A NAVAL veteran whose football skills saved his life during the Second World War has celebrated his 98th birthday.

Henry Cockerill of Peterlee, County Durham, was taken off his ship to play in a football match and was so good that an officer insisted he stay on land when his vessel left the harbour to complete the tournament.

He later learned the ship had been captured by the Japanese, with many dying in notorious prison of war camps.

The survivor’s remaining wish is to be invited to a parade at the Cenotaph in London after being dismayed to be turned away three years ago, because he was not a member of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

The great-grandfather joined the Royal Navy as a 16-year-old in 1935 and went on to serve on several ships throughout the war.

A leading seaman, he was involved in the rescue of British troops from the beaches of Dunkirk and later served on the perilous Atlantic crossing, escorting convoys with vital supplies from the US.

He said: “We dropped a number of depth charges on submarines, but never knew if we got anything.”

It was during a voyage from South Africa to India, that his ship stopped over in Goa for a football match.

Mr Cockerill said: “I was told to get back on the ship as it was leaving, but an officer ordered me and two other players to stay to take part in a football tournament.

“We later heard the ship had been captured by the Japanese. So football saved my life."

Mr Cockerill, who served on HMS Dragon, HMS Mauritius and HMS Sabre among other, ended the war on minesweeper clearing the North Sea.

His daughter Denise Cockerill said she had contacted RBL three years ago to try and get him a place on the march at the Cenotaph in London.

She said: “I was told he could not take part as he was not a member of the Royal British Legion.

“We were all really disappointed. We don’t see why he has to become a member to join the march in London.

“He fought for his country and has been an upstanding member of the community and worked all his life and taken very little from the state. You would think they would be more flexible."

Mr Cockerill's wife of 66 years, Muriel, said: “It would be lovely to go down to London. He feels he had been a little neglected."

An RBL spokesperson said: “Veterans who wish to take part in the Remembrance Sunday Parade can apply via the ex-Service Association, which represents the arm of service they served in.

“Alternatively, members of the Royal British Legion can apply by contacting their local legion branch to request a ticket to join their contingent.

“We encourage Mr Cockerill to contact the legion for further assistance if he wishes to take part in this year’s parade or other commemorative events.”