Battle comrades remembered

HMS Invincible sailed into Liverpool

Thousands of people gathered in Liverpool to commemorate the longest naval battle of the Second World War.

The Battle of the Atlantic, in which vital supply convoys were protected by the Royal Navy, raged from 1939 to 1945 but was effectively won in 1943.

Around 73,000 lives were lost during the battle, including 29,000 Germans.

Nearly 2,000 guests, including hundreds of veterans and former merchant seamen, attended a memorial service at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral on Sunday.

Around 1,000 more watched the service on a big screen outside the building.

Events marking the battle's 60th anniversary have been taking place since Wednesday, when aircraft carrier HMS Invincible sailed into Liverpool.

It's a bit sad that this is the last official memorial but we will be carrying on remembering them in our own ways

Fred Walker, veteran

The Ministry of Defence said this would be the final official commemorations of the battle.

At the service, wreaths were laid inside the cathedral, including one by Captain Patrick Walker.

He is the grandson of Captain Johnnie Walker, the feared "U-boat hunter" widely credited with winning the Battle of the Atlantic.

A Royal Marines band sounded the Last Post before the congregation observed a two-minute silence.

Following the service, hundreds of veterans and serving sailors from the UK and abroad performed a march past outside the cathedral.

Nearly 2,000 guests attended the cathedral service

Veteran Fred Walker, who served on board the Queen Elizabeth troop carrier, said: "The service was quite moving but overall it is an enjoyable day for us.

"It is important to get together and remember what happened and how many young lads lost their lives.

"It's a bit sad that this is the last official memorial but we will be carrying on remembering them in our own ways."

The city was chosen for the commemorations because it was home to battle command headquarters.