'We are indebted to the people of Guernsey...'

It was a weekend of reflection for the men, who are now in their late 80s and early 90s, as they took part in the HMS Charybdis and HMS Limbourne memorial weekend events.

Services were held throughout the weekend, including a wreath laying at sea, a Sunday service at St John's Church and the annual parade and service at Le Foulon Cemetery.

For Eric Davies, John Eskdale, Roger Roberts, Neil Wood and Alan Larcombe the services were a poignant reminder of what happened to them 71 years ago.

Mr Eskdale, 90, a co-founder of the Charybdis Association, was a Royal Marine when he was aboard the Charybdis during the early hours of 23 October 1943.

It was hit by two torpedoes and after four and a half hours in the water he was eventually rescued.

Since forming the association, Mr Eskdale has tried to visit the island most years for the memorial weekend.

This year, he said, was particularly emotional as he believed it would be his last visit to the island.

'The association is my happy family,' he said.

'And Guernsey is responsible for getting us all back together again.

'Here in Guernsey, there are people who come every year to remember those lost. I feel like we are indebted to the people of Guernsey for so many reasons and here I am on my last year saying a big thank you.'