Veterans were out in the rain with the mayor of Havering to commemorate the part ‘Anzac’ Australian and New Zealand troops played in the First World War more than a century ago.

They laid a wreath at the Anzac memorial on Rainham’s Dovers Farm housing estate.

Mayor Trevor McKeever reminded the small gathering that the troops “fought and died for our continuing freedoms”.

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The area has an association with the Anzac forces of the 1914-18 war, including the old convalescent hospital in Hornchurch where many of the wounded were treated and St Andrew’s Church graveyard where some who died are buried.

There has been an annual wreath-laying at the memorial by members of the British Legion ahead of the April 25 Anzac Day. 

They were joined by standard bearers from the Royal Naval Association and Merchant Navy for the service, led by retired serviceman John Grant who lives on the estate.