An unknown Allied soldier’s gun, dropped 76 years ago in Dunkirk, was on display at a remembrance service yesterday (November 13).

The barnacle-encrusted Lee Enfield rifle is in a cabinet at the Pelly House sports and social club in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, where a Remembrance Sunday service was held.

The gun was presented to the Buckhurst Hill Royal British Legion in 2010 by historical group France 40, following its discovery 70 years after it was dropped in the sea by an evacuating soldier.

Members of the group were present at the service yesterday, which was held in memory of 26 club members who died in the First World War.

Wreaths were laid for the 25 men on the club’s memorial plaque as well as 19-year-old Arthur Squires, who died on the first day of the Somme.

He was included on a second plaque at the club after research by club member Ted Higgs, who helped organise yesterday’s event.

He said: “It was very moving.

“I did some writing myself and it was quite emotional.”