ARMED Forces’ Day last Sunday was especially poignant for me.

Waiting to walk out to the Cenotaph, my eye was caught by an elderly gentleman, sitting in a wheelchair and wearing the distinctive green beret. Surrounded by his family, I soon learnt that Arthur Robinson, aged 93, was a D Day veteran, landing on Sword Beach on the 6th June, 1944, with No. 4 Commando.

The Commando formed part of the 1st Special Service Brigade, commanded by the charismatic and fearless Lord Lovat.

Arthur and his colleagues were tasked with capturing a strong point and gun battery in Ouistreham.

They went on to reinforce the airborne boys who’d taken two strategically important bridges over the River Orne. One of them, Pegasus Bridge, has been immortalised on film.

No. 4 Commando suffered 50 per cent casualties in the following 82 days as they fought to protect the beachhead’s left flank. Remarkably, Arthur survived. We are all indebted to Arthur, and the countless thousands like him, who served our country during those dark days.

Many, of course, made the ultimate sacrifice, and Arthur still dreams of his fallen comrades, still sees their faces and will never forget them. Nor will we. And, to ensure the RAF was not forgotten, the parade was honoured with a flypast by an iconic Spitfire.

I challenge anyone not to get a lump in their throat when this graceful aircraft makes an appearance.

Finally, there’s a rather appropriate ending to this week’s column.

No. 4 Commando was actually formed in Weymouth on 21 July, 1940. And because commando units had no administrative support due to their specialist role, the first 500 volunteers were responsible for finding their own quarters.

Extraordinary times.

Let me close by simply saying: “Thank you, Arthur.”