General Sir Adrian Bradshaw honoured the Desert Rats who were based at Orwell Park School near Ipswich.

East Anglian Daily Times: Headmaster Adrian Brown marches alongside General Sir Adrian Bradshaw to the Desert Rats memorial on the playing fields at Orwell Park School. Led by a lone piper and flag carrier. Picture: SARAH KIRBY-SMITHHeadmaster Adrian Brown marches alongside General Sir Adrian Bradshaw to the Desert Rats memorial on the playing fields at Orwell Park School. Led by a lone piper and flag carrier. Picture: SARAH KIRBY-SMITH (Image: Archant)

Representatives from the Desert Rats Association joined Gen Sir Adrian Bradshaw in paying tribute to the 7th Armoured Division, who made their name fighting in north Africa during the Second World War. Some were based at the school to prepare for the D-Day landings.

A school spokesman said: “It was a moving service which everyone attended.

East Anglian Daily Times: Headmaster Adrian Brown marches alongside General Sir Adrian Bradshaw to the Desert Rats memorial on the playing fields at Orwell Park School. Led by a lone piper and flag carrier. Picture: SARAH KIRBY-SMITHHeadmaster Adrian Brown marches alongside General Sir Adrian Bradshaw to the Desert Rats memorial on the playing fields at Orwell Park School. Led by a lone piper and flag carrier. Picture: SARAH KIRBY-SMITH (Image: Archant)

“The billeting of the Desert Rats at the school during the Second World War, so they could waterproof their vehicles, is a significant part of the Orwell Park School history, and today it is even more important to remember the contribution and sacrifices the Desert Rats and all the Armed Forces made in fighting for our freedom.”

Gen Sir Adrian Bradshaw spoke about the importance of “collaboration between countries” at the event on May 18, the school spokesman added.

East Anglian Daily Times: Headmaster Adrian Brown marches alongside General Sir Adrian Bradshaw to the Desert Rats memorial on the playing fields at Orwell Park School. Led by a lone piper and flag carrier. Picture: SARAH KIRBY-SMITHHeadmaster Adrian Brown marches alongside General Sir Adrian Bradshaw to the Desert Rats memorial on the playing fields at Orwell Park School. Led by a lone piper and flag carrier. Picture: SARAH KIRBY-SMITH (Image: Archant)