial, 22,442 names, some veterans still with 22,aaz names, some veterans still with us— 22,442 names, some veterans still with us and — 22,442 names, some veterans still with us and they will be the centrepiece because it commemorates all the _ centrepiece because it commemorates all the comrades who were killed fighting — all the comrades who were killed fighting the battle for normandy up until august 1944, whether they were british, _ until august 1944, whether they were british, commonwealth, french, any country— british, commonwealth, french, any country fighting under british colours, _ country fighting under british colours, all fighting here. this was the idea _ colours, all fighting here. this was the idea of— colours, all fighting here. this was the idea of a national memorial, not like the _ the idea of a national memorial, not like the cemeteries which are wonderful but commemorate a single event, _ wonderful but commemorate a single event, this— wonderful but commemorate a single event, this commemorates the entire battle _ event, this commemorates the entire battle and _ event, this commemorates the entire battle and the enormous sacrifice which _ battle and the enormous sacrifice which went on to liberating this part of— which went on to liberating this part of france. find which went on to liberating this part of france.— which went on to liberating this part of france. and the veterans will be looking _ part of france. and the veterans will be looking out _ part of france. and the veterans will be looking out for _ part of france. and the veterans will be looking out for their - will be looking out for their friends' names. we were with harry when he came and saw some of the main in his unit who died on these beaches. he main in his unit who died on these beaches. ., , , . main in his unit who died on these beaches. . , , . ., ., beaches. he was such a wonderful ambassador- _ beaches. he was such a wonderful ambassador. he _ beaches. he was such a wonderful ambassador. he always _ beaches. he was such a wonderful ambassador. he always said - beaches. he was such a wonderful ambassador. he always said that l beaches. he was such a wonderful-

ambassador. he always said that they were not— ambassador. he always said that they were not heroes, the heroes were the ones on _ were not heroes, the heroes were the ones on memorial, and he was desperately should be remembered. that is— desperately should be remembered. that is our— desperately should be remembered. that is our main task, to pass on the message of what happened in 1944. _ the message of what happened in 1944, white is so important. we have a war— 1944, white is so important. we have a war on— 1944, white is so important. we have a war on the — 1944, white is so important. we have a war on the continent of europe again~ _ a war on the continent of europe again the — a war on the continent of europe again. the alliance of that period, it is so— again. the alliance of that period, it is so important that young people learn _ it is so important that young people learn that— it is so important that young people learn that today because we can never _ learn that today because we can never take — learn that today because we can never take freedom for granted. i think— never take freedom for granted. i think that's what the veterans wanted — think that's what the veterans wanted to be expressed in this memorial. we will open their winston churchill— memorial. we will open their winston churchill education centre later today. — churchill education centre later today, the king will open that, that is for— today, the king will open that, that is for young people, school groups, to transmit — is for young people, school groups, to transmit the memory of why this happened _ to transmit the memory of why this happened and why it vital to work closely _ happened and why it vital to work closely with our allies. and happened and why it vital to work closely with our allies.— closely with our allies. and harry told me once _ closely with our allies. and harry told me once this _ closely with our allies. and harry told me once this was _ closely with our allies. and harry told me once this was open - closely with our allies. and harry told me once this was open and. closely with our allies. and harry i told me once this was open and he came to see it, he was very moved by it, especially due to the fact it has his name on it as well. i remember we were here in the morning filming with him, the next thing we

know he is down in arromanches in the morning because he wanted to raise money for the education centre because that message meant so much to him. ., , , , because that message meant so much to him. . , , , ., , to him. that is why they wanted this memorial, to him. that is why they wanted this memorial. they _ to him. that is why they wanted this memorial, they didn't _ to him. that is why they wanted this memorial, they didn't want - to him. that is why they wanted this memorial, they didn't want it - to him. that is why they wanted this memorial, they didn't want it to - to him. that is why they wanted this memorial, they didn't want it to be i memorial, they didn't want it to be forgotten. — memorial, they didn't want it to be forgotten, they didn't want it to 'ust forgotten, they didn't want it to just be — forgotten, they didn't want it to just be names, they wanted it to be people _ just be names, they wanted it to be people with histories and genuine stories. _ people with histories and genuine stories, many of which you can find on the _ stories, many of which you can find on the app — stories, many of which you can find on the app which the memorial has produced — on the app which the memorial has produced. this is passing on the memory— produced. this is passing on the memory and the licence so they don't have to _ memory and the licence so they don't have to be _ memory and the licence so they don't have to be learnt again the hard way. _ have to be learnt again the hard way, much _ have to be learnt again the hard way, much better to understand the history— way, much better to understand the history and — way, much better to understand the history and see why it is important we all— history and see why it is important we all work— history and see why it is important we all work together against an adversary, because unfortunately the adversary— adversary, because unfortunately the adversary is _ adversary, because unfortunately the adversary is back. ten years ago president putin was among the allies in this— president putin was among the allies in this year— president putin was among the allies in this year he cannot come because of what _ in this year he cannot come because of what russia has done in between. this is— of what russia has done in between. this is an _ of what russia has done in between. this is an important and moving it occasion— this is an important and moving it occasion and i am so proud to see the memorial doing what we hoped it would _ the memorial doing what we hoped it would do _ the memorial doing what we hoped it would do which is play host to the british— would do which is play host to the british national commemoration. and it seems

british national commemoration. it seems they british national commemoration. fific it seems they are guarded british national commemoration. a"ic it seems they are guarded by the standing with giants, those who died on d day itself, giving an added poignancy, to give those names, that number, almost 1500, a human form. they are so powerful and we think it has put _ they are so powerful and we think it has put up _ they are so powerful and we think it has put up the number of visitors coming _ has put up the number of visitors coming here because it captures the imagination. 1a75 coming here because it captures the imagination. 1475 people, it is hard to visualise, — imagination. 1475 people, it is hard to visualise, but when you see that number— to visualise, but when you see that number of— to visualise, but when you see that number of silhouettes, you understand how many people died on one single _ understand how many people died on one single day to launch this campaign. it brings it home like nothing — campaign. it brings it home like nothing else can. the standing with giants _ nothing else can. the standing with giants people do wonderfuljobs. let's _ giants people do wonderfuljobs. let's talk— giants people do wonderfuljobs. let's talk to dougie. your grandfather's pipes, he was involved in the battle of normandy. 15133“,

grandfather's pipes, he was involved in the battle of normandy.— in the battle of normandy. 1937, he bouuht in the battle of normandy. 1937, he bought them _ in the battle of normandy. 1937, he bought them in _ in the battle of normandy. 1937, he bought them in inverness _ in the battle of normandy. 1937, he bought them in inverness before i in the battle of normandy. 1937, he | bought them in inverness before the war, self—taught, and then he joined up war, self—taught, and then he joined up with— war, self—taught, and then he joined up with the _ war, self—taught, and then he joined up with the cameron highlanders, he fought— up with the cameron highlanders, he fought in— up with the cameron highlanders, he fought in egypt, and in between egypt _ fought in egypt, and in between egypt and normandy campaigns, he commissioned so by d—day he was a platoon _ commissioned so by d—day he was a platoon commander, so he had them with him _ platoon commander, so he had them with him on— platoon commander, so he had them with him on the day ready to play, and the _ with him on the day ready to play, and the story recounted by my mother says he _ and the story recounted by my mother says he was— and the story recounted by my mother says he was too busy to play them! what _ says he was too busy to play them! what is _ says he was too busy to play them! what is your role today? you will play these today? i what is your role today? you will play these today?— play these today? i will play the lament after — play these today? i will play the lament after the _ play these today? i will play the lament after the laying - play these today? i will play the lament after the laying of - play these today? i will play the lament after the laying of the i lament after the laying of the wreath~ — lament after the laying of the wreath. ., �* , ., . ., ., wreath. you're used to ceremonial events. wreath. you're used to ceremonial events- how _ wreath. you're used to ceremonial events. how does _ wreath. you're used to ceremonial events. how does that _ wreath. you're used to ceremonial events. how does that sit - wreath. you're used to ceremonial events. how does that sit in - wreath. you're used to ceremonial events. how does that sit in the i events. how does that sit in the panoply various events? thea;r events. how does that sit in the panoply various events? they are all secial but panoply various events? they are all special but this _ panoply various events? they are all special but this one _ panoply various events? they are all special but this one especially, - special but this one especially, especially to me because this is the first time _ especially to me because this is the first time i— especially to me because this is the first time i have managed to get the

pipes— first time i have managed to get the pipes across to normandy for a memorial— pipes across to normandy for a memorial service. i have been before but this— memorial service. i have been before but this is— memorial service. i have been before but this is the first time i have had these _ but this is the first time i have had these pipes up and running for it. ~ had these pipes up and running for it. . ., ., ., had these pipes up and running for it. we ask all of the service men and women _ it. we ask all of the service men and women who _ it. we ask all of the service men and women who have _ it. we ask all of the service men and women who have family - it. we ask all of the service men j and women who have family ties it. we ask all of the service men i and women who have family ties to it. we ask all of the service men - and women who have family ties to dd and women who have family ties to dd and normandy, did your grandfather talk much about what he experienced and what he did here? yes. talk much about what he experienced and what he did here?— and what he did here? yes, to the rest of the — and what he did here? yes, to the rest of the family _ and what he did here? yes, to the rest of the family a _ and what he did here? yes, to the rest of the family a little - and what he did here? yes, to the rest of the family a little bit, - and what he did here? yes, to the rest of the family a little bit, but i rest of the family a little bit, but he died — rest of the family a little bit, but he died when i was four months old so i he died when i was four months old so i did _ he died when i was four months old so i did not— he died when i was four months old so i did not hear the stories first—hand, but like most veterans he didn't— first—hand, but like most veterans he didn't speak a great deal, so until— he didn't speak a great deal, so until you — he didn't speak a great deal, so until you ask, they will not tell. we should _ until you ask, they will not tell. we should always ask while we can. a very we should always ask while we can. very good point. asking those questions, coming back to the idea of education and trying to make sense of what happened out there and on this ground, it is difficult to try to make sense of.- on this ground, it is difficult to try to make sense of. yes, and the veterans are _ try to make sense of. yes, and the veterans are the _ try to make sense of. yes, and the veterans are the best _ try to make sense of. yes, and the veterans are the best people - try to make sense of. yes, and the veterans are the best people to i veterans are the best people to explain — veterans are the best people to explain that and bring it home to

young _ explain that and bring it home to young people, and to see a gentleman perhaps— young people, and to see a gentleman perhaps of— young people, and to see a gentleman perhaps of 90 or 95 talking to a group _ perhaps of 90 or 95 talking to a group of— perhaps of 90 or 95 talking to a group of schoolchildren is very moving — group of schoolchildren is very moving because they can get the message — moving because they can get the message across that no teacher or parent— message across that no teacher or parent ever— message across that no teacher or parent ever can. their testimony is vital while — parent ever can. their testimony is vital while we still have the privilege of having them and it is important — privilege of having them and it is important their voice should be heard — important their voice should be heard. and we should make sure we have recorded their voices so young people _ have recorded their voices so young people understand what it was like. they were _ people understand what it was like. they were young people when they fought _ they were young people when they fought this battle, what motivated them _ fought this battle, what motivated them to _ fought this battle, what motivated them to put their lives on the line like that? — them to put their lives on the line like that? it is vital testimony. and telling those stories, the questions the children ask, we were at the unionjack club a few weeks ago, the children were fascinated, these children were 15—17, we know there were 1a, 15, 16—year—olds here on the day. there were 14, 15, 16-year-olds here on the day-—

on the day. and for them 194a is ancient on the day. and for them 1944 is ancient history _ on the day. and for them 1944 is ancient history but _ on the day. and for them 1944 is ancient history but there - on the day. and for them 1944 is ancient history but there are - on the day. and for them 1944 is i ancient history but there are people who lived _ ancient history but there are people who lived it — ancient history but there are people who lived it and can pass on the story _ who lived it and can pass on the story it — who lived it and can pass on the story it is — who lived it and can pass on the story. it is not ancient history and it is important to make them aware of the _ it is important to make them aware of the lessons which are still relevant _ of the lessons which are still relevant to this. it is notjust about— relevant to this. it is notjust about history, it is something which is real— about history, it is something which is real to _ about history, it is something which is real to us — about history, it is something which is real to us now, working together with comrades, and nobody better to tell that _ with comrades, and nobody better to tell that than our wonderful veterans. tell that than our wonderful veterans-— tell that than our wonderful veterans. ., ,, . ., veterans. thank you, both. wonderful to send veterans. thank you, both. wonderful to spend time — veterans. thank you, both. wonderful to spend time with _ veterans. thank you, both. wonderful to spend time with you _ veterans. thank you, both. wonderful to spend time with you this _ veterans. thank you, both. wonderful to spend time with you this morning. | to spend time with you this morning. this will be a very busy and poignant day of remembrance in commemoration. you can probably get a sense of the crowd building now, people who have been invited to the ceremony which gets under way in just a few minutes' time, people with lots of medals, they wear them on the other side, medals which have been handed down through families. we have been speaking to some of the

current serving personnel this morning, with their grandparents' medals, precious heirlooms. one said his grandfather wasn't interested in having his campaign medals but he persuaded his grandmother to apply for them. persuaded his grandmother to apply forthem. it persuaded his grandmother to apply for them. it goes back to that sense of mixed emotions, a conflict within, about remembering sometimes things they may not choose to remember, may not want to remember, they may want to move on from them. all of those emotions will be mixing today. ceremonies due to get under way shortly and it will be very moving, very poignant, especially for those veterans, the friends of these men whose names are carried on these men whose names are carried on these walls. , ., these men whose names are carried on these walls. . ., ., ,, these men whose names are carried on these walls. , ., . ,, , ., these walls. john, thank you so much.

this has been a special broadcast from normandy, marking a special day in history, 156,000 allied troops storming the beaches at normandy 80 years ago today, the largest seaborne invasion in history, a crucial moment in the defeat of nazi germany. this morning the stories of those involved. i hope you have a sense of the occasion. for everyone here, goodbye. this is bbc news. the headlines. we'll be live in normandy as world leaders and veterans gather to mark the 80th anniversary of d—day. the israeli military carries out a strike on a un school in gaza saying it housed a hamas compound. more than 30 people are reported to have been killed. we'll be bringing you the latest

from the election, as campaigning enters the finalfour weeks. but there's controversy as new figures show that the conservative party accepted a £5 million donation from a donor who allegedly made racist remarks about diane abbott hello, i'm maryam moshiri. let's turn to politics now — and new figures show that the conservative party accepted a £5 million donation from the company of frank hester injanuary. mr hester is alleged to have made racist comments about mp diane abbott. the comments came to light in march; he had donated ten million pounds the previous year. in the past few minutes, the conservatives party said that because mr hester had apologised they "consider the matter resolved". let's speak to our chief political correspondent henry zeffman. the timeline here is important to take a look at. when did this money

come to the conservatives and when did the diane abbott story come out? you are absolutely right. slightly confusing timeline but let me try my best to explain. injanuary, frank hester via his company the phoenix partnership gave £5 million to the conservative party but we did not know about that until this morning. in the meantime, in march, a huge row erupted. it really dominated politics for a few days over alleged comments leaked to the guardian that mr hester was said to have made in a staff meeting out is a software company about diane abbott which many people claimed were racist. at the time rishi sunak came under intense pressure to give back the money that frank hester had donated to the conservatives. at that point it was only known to have been the £10 million he had given last year. rishi sunak resisted giving back that money and ultimately did not,

although he did