The brigade, also known as the Desert Rats, was joined by veterans from the division, the Royal British Legion, the American Honor Guard from RAF Mildenhall, Baroness Gillian Shephard and members of the public.

In a special ceremony, Rod Scott, chairman of the Desert Rats Association, was presented with the original Desert Rats badge by Sgt Maj Leonard Burrit, one of six men handed the emblem more than 60 years ago.

"It was a wonderful occasion," said Mr Scott.

"The veterans really are what makes it worthwhile. They are fabulous old men," he said.

"If it wasn't for them, the world would be a different place. I'd just like to thank everyone who took part."

The badge, which was made by Red Cross nurses, was later adopted by the British Army.

The ceremony was also attended by Lance Cpl Oliver Ruecker, 21, of Mundford.

Lance Cpl Ruecker, a Royal Anglian Regiment soldier, won the Military Cross for his courageous actions while part of a patrol in Helmand province, in Afghanistan, rescuing a fellow soldier from a burning vehicle.

A memorial service was led by Padre Rev David Hanwell, while 6,000 poppies were dropped from the skies by an American Stearman plane.

Military vehicles were also on display, provided by Norfolk Military Group and the East of England Military Museum.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have your say on this article - scroll to the top of the story and click on 'comment' or email the editor with your views.

Click here to go back to our main news index.