Battle for common sense at D-Day events! After British paratroopers were forced to go through passport patrol, health and safety at UK's beacon lighting ceremonies looked similarly absurd

After British paratroopers were forced to go through passport patrol in Normandy, health and safety at UK's beacon lighting ceremonies looked similarly absurd this evening.

Fire engines and emergency vehicles were watching over the lightings in Queenborough, Kent - poised to run in if the lantern got out of hand.

Crowds queued up the hill, leaning their drinks on the sea defences, as the crowd of safety officers kept them away from the burning fire. 

At Castle Hill, Tenby in Wales a small triangle of safety tape was set up around the bottle of Calor gas powering the flame while crowds gathered down the hill.

The tiny beacon - set up on a small tripod - could be seen being alertly watched over by a Tenby Town Council officer in a high-vis bib.

And 11 torchbearers in Christchurch, Dorset were relegated to holding long torches, each of which emitted tiny flames. 

In Weymouth, Dorset, a further event at a large auditorium saw several attendees in high-viz jackets watching on nervously as a crowd enjoyed the celebration.

It comes after the French penchant for bureaucracy was been roundly mocked after British paratroopers were met by clipboard-carrying officials as they landed in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Footage showed troops being forced to join a queue in a farmer’s field to show passports and documents to waiting customs officers as soon as they touched down. 

Politicians and the public pointed out the absurdity of British soldiers being made to show their papers on the 80th anniversary of the day they launched the liberation of France from the Nazis. 

Former cabinet minister David Jones told MailOnline that France only had control of its own borders because of the arrival of similar British troops 80 years ago.

'They risked their lives to make France safe for bureaucracy,' he quipped.

The beacon campaign - Lamp Lights of Peace for D-Day 80 - has seen hundreds of flames proudly sparked by communities across the country.

Accompanied by buglers and bagpipe players, bright lights shone out around the UK in tribute to the fallen soldiers who stormed Normandy's beaches in 1944.

The network has been organised by ex-Royal Pageant Master Bruno Peek, with the beacons are intended to remember those who died on the five beaches or came home wounded.

Talking about the campaign, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urged communities to support the cause.

He said: 'The heroism of those who landed on the shores of the Normandy beaches, represented a beacon of light for the world during a particularly dark period of war. 

'It is therefore fitting that local communities throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and those along the shorelines of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches in Normandy, France, should light Beacons on 6 June 2024, in tribute to the light of peace that they brought out from the misery of darkness during that dreadful campaign, of which many unfortunately did not return.

'1 am therefore delighted to support this initiative and I urge communities across the country to support this event.' 

The charitable event asked communities to come together to light the beacon, alongside an event to commemorate the D-Day landings.

They asked that it be used to help raise money for vital charities linked to the historic event, including The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and The Merchant Navy Association.

The first beacon was lit in Normandy at 8.15pm overlooking Gold Beach, with three further fires following above Utah, Omaha, Juno and Sword beaches at 8.30pm.

These were followed an hour later across the UK, with communities of all sizes joining to commemorate the seismic historic day.

Mr Sunak continued: 'I would like to pay particular tribute to Pageantmaster, Bruno Peek for his tremendous efforts in leading these historic celebrations. 

'It also gives me great pleasure in congratulating The Royal Naval Association, The Merchant Navy Association, The Royal Airforce Benevolent Fund and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for their remarkable efforts in supporting our service personnel, along with their families.

'As we look forward to the future, I believe we should take strength from the shared hardship of our experience during World War II. 

'That future is why so many of our service men gave their lives - and protecting the peace they fought for is the greatest waywe can honour those who fell.'

Lamp Lights of Peace for D-day 80 has also encouraged Brits to buy Tilley lamps, which have been painted red to represent the blood spilt on D-Day. 

They have been manufactured in Germany - a symbol intended to show the peace that now exists between our nations. 

With the support of the National Federation of Fish Friers, thousands of fish and chips shops also joined the celebrations.

Company Sergeant Major Stanley Hollis, who won the only Victoria Cross of D-Day after he single-handedly took two enemy pillboxes and captured 30 Germans, ended up started off life in a fish and chip shop.

It was also used as code between British paratroopers to identify if a nearby soldier was friendly - with one calling out 'fish' and the other hopefully replying 'chips'. 

Mr Peak has organised beacon celebrations across Britain for more than 40 years - including one across 12 European countries when Britain entered the Single European Market in 1992.

He has also hosted spectacular events for the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilees.