It takes courage to speak about the horrors of war. And it takes an honest man not to glorify what happened. Mr Hawkes is such a man.

He is still haunted by the nightmare of the battle for Monte Cassino. And the shrapnel in his shoulder is a further reminder.

So it is hardly surprisingly that he has not kept any mementoes of his army life.

But in telling his story he has ensured that the bravery of all those who took part in that battle is not forgotten.