IN Poland yesterday, they marked the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Second World War, which led to the deaths of an estimated 50 million people.

Fifty years, 60 years, 70 years, 100 years – it is important that we continue to use these milestones to remember the enormity of what happened and the sacrifices that were made by so many.

It is right that younger generations learn of the horrors of the concentration camps and the Blitz. The lessons of history must not be forgotten.

Seventy years after the outbreak of the Second World War, the death toll in Afghanistan continues to rise and it is just as important to remember the heroes of modern warfare.

Rifleman Daniel Wild, 19, of Easington, County Durham, is among them.

Hundreds turned out yesterday to pay their respects to the teenage soldier who was killed in Afghanistan as he tried to save a wounded comrade.

Before the funeral, Major Alastair Field told how Daniel had a split-second to decide what to do when he saw Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton lying injured.

Together with Captain Mark Hale, Daniel died trying to go to his fellow soldier’s aid, displaying “complete selflessness”.

A generation separates him from the countless heroes of the Second World War but – whatever the rights and wrongs of the conflict in Afghanistan – they have their bravery in common.

We hope that his family, who led so many mourners yesterday, find comfort in the undeniable fact that Rifleman Daniel Wild will be remembered as a hero.