WHEN teenage sailor Raymond Perrett raised the famous signal, England Expects, over HMS Victory in 1921, little did he know that the act give him a place in Naval history.

Yesterday Mr Perrett, 102, was honoured by the Royal Navy as part of the celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

He is the oldest surviving member of the ship's crew.

The iconic message, England Expects Every Man Will Do His Duty, was flown from HMS Victory before the Battle of Trafalgar began.

It is flown in signal flags from the yard-arms of Nelson's flagship every year on Trafalgar Day, October 21.

But it was torpedo firer Mr Perrett who last raised it while the ship was still afloat in 1921. HMS Victory went into dry-dock in Portsmouth a year later.

Yesterday, representatives from the Royal Navy visited Mr Perrett at his home, Willow House, in York.

Lieutenant Commander Charles Wood, Petty Officer Dave Shaffi and Ship's Writer Amanda Smith presented him with a framed photograph of the ship taken while it was still afloat, and a new sailors' hat, complete with the exclusive HMS Victory hat ribbon.

The photograph was signed by the captain of HMS Victory, Lieutenant Commander Frank Nowosielski on Trafalgar Day this year.

Mr Perrett's son, Chris, 64, said: "He has talked about his experiences all his life, but it is only in recent years that he realised what a privilege it was."

Mr Perrett joined the Navy at 17 and spent 13 years in the service.