D-Day 80: Arc de Triomphe flame sails into Portsmouth

The Freedom Flame from beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris has been brought by ferry to Portsmouth as part of D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations.

Known as the Flamme de la Liberte, it has been burning since 1923 in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

A flotilla of vessels sailed with Brittany Ferries' Galicia to bring the flame into the harbour.

The flame will be displayed at The D-Day Story museum on Wednesday before leaving for Arlington in Virginia.

Crew members carried the flame and waved to the crowds as the ferry sailed into Portsmouth

After travelling across the Channel it was accompanied into port by classic vessels HMS Medusa, HSL 102 and MGB 81 as well as two Royal Navy P2000 patrol boats and the French schooner Etoile.

It was then greeted by a 20-person guard of honour made up of French and UK personnel as well as the Royal Marines Corps of Drums who performed a short procession to the terminal for a reception hosted by Portsmouth International Port, the Royal Navy, Royal British Legion and Brittany Ferries.

The Flamme de la Liberte has been burning since 1923 in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

As it departed, the Royal Marines Corps of Drums performed a traditional Beating Retreat ceremony before the flame was taken to the D-Day Story museum in Southsea where it will be on public display.

Portsmouth Naval Base commander Commodore John Voyce said: "The flame we welcome tonight is a symbol of liberty for all across the globe and it is poignant that the first time it has come to the UK is on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of France and mainland Europe that began on D-Day.

"It is so important that the service and sacrifice made on that day, and all the days our nations have fought oppression, is remembered and honoured."

The flame is travelling to the US via Portsmouth to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and pay thanks for the efforts of British and American forces.

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Portsmouth will host the UK events to mark 80 years since D-Day - a televised commemoration is set to be held on Southsea Common on 5 June.

It will feature veterans' stories and reflections, as well as military musicians and an RAF flypast, followed by an evening vigil event.

In 2019 world leaders, including the then US President Donald Trump, joined the late Queen in Portsmouth to mark the 75th anniversary.

The flame will be displayed at The D-Day Story museum on Wednesday before leaving for Arlington in Virginia to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day

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