Prime minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson joined D-Day veterans on board HMS Belfast on Tuesday for the start of this summer's commemorations of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
HMS Belfast, now permanently moored on the Thames, was one of the very first ships to open fire on German positions on 6 June 1944 when it was part of the bombardment fleet which supported the Normandy landings.
Tuesday's commemorative event included a fly-past by a C-75 Dakota aircraft.
HMS Belfast's guns were fired to salute the veterans. Judges presiding over trials at Southwark Crown Court advised jurors not be be alarmed if loud bangs were heard outside the courtroom.
Civic guests included Southwark's deputy mayor, Cllr Sunil Chopra, the council leader Cllr Peter John and chief executive Eleanor Kelly.
Local businesses were represented by Nadia Broccardo and James Dinwiddie of Team London Bridge.
This weekend HMS Belfast hosts a programme of D-Day themed family events.
For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.