A World War II veteran who fought in a historic naval battle against the German navy 64 years ago this week is to be presented with a new beret in recognition of his dedication and service to the Royal Marine Corps.

Ernest Harvey, 95, of Wimbledon, will be honoured with a dark blue beret, similar to the one he wore, during a parade and presentation by the Royal Marine Reserves at Wandsworth Barracks in Merton Road this evening.

Mr Harvey was just 21 when he fought in the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24, 1941, which resulted in the sinking of British battleship HMS Hood by the German ship Bismark - the most powerful battleship of its era.

"Bismarck was sighted on my 21st birthday", he recalled. "The alarm sounded and all crew were informed.

"I was a gunner at the time, manning and alternating between the eight inch and four inch guns."

He does not remember a lot from that night, but he said: "We were all aware of the sinking of HMS Hood and the huge loss of life.

"I considered myself to be very fortunate that I was still alive."

Mr Harvey had been drafted to HMS Suffolk, which was patrolling in the Denmark Strait on the night the Bismarck was spotted and was tasked with shadowing the ship.

He continued to serve in the Royal Navy until the end of the war, when he returned to Wimbledon to work at Bennett's picture framers in Worple Road and St Mark's Close.

"I left the Royal Marines in the rank of corporal and returned to Bennett’s of Wimbledon and thankfully had no problems obtaining employment or housing", he said.

Mr Harvey has always lived in Wimbledon - first in Haydon's Road where he was brought up and later in Marryat Road and Lambton Road after he married. 

He now lives in St Teresa’s Home for the Elderly in Lansdowne Road, with financial support from armed forces charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association (SSAFA).

Royal Marine Warrant Officer Richard ‘Chippy’ Thornton, who is based at Wandsworth Barracks, will present Mr Harvey with the beret, which recognises his service as a Ships Marine during the Second World War.

Piff Clulow, an SSAFA volunteer, said: "This will be a wonderful opportunity to thank Ernest for his service to our country, where he will be amongst his family, friends and Royal Marine comrades. "

At SSAFA we work hard to ensure that those who served in the Armed Forces are never forgotten and we thank RMR Wandsworth for allowing this special event to take place, in recognition of Ernest’s dedication and service."