For Harold Hill residents, yesterday’s Remembrance Sunday parade was a time to remember the sacrifices made by loved ones – and, for some, a chance to recall their own service.

Lilian and William Savill, who have lived in Harold Hill since 1951 and now reside in Amersham Road, both served for six years during the Second World War.

After the parade, Mrs Saville said: “I was a driver when I was with the ATS [Auxiliary Territorial Service] during the Second World War, We drove all over the country – I went everywhere from Liverpool to Devonshire.”

Both proudly displayed their medals for service during the parade and two minutes’ silence beside the granite boulder that acts as a focal point for those in Harold Hill who lost family and friends.

And nine-year-old Cameron Tait, of Lewes Road, was pulled out of the crowd as Cllr O’Flynn gave his speech.

Cllr O’Flynn commended Cameron for wearing his grandfather’s Second World War medals. Henry Cuthbert, who served in the Royal Air Force and fought in Malta, won awards including the 1939-45 Star and the Africa Star.