IN REMEMBRANCE week, an old soldier has recalled the perilous missions and camaraderie of his youth.
Jack Mann, 87, who lives in Hillingdon borough, served with the Long Range Desert Group during the Second World War.
He said: We were behind enemy lines, the work we were doing was very dangerous.
I was a wireless operator in charge of communications in WW2. After the war, the LRDG unit was disbanded.
The LRDG was a raiding unit of the British army, and worked with Special Air Service on some of its early missions to destroy enemy aircraft.
The units operated in the Libyan Desert, where daytime temperatures could reach 60~C (140~F) and at night drop below freezing.
Mr Mann was responsible for communicating from the patrol to its headquarters using Morse code.
He is still in touch with the men he fought alongside, meeting up at annual reunions and is one of a very few remaining members of the LRDG. Only four men made it to the last two reunions.
Mr Mann attended the Royal opening of the Royal British Legions Westminster Fields of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday last week.
He attends the ceremony every year to mark Remembrance Day, along with other serving and veteran officers from the armed forces.
The ceremony honours the many men and women who have given their lives serving their country.
On Thursday, Mr Mann met the Duke of Edinburgh, who pointed out Mr Manns many medals, awarded for his service with the LRDG.
He has also previously met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles at St Jamess Palace and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
Mr Manns friend, Fred Rice, contacted the Gazette on behalf of the modest war veteran. He said: I think someone should draw attention to the great things he has done and it should be honoured.
He attends the service every year, and he is one of the longest surviving members of the Long Range Desert Group.
He is also an absolute character.
