THE war-time song says 'we"ll meet again' - and 60 years after they were both in the parachute regiment, two veterans did just that.

The pair met up for the first time since the war ended 60 years ago at County Hospital, Griffithstown, where they were receiving treatment on the same ward.

Much has changed since D-Day and, to some, the scars of war may appear to have faded.

But for each soldier who fought, the memories live on and their battles continue to resonate.

In a tearful interview to mark Remembrance Day the two former comrades were joined by another patient and local veteran, Richard Griffin, 80, who received his medal in time for remembrance day.

For Edmund Edmunds, 89 and Des Bellamy, 78, who were recently promoted to the ranks of Captain and General, the horrors they witnessed in a distant foreign field were coupled with an emotional reunion.

The heroic trio told their painful stories through gritted teeth.

Mr Edmunds and Mr Bellamy served together in the Sixth Parachute Regiment and told of the human cost not seen by a subsequent generation in Torfaen.

Mr Edmunds said: "My brother Jack, was four years older than me, and he was held a prisoner of war for five years."

Jack was Talywain Rugby club captain and Mr Edmunds said his brother only went in the army "so that I could stay home."

Mr Bellamy served alongside him throughout the Second World War. Holding back tears Mr Edmunds said: "He was the best soldier I have ever seen. It is nice to see him again. It was hard times."

Richard Griffin, of New Inn, served in the Dorset Regiment and had just received his medal.

He said: "Someone said to me that it was just scrap metal now. I can tell you my Reg No was 14600516 - it's something you never forget because you have to say it so often. I was hit by shrapnel in a mortar bomb attack and didn't come back to Pontypool until 1947.

"One thing I can say is people like me gave their lives for the people who say things like that.

"There is nothing wrong with the yobbos that National Service wouldn't fix." "We fought for our Queen and country, that's all we wanted to do and we can hold our heads up high," added Mr Edmunds.