A D-DAY veteran was bound for the Normandy beaches on an ex-servicemen’s cruise ship, but had to be taken to hospital after arriving at Dunkirk.
Gordon Prime, of Jameston, aged 95, only spent two days on a voyage to D-Day commemoration sites, a trip funded by the Royal British Legion. He suffered breathing problems after sailing from Dover to Dunkirk on Monday (Jun 3).
The former motorcycle dispatch rider was accompanied by one of his sons, John Prime.
In a message to the Normandy Veterans Family and Friends group on Facebook, John wrote: “We boarded the ship at Dover, had a great couple of days, met some great veterans, got to Dunkirk, then yesterday (Tuesday, Jun 4) morning, dad had breathing problems.
“He was treated in the ship’s hospital, but unfortunately he had to be taken off the ship and taken to Pool hospital for further treatment, he is so gutted but getting better by the day.”
Many members of the Facebook group also posted their good wishes for Gordon’s speedy recovery.
Mr Prime is the president of the Tenby branch of the Royal British Legion, and has made many visits to Normandy in the past.
“My last Normandy visit was four years ago,” he told the Western Telegraph, “I was in hospital over Christmas with pneumonia, and my family persuaded me to sign up (for the cruise) so I would have something to look forward to, and I’m very glad I did.”
