Mr Sarkozy said there would be a national day of remembrance for France's war dead in the coming days as he marked Mr Ponticelli's death.

BBC: NEWS | Europe | France's final WWI veteran dies

"We advise that following failed pay talks yesterday in Paris, French port control officers will be holding a national day of industrial action which is likely to affect the majority of ports in France, " the spokeswoman said.

BBC: P&O ferry