A commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy was marked by a symbolic parachute drop of British troops, unexpectedly accompanied by French passport checks, highlighting the ongoing impact of Brexit on international relations. Here’s the full story.
Bizarre Reception
In a hilarious example of how the after-effects of Brexit have a nasty habit of creeping up in the strangest ways, a recent reenactment of the British paratroopers into Normandy for the anniversary of the D-Day landings was met by a bizarre reception.
Unexpected Hurdle
Rather than the anti-aircraft fire and Nazi soldiers that Allied troops would have been met with 80 years ago, the 400 British paratroopers who descended into fields near Sannerville, Normandy, as part of the commemoration were met by an unexpected bureaucratic hurdle.
Passport Farce
In a display of passive-aggressiveness so spectacular that it could only come from the French, what should have been a solemn commemoration descended into farce as French immigration and customs officials insisted on checking the paratrooper’s passports immediately upon landing.
Chilly Relations
While eighty years ago, the Normandy landings, known as D-Day, marked a turning point in World War II, with Allied soldiers fighting their way through France to take down the Nazi war machine, today the relationship between Britain and France has turned remarkably chilly.
Monumental Undertaking
The D-Day landings were a monumental undertaking, with more than 18,000 soldiers from the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the British 6th Airborne Division being dropped into Normandy on June 6, 1944.
Heroic Reception
As Allied soldiers made their way through the country, in villages and towns following the incredibly dangerous fighting, many of the troops were greeted as heroes – liberators who had come to rid Europe of the Nazi menace.
Times Changed
How times have changed. Since the UK left the European Union in 2020, British citizens have been subject to passport checks when entering the EU, a regulation not in place before Brexit, nor when the Allied forces landed to liberate France.
Hilarious Decision
The French immigration and customs officials’ undeniably hilarious decision to check the paperwork of British paratroopers immediately after their symbolic drop was not entirely well received.
Unnecessary Imposition
The necessity for this procedure during a high-profile commemoration seemed to some as an unnecessary imposition.
Provocative Gesture
The move raised eyebrows at the UK Ministry of Defence, as it was seen as an unusual and provocative gesture, especially given the public and commemorative nature of the event.
Understated Surprise
Brigadier Mark Berry, commander of the 16 Air Assault Brigade, expressed his surprise in typically British understated fashion, remarking, “It is something we haven’t experienced before.”
French Welcome
French immigration official Jonathan Monti said, “We are welcoming the UK soldiers.”
Press Outrage
The move was equally poorly received by the always level-headed and understated British press. The Sun, infamous for its support of the Brexit movement, described the decision as a “ridiculous moment” and headlined with “EU WHAT?”
Downplayed Significance
Despite the outraged reaction from some right-wing press sections, Brigadier Berry downplayed the significance of the passport checks in the broader scheme of the D-Day commemorations.
Small Price
He stated, “Given the Royal welcome we have had from every other feature, it seems like a very small price to pay for coming to France.”
Provoking Brexiteers
In a move almost perfectly designed to infuriate Brexiteers, the passport checks were not universally applied to all participating troops.
Selective Scrutiny
US and Belgian soldiers, who were also part of the commemoration, did not undergo the same scrutiny as US forces flew from within France. Belgian soldiers, as EU citizens, were not required to have their passports checked.
Ceremony Unaffected
Despite the unexpected bureaucratic hurdle, the ceremony went ahead without a hitch, and the brief passport checks did not overshadow the larger significance of the event.
Cheering Crowds
Crowds of spectators gathered to witness the reenactment, cheering and applauding the paratroopers as they landed.
Brexit Reminder
The passport check incident serves as a reminder of the UK’s now considerably more complex relationship with EU countries post-Brexit.
Political Influence
While the primary focus of the commemoration was to honour the sacrifices made during the D-Day landings, contemporary political realities and a sprinkling of French animosity inevitably influenced the proceedings.
Reflective Moment
Despite the unexpected passport checks, the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings was a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in one of history’s most pivotal battles.
Good-Natured Ribbing
While the immigration officials’ checks of British paratroopers’ passports added a modern layer to the historical commemoration, the whole incident had a remarkably tongue-in-cheek feel, possibly indicative of the good-natured ribbing countries often give each other in the lead-up to the Euros football tournament in Germany.
Honouring Heroes
Despite the minor bureaucratic hiccup, the event succeeded in honouring the legacy of the D-Day heroes, highlighting the importance of remembering the past and navigating the present.
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