Remembering the stories of war veterans is essential for the country’s past, present and future.

That is why charity Legasee are working on a new project, called Keeping Britain Afloat, filming interviews with veterans who served during the Second World War.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the project will use the footage to create DVDs to be shown in schools and universities for educational use.

One of these veterans is Bill Churchill, 92, of Hornchurch, who sat down with the charity’s founder Martin Bisiker on Monday to recall his wartime experiences.

He said: “It went very well. I had a job trying to get my mind back 74 years but I think Martin was happy with it.

“I think it’s important for young children to get educated about all the wars, and the people who lost their lives fighting in them.

“We are getting further and further away from it so putting it on DVD is a good idea.”

Bill spoke about when he set sail on board HMS Malcolm to help rescue the troops from the beaches of France after the D-Day landings.

“I remember boarding the Malcolm and helping load the ammunition onto it before setting sail for Dunkirk.

“We did seven journeys in total and men were clambering up the side of the ship to get on.”

Martin was indeed happy with the interview, and says the project is all about remembering the stories of men like Bill.

Martin said: “The youngest any of these veterans can be now is 87, and most of them are in their 90s.

“It’s important to film their stories.”

If you know any veterans who would be interested in participating in the project, visit Legasee on legasee.org.uk.

Click the link on the right to read our Remembrance Day piece on Bill.