Auchlochan in Lesmahagow D-Day 70th commemoration 2014

The residents enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea and there was plenty of memorabilia on show including medals, pictures, newspaper cuttings from World War Two, flags, rationing books and identification cards.

There was also the chance for people to swap stories and share their experiences of living through one of the most momentous times in all of human history; many of them played a small part in defeating Hitler and the evil Nazi regime.

Two of the residents, Bill Richmond and John Young, served in the Merchant Navy and the RAF respectively.

Bill (90) brought along a red ensign flag which was on his ship while he was part of the Russian Convoys in the freezing cold Arctic Ocean.

He said: “During those trips the temperatures could get down to -26 degrees.

“All the men really suffered from the extreme cold. It was unbearable at times.

“However, it was just something that had to be done for the good of the country.”

For the full interview, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is out now.

The pictures featured in our slideshow were taken by freelance photographer Alan Watson but can be purchased from our website.