Generations came together to commemorate D-Day 80 in the East Hampshire village where a giant of the campaign was laid to rest.

A group of Binsted Primary School pupils visited the village grave of Field Marshal Montgomery, 1st Viscount of El Alamein, before a special midday D-Day service in Holy Cross Church last Thursday.

The youngsters were accompanied by a veteran who was immensely impressed with their knowledge of arguably Britain’s most successful World War Two commander.

The man who commanded all ground forces at the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, would have been touched by the proceedings with exactly 100 villagers gathering in the church for a service led by Red Matt Boyes.

Bells were rung, the church was bedecked with flowers and pupils dressed in 1940s attire for the service, which included a reading by a veteran and three hymns, respectively for the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

The National Anthem was sung and a recording of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again was aired. The youngsters in the pews swayed to the music, while there was hardly a dry eye among the more mature.

Binsted Holy Cross is immensely honoured to be the custodian of Monty’s grave and his recently refurbished banner hangs in the church.

His grave – looking suitably smart and adorned with several poignant tributes from locals and those from further afield – attracts visitors throughout the year with tributes arriving from afar as China and Russia.

The service was a poignant commemoration not only of Monty, but also to all the men and women who were committed to the largest seaborne invasion in history.

The start of the liberation of occupied Europe, and the beginning of the end of World War Two, was thanks to their heroism and actions. We will remember them.