A NORMANDY veteran, who is returning to the D-Day landing site in June for a commemoration, doesn’t blame the Government for refusing to fund the trip.

The Ministry of Defence says it will not fund the 65th anniversary trip to France, despite the American and Canadian governments stumping up the cash for their veterans.

Ninety-three-year-old Ken Scott, of Wootton Bassett, is returning to the site for the first time since the Second World War.

He said: “I am paying my own way. I have never been back since. I didn’t like it the first time I was there. I hope this time will be different. It will be the last time the Normandy Veterans go.

“I don’t want to get into politics but I suspect if the Government funds us, they will have to fund someone else.”

The Government will only promise funding for the 100th anniversary trip in 2044 when it is almost certain all Normandy veterans will have passed away.

“I doubt there will be any of us left then,” said Mr Scott, pictured. “This is the last time I will get the opportunity to go.

“My son John is accompanying me as I use a wheelchair. My comrades would look after me but my son wants to come as he is very interested in history.”

Ten thousand Americans are expected at the anniversary.

“I am looking forward to the camaraderie of being with comrades who were there at that time.”

“We would never have managed without the Canadians or the Americans,” said Mr Scott. “We are all in our 80s and 90s, which is why I really want to go.”

Members of the Normandy Veterans’ Association (NVA) have criticised the Government for failing to fund their travel. The association has threatened to escort any MPs who attend the event back to the ferry in protest.

NVA Wiltshire branch secretary said: “We were given some money five years ago through a lottery grant but this year we’re not getting a penny. The Government says it can’t afford it.

“All these men were prepared to give up their lives so others could enjoy their lives. Any MPs who turn up in Normandy this year will be escorted from the site to the ferry.”

An MoD spokesman said: “Funding was provided to the Normandy Veterans Association to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings when it was acknowledged that this would be the last commemoration using public money. The MoD is not able to fund other anniversaries at public expense.”