A Royal Navy veteran called on his encyclopedic knowledge of wartime songs to commemorate fallen comrades.

Walter Davey, 92, joined the Royal Marines when he was 17-and-a-half years old and served for four years during the Second World War.

"There were long periods on the ships where we weren’t allowed radios, so we would gather round and sing songs to keep spirits high through the dark times," the veteran said.

"Many of the songs do not last the passing of time but I thought this would be a good opportunity to gather together and remember the people who have died in battle."

Originally from Portsmouth, Mr Davey decided to lead the singing at Nairn House Care Centre, in Garnault Road, Enfield, with residents, relatives and staff all joining in.

Mr Davey said: "My father and his brothers both served in the First World War, a war that was meant to end all wars.

"Unfortunately his brothers did not come back but songs were still passed down to me."

Taking the lead role for many of the songs during his time on the ships, Mr Davey jokingly hoped that Simon Cowell might be interested in hearing some of the former Marine’s renditions.

He added: "It brings back memories of comradeship and the togetherness we all felt. We were a long way from home but we didn’t let that play on our minds and singing songs was a great way to each other happy."

Mr Davey was given an Atlantic Star for his services during the Second World War and led the fellow residents for more than an hour with war songs and famous songs from the start of the 20th Century.