A PAIR of D-Day veterans were reunited on board a warship in Portsmouth – 72 years after they last docked there in World War Two.

Norman Burns, from Bournemouth, and Alfie Booker, from Lichfield, were welcomed on board HMS Westminster, the most advanced frigate in the Royal Navy’s fleet, as part of their 90th birthday celebrations.

They enjoyed a lavish lunch following a request to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) from Mr Booker’s son, Murray.

The D-Day veterans not only enjoyed first-class hospitality but representatives also presented them with one of the highest possible military honours from the French government, the Légion d'Honneur.

Commenting on the occasion, Murray said: “Everybody on Westminster really played their part in making their birthday celebrations more than special. This is something that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Lunch in the Wardroom was something special, especially when the captain served us drinks”.

Norman and Alfie met each other in the Royal Navy as trainee gunners on HMS Ramillies aged 17.

HMS Ramillies was sent to support the Allied invasion of France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The Revenge-class battleship was tasked with silencing the Berneville Battery, knocking out four of the Germans’ six guns in the first 80 minutes and keeping the attention of the rest, “allowing landing craft to proceed unmolested”, according to Alfie.

Accompanied by their wives, Betty and Bronwyn, the veterans regaled further stories to HMS Westminster’s Commanding Officer and crew, occasionally breaking out into song – including the Vera Lynn song We’ll Meet Again – before being awarded with their medals.

Cdr Simon Kelly said: “It’s an absolute honour to present this award to two of the nation’s Royal Navy veterans. They are a true inspiration for today’s serving sailors. They have certainly inspired the crew here on HMS Westminster.”

The RNRMC led the effort to make the 90th birthday a special one after being told Alfie wanted to “see his shipmate” to celebrate the special day.

Lauren Kempton, Human Resources Officer at the RNRMC said: “The fact that Norman and Alfie are still friends 72 years since they met as trainee gunners on HMS Ramillies is inspirational. I feel lucky and proud to have been a part of their birthday celebrations.”