A Pembrokeshire D-Day veteran has inscribed his signature on an iconic rifle and the bonnet of a wartime Jeep. 

Gordon Prime, 98, was the 49th senior ex-serviceman to put his name on the military items when they were brought to him by a young man with a passion for the history of the Second World War.

Jay Hawkins, 24, made a special journey from his home in Cambridge to visit Mr Prime, formerly of Jameston, who is now a resident at Pembroke Haven in Pembroke Dock.

Mr Prime, who served with the Royal Army Service Corps as a motorcycle dispatch rider, is a former president of the Pembrokeshire Normandy Veterans’ Association.

READ MORE: Pembrokeshire D-Day veteran, Gordon Prime, remembers old pals on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

 

Western Telegraph: Gordon Prime, who took part in the D-Day landings, was a motorcycle despatch riderGordon Prime, who took part in the D-Day landings, was a motorcycle despatch rider

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet Gordon - what a fabulous gentleman,” said Jay, who was accompanied by another Second World War enthusiast, Jamie Bridger, 23.

 

 

Western Telegraph: Mr Prime was the 49th veteran to sign the rifle for Jay HawkinsMr Prime was the 49th veteran to sign the rifle for Jay Hawkins

“I’ve got a massive interest in the Second World War, and my dad and I collect items from the era.

“I want to learn more about the people who are written about in the history books, and so I’m on a one-man mission to visit Normandy veterans and ask them to sign this iconic rifle.

Western Telegraph: Mr Prime signed his name and regiment on the rifleMr Prime signed his name and regiment on the rifle

“It’s been an honour to meet every one of them – they’ve invited me into their homes and I’ve listened to their stories.

“They’re the last great generation, and it means a lot to them to know that young people are interested in their lives.”

Mr Prime was delighted to participate in the project.

He said: “They were here for about three hours and I told them a few stories They were very nice young men.”

Pembroke Haven director Sue Mason said: “It was a privilege for us to witness such an occasion, and lovely to watch Mr Prime writing his signature and recalling his memories.

The Lee Enfield No 1 Mark 3 rifle - the firearm which began its life in the First World War and continued to be used in the early part of the second conflict -  will be donated to a museum, while the Willys Jeep bonnet will be auctioned in aid of service charities.