Weymouth commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday, June 6 - and as part of the day special boat trips were offered on a classic vessel used in the Second World War. 

"My Girl" sailed into service with the Royal Navy from August 1939 until July 1945. It ferried gunners, ammunition and supplies to the coastal defences and the many ships anchored in Portland Harbour.

I was lucky enough to take a trip from Weymouth to Portland on “My Girl”. Free trips from Weymouth to Portland were offered to residents as part of the commemorations.

Commentary was provided on the boat as we sailed past historic sights. You can take a trip today and view the areas around Weymouth and Portland Harbour from the deck and imagine what she would have seen in the build-up and embarkation of the Allied soldiers in 1944.

(Image: Lewis Eyre) “My Girl” was paid for by public donations and, in 1891 was used to assist in building the breakwaters at Portland Harbour.

I took a trip on the boat on Thursday along with others including war veterans and descendants of war heroes.

We all got a splashing as the craft passed Nothe Fort and went into Portland Harbour, as a gusty wind swept in on what was otherwise a sweltering day.

Keith Cannon, a veteran of the first Gulf War, was among the guests on “My Girl”.

He described the Gulf as “very hot”, but said he was still in awe of everything the soldiers in D-Day achieved years earlier.

(Image: Lewis Eyre) Keith said: “When you train all your life, being sent to war is part of the job. Sometimes there are long periods of boredom and at other times you are scared stiff.”

Keith still attends reunions with fellow soldiers each year in Amesbury, Wiltshire and said that they gather more memories with each year that passes.

It was also wonderful to cross paths with a group of ten soldiers who came from all over the country to experience the “My Girl” commute.

Just under a dozen personnel travelled from RNAS Yeovilton to experience the commemorations in Weymouth, which included a trip to the D-Day Museum on Portland.

They had nothing in common when it came to location - one came from Exeter, another from Wells - but it was their experiences on the battleground which unified them.

(Image: Lewis Eyre) One of them even asked me whether I was on the boat because I was thinking about joining up - only for me to quickly reinforce my presence as a member of the press.

What has always been clear is that wars have the power to divide, but also forge lifelong friendships and connections.

Those fighting today realise that just as much as those who set sail to Omaha Beach for Operation Overlord.

Free events like this are opportune moments to showcase the important role Weymouth has played on the world stage across history.

Never has that been clearer than the 80th anniversary commemorations, where all generations are unified by memory and reflection, whether it be morbid or celebratory.

“My Girl” had its busiest day yet with visitor numbers on Thursday, June 6, to mark the milestone anniversary. Her sister vessel, “The Enchantress”, also made a handful of return journeys.

We needed no excuse to celebrate the heroic efforts of our military - past and present - but the D-Day anniversary gave us one, alongside a much-needed opportunity to bring the nation together again.