THE travel arm of the Royal British Legion is on a mission to find all surviving veterans of World War Two.

The Treasury is enabling a series of free-of-charge tours for World War Two veterans to return to where they served to pay their respects to their fallen comrades.

The tours are being funded by LIBOR fines (fines levied on the banking industry for manipulating the LIBOT rate), and will enable a World War Two veteran to return with a family member and carer.

The Royal British Legion has been running LIBOR funded tours for Normandy veterans for the past four years and thanks to additional LIBOR funding is now able to widen the tours to all veterans of World War Two.

Nichola Rowlands, Head of Travel, Royal British Legion, explains: "We have organised tours for hundreds of D Day veterans, a family member and carer, and it has proven a very moving experience for all.

"We have been campaigning to widen the tours for all World War Two veterans, as so many gave so much, and we feel that they all deserve a final tour back to lay old ghosts to rest; we’re delighted that the Treasury has made this possible."

The tours will take place from spring to autumn and will give World War Two veterans - now mostly in their 90s - the chance to meet up with fellow veterans, visit significant battlefield sites, cemeteries and memorials. The tours will be accompanied by a medic and a guide from the Royal British Legion.

The Rt. Hon, The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond, said: "I had the privilege of meeting veterans last year, and I’m delighted that we can continue to support those who want to return with the Royal British Legion to the countries where they served.

"We have committed more than £5 million of Libor funds to help those who fought for our freedom, to return to pay their respects and safeguard the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."

There is no database of veterans from World War Two who are still alive today so the Royal British Legion is calling upon the general public to spread the word and ensure every surviving veteran gets the chance to go back one last time.

Nichola Rowlands-Smith, says: "We need you! We know how great the British public can be, and we’re relying on everyone to help us spread the word to find every single living WWII veteran. There’s no database, so if you’re a grandchild, neighbour or carer and know someone who fought in World War Two please tell them about these amazing tours."

For World War Two veterans wishing to benefit from this tour, they need to apply via Remembrance Travel’s tour operator, Arena Travel on 01473 660800, or visit: http://www.arenatravel.com/our-holidays/remembrance-travel .

Remembrance Travel will also be offering group travel opportunities for WWII veteran associations too.

Tours do not include lunch, travel insurance and personal expenses. However, all veterans are offered £50 travel expenses.

Alan Quick