27 May 2010
Norfolkline Come to the Aid of Veterans to Mark Anniversary
Norfolkline, operators of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry – Scotland’s only direct sea link to Europe, is offering free travel for Scottish war veterans wanting to attend the commemoration events later this month to mark the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of allied troops from Dunkirk.
Under the offer, former serviceman or woman will be able to travel with up to three family members and a car to Belgium port of Zeebrugge, which is just an hour from Dunkirk.
Chris Newey, Norfolkline’s general manger of passenger services for UK and Continental Europe, said: “We are delighted to be able to make this offer to Scotland’s Dunkirk veterans. These men and woman are heroes so offering help to get them to Dunkirk to commemorate their fallen comrades is the least we could.
“There are a massive number of events planned both in this country and in Dunkirk to mark the anniversary. I’m sure anyone taking up our offer to travel to Dunkirk will also want to spend some time revisiting the many memorials and war sites – as well as paying their own tribute to friends they left behind.
“As the only direct ferry service out of Scotland, it is very appropriate that 70 years on we are able to help these war heroes make a more enjoyable sea crossing to Europe.
“It may be that some veterans were planning of travelling to Dunkirk but were put off by the thought of the long drive south, so hopefully we can convince them to think again with a journey on the Scottish Viking.”
Although recognised as one of the greatest rescue efforts during the Second World War, the evacuation exercise – also known as Operation Dynamo – was the direct result of a heavy defeat suffered by the British Army.
Days before, allied troops had been cut off by the German army during the Battle of Dunkirk.
A 10 day-long rescue from May 27th 1940, saved more than 330,000 British and French soldiers thanks to a hastily assembled fleet of boats.
Winston Churchill called the effort a 'miracle of deliverance' after 850 boats – ranging from marine to fishing boats, destroyers and even lifeboats – descended into Dunkirk.
Norfolkline’s Rosyth to Zeebrugge services sails three times a week from both ports and Scottish Dunkirk veterans are invited now to make a booking for free return travel up to the start of the Operation Dynamo commemorations. The offer includes free travel for up to three family members plus car and overnight cabin accommodation.
The Scottish Viking offers a wide range of onboard services including a restaurant, bar, shop, and cinema. The leisurely overnight crossing also allows travellers to avoid the long drive south and instead to relax and wake up refreshed for their onward journeys.
Upon arrival in Zeebrugge, Dunkirk is only just over an hour away, providing easy access to the extensive programme of commemoration events and the surrounding area.
Norfolkline, which operates a regular Dover to Dunkirk crossing, is also heavily involved in a programme of Operation Dynamo remembrance activities on both sides of the Channel.
One of its major vessels, The Maersk Dover, is being taken out of service to escort a number of invited guests – including Dunkirk veterans, families of veterans and serving military – from Dover to Dunkirk on May 27.
A farewell committee will be dockside at Dover alongside the Parachute Regimental Band together with a 200 voice choir from the Royal Choral Society.
Once The Maersk Dover arrives in Dunkirk, a flotilla of tugs will escort the ship into port and the Parachute Regimental Band will ceremoniously lead the disembarkation of both the veterans and the WWII military vehicles.
A commemoration service will then follow as well as a formal reception onboard The Maersk Dover, where veterans will be able to share their thoughts and experiences.