Portsmouth ceremony marks Freedom Flame's historic UK visit

The Freedom Flame was given a civic and military reception in Portsmouth

A ceremony has been held to mark the historic arrival of France's Freedom Flame in the UK.

The flame, which normally burns at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris, has left its home for the first time in its 101-year history as part of D-Day 80th anniversary events.

A civic and military reception was held at Portsmouth Port on Tuesday evening.

It will be on display at the city's D-Day Story museum before travelling to the United States.

The flame crossed the Channel on a ferry on Tuesday and entered Portsmouth among a flotilla of modern and historical naval ships.

It was greeted by dignitaries including Portsmouth Naval Base commander Commodore John Voyce and Helen Patton, granddaughter of World War Two general George Patton.

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.

The Royal Marines Corps of Drums performed a traditional Beating Retreat ceremony

Portsmouth City Council's deputy Lord Mayor Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: "It is a huge privilege for the city to be the first place to welcome the flame and pay respects with a poignant tribute."

Cdre Voyce said: "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.

"I welcome La Flamme de la Liberté, and all that it signifies, to Portsmouth before it journeys across the Atlantic... to rest at the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery in Washington."

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