The daughter of a former guardsman paid her respects to her father on a visit to the Netherlands.

Sgt Johnny Lambert, who settled in Borehamwood after the Second World War and became a stalwart member of the town's British Legion, lost both his legs when a mine exploded beneath his Churchill tank at Overloon, in Holland.

His daughter Jan Davis was invited to a celebration of Operation Market Garden, in which her father fought.

Although she knew nobody else going, Miss Davis was anxious to honour his service.

She said: “I rang up a man in the Netherlands to ask if I could join in, and they said they would welcome me as a relative of someone who served during the operation.

“I didn’t know anyone else that was going, or if the Legion would be sending anyone, but I didn’t want to let this opportunity pass me by – so I just packed and went.”

During her stay in Eindhoven, Miss Davis took part in a ceremony that started with a parade by the Pegasus Pipe Band before featuring a cavalcade of military vehicles and a reception in the town hall.

Miss Davis also joined a coach tour of the town to see the Lichtjesroute, a light display held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the town's liberation.

She said: “It was a display that highlights all aspects of the Second World War and 70 years on the Dutch still honour their liberators with warmth and hospitality.

“The whole trip was very interesting, so I’m very pleased I decided to go. Although I missed the official remembrance service because of travel arrangements, I got to have my own personal remembrance of my father by just being there to honour his memory.”

Although Mr Lambert died in 1997, Miss Davis says she feels it is very important to honour the work he and others did for their country, adding: "With the tension in the world today, one can never forget the carnage of what war means."