A MOVING ceremony to mark one of the most daring exploits of the Second World War was held yesterday on the anniversary of one man's bravery in the North African desert.

Members of the Durham Light Infantry presented a framed replica of the Victoria Cross to Lilian Wakenshaw, who was just a young girl when her father was killed in action 60 years ago.

Colonel Harry Sell, 92, who witnessed the action at Mersa Matruh, which has won a permanent place in British military history, said: "We are old soldiers and are just fading away.

"We want to make certain that all the deeds and good things that were done by many people who served in the regiment will never be forgotten."

Private Adam Wakenshaw was 28 with a young wife and two children at home when he died saving the lives of fellow infantrymen in the Libyan desert.

He was a member of the crew of a two-pounder anti-tank gun that was sited on a forward slope in front of the infantry position on June 27, 1942.

Shortly after dawn the enemy attacked and a tracked vehicle pulling a light gun was brought within short range.

Pte Wakenshaw's gun crew opened fire and stopped the vehicle, but another mobile enemy gun came into action, killing or wounding the whole crew.

Although badly wounded, he realised his comrades were in danger as the enemy advanced towards the light gun.

Despite his left arm having been blown off above the elbow, Pte Wakenshaw managed to crawl back under intense gun and mortar fire to fire five more rounds from his anti-tank gun.

His shots set the enemy vehicle on fire and damaged the gun, but he was blown away from his own gun by a near miss which left him with further severe injuries.

Undeterred, he dragged himself back to the gun, placed a round in the breech, and was preparing to fire when a direct hit on the ammunition killed him.

Pte Wakenshaw was originally buried alongside his gun, but the following year his body was transferred to the military cemetery at El Alamein where he was reburied with full military honours.

His daughter Lilian Wakenshaw, was three years old when she joined her mother Dorothy and brother Thomas to receive a posthumous medal from King George VI, in March 1943.

She said: "Today is a very special day. I am so proud. It is nice for him to be remembered in this way by his regiment."

A VC replica has also been made for her brother Thomas, who lives in Devon.