100-up former marine joins service at the Cenotaph

SECOND World War veterans spoke of tracing the family of a fallen hero, offering advice to younger generations and being deeply moved by applause as they reflected on the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

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Philip Dawson

Around 20 personnel who served during the conflict are understood to have attended events in central London on Sunday.

Among them was Philip Dawson, 100, from Macclesfield, who enlisted in the Royal Marines in 1943 at the age of 18, and who said that Sunday's service was a "celebration of comradeship and unity', allowing him to reflect on those he had fought alongside.

Mr Dawson earned his Green Beret after Commando training and served during the 1944 assault on Walcheren in the Netherlands, fighting to clear German defences blocking Allied access to Antwerp.

He told the PA news agency: "The reception we got was quite amazing, (the applause) didn't stop the whole way around. I'm amazed, but it's good that people are remembering and taking part in the comradeship which is so important.