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The 11 November remembrance commemoration and planned Armistice 100th anniversary events will allow veterans to reminisce safely with fellow comrades and to enjoy a sense of belonging in wider society, according to Duncan Barron, Senior Research Fellow.

He said: “Spontaneous reminiscences involving troubling memories may be processed more easily with the support which occurs at collective commemorations.

"Many Korean War and female World War Two veterans have felt forgotten and socially isolated, but have described gaining vicarious support via collective commemorations from the wider public who gather to pay their respects. One veteran commented that ‘the Cenotaph Service bonds everybody. Even people who are standing around’.

“Such commemorations can be important sources of support for many older veterans, and for fostering comradeship and promoting greater social integration.”

Barron carried out a study exploring war commemorations. He organised focus groups and 45 Korean War and male and female World War Two veterans were asked to discuss the significance of collective commemorations for older veterans.

Duncan Barron

He said: “The study was conducted in 2008 but the findings are as relevant today as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended World War One.

“The focus proved to be a catalyst for veterans to discuss other forms of Remembrance and numerous commemorations that were important to them. Most veterans recounted pilgrimages they had made to WWI battlefields and memorials.

“Visiting the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, was a particularly powerful symbol of Remembrance. One veteran said: ‘It is very moving to see all them names… you stand there and a lump comes up in your throat and the tears come down your face like. You just can’t help it’.

Barron added: “Male veterans recalled how taking in part in the annual Cenotaph Service (either locally or in Whitehall) reminded them of the comradeship they had experienced during the war. They also discussed re-living this comradeship while taking part in the Service and when meeting up in their veterans associations. One veteran said: ‘It’s quite nice to meet up with your mates. Someone says something and it sets off a trail of thoughts’”.

Some veterans lamented the fact that such bonds were not replicated in civilian life. Barron said: “Veterans also expressed a strong desire to support one another by taking part in or marking commemorations such as Remembrance Sunday.

“One veteran said: ‘You form up on Horse Guards Parade, under the arch in the square, and it takes you back the 60 years. You’re back with friends and comrades.

‘They all talk the same language, all laughing and shaking hands and they meet people they knew years ago and you’re all part of the one big group. It’s as though you’ve gone back in the army after 60 years. It really is.’

“The veterans spoke of their motivation to participate in commemorations in order to be a positive influence on younger generations and to teach them the horrors of war."