A SECOND World War veteran from Cleethorpes will read a poignant poem as part of Grimsby Town FC's special Armistice Day celebrations.
Walter Marshall, 89, chairman of The Grimsby And District Normandy Veterans' Association, has recorded a reading of Rudyard Kipling's poem, If.
The much-loved poem was written after Kipling's son was killed in action in 1915.
And Walter's recording of the poem will sound around Blundell Park before the kick-off between Grimsby Town and FC Halifax Town on November 11.
In addition, Grimsby Town has allocated free entry to the Main Stand for serving or ex-service personnel wearing their regimental cap and medals.
Walter, who served as a submariner for Royal Naval Intelligence between 1939 and 1958, said reading the poem will be a special moment.
He said: "I've been a supporter of Grimsby Town all of my life and I get to as many matches as I still can.
"The poem means a lot in respect that it was written for Kipling's son who was killed in the Somme."
Walter's recording will accompany a slideshow of photographs taken of Grimsby Town's 1914 squad, whose captain, Sid Wheelhouse, died in action.
Cadets and standard bearers from across the borough have also been invited along and they will be collecting for armed services charities throughout the match.
A police band has also been invited to play The Last Post.
Walter, who served during D-Day, regularly gives talks on his experiences of the Second World War.
He said: "I was at Normandy from day one and people always ask me was it as bad as everyone says.
"How I describe it to them is, if you were to look out across the Humber, imagine a sea of bodies and blood.
"I remember not being able to get any further up towards the beach because we were having to push so many bodies aside.
And this won't be the first time Walter has addressed a large mass of people.
He said: "I gave a speech at the Albert Hall for the 50th Anniversary of the Normandy landings and before I went on stage I was asked: are you nervous?
"I said no, and then they told me that the hall was packed full and that members of the Royal family were in the box."
Walter won't have to worry about nerves this time around as his reading of the poem will be pre-recorded.
Nick Dale, stadium manager at Grimsby Town, said this was being done to make sure the reading is aligned properly with the slideshow of the Mariners' 1914 squad.
He added: "There are only four veterans left in The Grimsby And District Normandy Veterans' Association, so to get Walter to give the reading is something we are incredibly proud of.
"We are hoping to extend invitations to the other three veterans.
"It's so important that the next generation remembers the immense sacrifice that was made."
