Veterans have attended the unveiling of a new memorial for those who served with the Royal Naval Patrol Service.

Ex-colleagues from the service, known as the Navy within a Navy, gathered for the event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, near Lichfield, yesterday.

The service cleared the seas of deadly Nazi mines during the war. Established in August 1939 with an initial fleet made up of 6,000 fishermen and 200 requisitioned trawlers, drifters, pleasure steamers and whaling vessels, the service played a key part in the Second World War effort.

The granite memorial, designed with a replica mine on top, was unveiled by national president Commander Gary Titmus.

A parade was held at 11am followed by a service led by the Royal Naval Patrol Service Association’s padre the Rev Jim Izzard.

Ex-patrol serviceman Sim Mayou, aged 85, of Pelsall, said: “It is absolutely fantastic and makes a wonderful tribute. The monument stands about 6ft high and weighs around eight tonnes. A sea mine has been sculpted into the top and the carvings make it look like it is half submerged in waves.”