Some were able to march, others needed walking sticks or wheelchairs.

But all held their heads high as they paraded proudly in Whitehall to remember their fallen comrades.

Many of the veterans shed a tear yesterday as they attended the last memorial service the Normandy Veterans' Association will organise in London.

At least two collapsed as the humid weather and the long time they had to spend on their feet proved too much.

Wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph in memory of those who died fighting beside them 65 years ago. Their standards were lowered as The Last Post was played, before a minute's silence, and then raised during the Reveille.

This is the association's last memorial service in London because of the age of veterans and their dwindling numbers.