Missing veteran runs away to Normandy, is rewarded with free ferries for life

A runaway veteran who disappeared from his care home only to turn up 12 hours later at a D-Day commemoration ceremony in Normandy is already planning to return next year - and Brittany Ferries has promised to bring him for free.

Bernard Jordan, a former Royal Navy officer absconded from The Pines care home in Sussex on Thursday night. He says he has no regrets. "“I had a great time. I’m really pleased I did it."

Steve Tuckwell, director of communications for Brittany Ferries says the 90-year-old was a pleasure to have onboard.

"He was picked up by one of our staff, the ship’s liaison officer. She found him wandering around, she took him under her wing, took him up to the bridge and treated him royally and he won the hearts of the crew."

Mr Jordan befriended a group of singers called the Candy Girls during the crossing to France.

“He’s got a lot of charm with the ladies but I understand he has a wife."

The charming Mr Jordan with the Candy Ladies on his homeward journey

Mr Jordan says his wife, who is also a resident at The Pines, knew about his trip. He married his sweetheart Irene upon his return from the Second World War.

He even once got a chance to work his charm on Margaret Thatcher during his time as Mayor of Hove.

"It was definitely one of my favourite memories. She was an amazingly strong lady. When she visited Brighton I got the chance to meet her and it was a very proud moment for me."

Bernard Jordan holding a picture of himself as Mayor of Hove

The lucky veteran has even been rewarded for running away. Brittany Ferries will ensure free travel to Normandy for Mr Jordan every year.

“We adopted him as an honorary veteran and we will give him free travel to the Normandy beaches for the rest of his life.

“We owe him a huge debt and it was our way of paying him back, he’s a marvellous guy.”

The ship’s liaison officer Sonia Pittam, who met Mr Jordan on his outward journey to France, said: “I knew he was a game old boy.

“He certainly has his wits about him, he didn’t say much about the landings, just how pleased he was to be on board and couldn’t believe how everyone was looking after them (veterans) and all the people waving on the route to the harbour entrance.

“He kept saying, ’All this for us’.”

To mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day we wanted to share this incredible 'then and now' photo of Bernard #Hove #DDay pic.twitter.com/pQrc1FnXFY

— Gracewell Healthcare (@GracewellHealth) June 6, 2014

Mr Jordan told ITV the reason he sneaked away to Normandy was because "I wanted to go to this show."

"It’s a first class show because I have been here last year and I have been here obviously this time and I’m going to – touch wood I’m still with us – and I will be 91 then, but if I am still about I shall try next year’s as well."

He is aware he will have to face the repercussions of his actions when he returns to The Pines care home.

“Yeah, I’m going to have to face that but it’s just one of those things.”

Mr Jordan's niece admitted her uncle has a habit of showing up unexpectedly. "If he’s determined to do something he will."

Peter Curtis, chief executive of Gracewell Healthcare, which runs The Pines, says Mr Jordan is free to come and go from the home and was not banned from attending the ceremony by the home, but staff tried their best to get him on an official tour: “At no stage was he banned from going to the commemorations. In fact, staff at the home tried to get Mr Jordan on to an accredited tour with the Royal British Legion but, due to the last-minute nature of the request, this was not possible."

Mr Jordan's adventure has captured hearts and minds around the world. He was celebrated by many Twitter users for making it all the way to Normandy and back by himself.

And here he is on the ferry on the way home. With his bag of duty free. Brilliant. (Thanks, @Fuppoff) #DDay70 pic.twitter.com/dEaoyiFcNL

— Louise Brealey (@louisebrealey) June 6, 2014

Big respect for Bernard Jordan; now he needs to cash in on his Brittany Ferry free travel for life offer. Go Bernard go ...

— Tracey Proudlock (@TraceyProudlock) June 7, 2014

Bernard Jordan - a true hero returns safely to the UK. pic.twitter.com/iLYLS0Kbkh

— Agent P (@AgentP22) June 7, 2014

My favourite story by a mile... Bernard Jordan. Need I say more. Restoring faith in human nature.

— Marta Newman (@MartaNewman) June 7, 2014

@GracewellHealth hope #BernardJordan gets his own twitter as he is a #DDay70 hero! Made a sad day good, #greatescape

— Tiny Paws (@princessdisney3) June 6, 2014

Nev Kemp, he Police Commander for the City of Brighton and Hove, says he's hopes Mr Jordan enjoyed his day in Normandy.

Hope our veteran enjoyed Normandy #DDay70 Short notice meant the Home couldn't get him a tour so he surprised everyone by making his own way

— Nev Kemp (@DCCNevKemp) June 6, 2014

Even his care home's bosses are glad he enjoyed his trip.

Thank you to everyone who has shown Bernard such support, he has received a real hero's welcome back home #DDay70

— Gracewell Healthcare (@GracewellHealth) June 7, 2014

Bernard Jordan, we salute you.