D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan says he never imagined his trip 'would cause such a stir'

D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan, who became front page news after leaving The Pines care home unannounced and making his way to Normandy for the D-Day commemorations, has been welcomed back to the care home in Hove by staff waving union jack flags.

Mr Jordan, who served in the navy at the D-Day landings, has been hailed as a national hero for his determination to attend the 70th anniversary of D-Day in France.

There is now even talk of awarding the WWII veteran with the Freedom of the City by Brighton and Hove.

The 89-year-old, who lives at the care home with his wife Irene, left on Thursday, without telling staff of his plans and was reported missing to Sussex Police that evening.

He left wearing a grey raincoat and a jacket underneath with his war medals on.

He was later found to have joined other veterans in France, where they were marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Friday - the landings were the first stage of the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe.

Staff at The Pines which is part of Gracewell Healthcare, had tried to get him on a trip with the Royal British Legion but it had not been possible so he resolved to go it alone.

Mr Jordan, who was mayor of Hove from 1995-96, said he was touched by the support his unexpected trip had received.

“I want to thank everyone for their kind words and best wishes following my trip to Normandy – I never imagined my visit would cause such a stir!

“I’m delighted to be back at home with my wife and the wonderful staff here at The Pines.”

Some of the media had reported that Mr Jordan had been banned by the care home from attending the D-Day commemmorations but he said that was not the case and he was “never banned from going to the commemorations, I just decided to make my own way there.”

He added: “I would like to thank everyone for their interest and the lovely coverage of what was such an important day.

“All the men and the women who took part that day 70 years ago are heroes, especially the ones who never came home.”

Messages of support and admiration have been sent in by people from all around the world and a Facebook appreciation group has been set up in his honour.

He is set to receive thousands of birthday cards for his upcoming 90th birthday from all over the world due to the story getting shared on social media.

Gracewell Healthcare’s chief executive, Peter Curtis has paid tribute to the spirit of Mr Jordan and said the home is excited about celebrating his birthday.

He said: “The huge amount of support that Bernard has received from people all around the world is wonderful and well deserved for such an inspiring man.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate Bernard’s birthday with him and I'm sure that all the cards and gestures of goodwill that he has received and will continue to receive will make that day extra special for him.

“We are in awe of the part Mr Jordan played in the D-day invasion 70 years ago and find his story truly inspirational.”

Gracewell Healthcare has nine care homes and is in the process of building a further 10 care homes across the South East, South West and Midlands.

click here for more details or to contact The Pines Care Home