Last Saturday, April 14, my wife and I celebrated our diamond wedding anniversary. It brought back memories of our wartime marriage.

Travelling in the blackout by car to Brighton, after the wedding celebrations in Bournemouth, was a journey to remember. We had to pass through the city of Southampton, which was still burning after being bombed the previous night, resulting in complete chaos.

Approaching Brighton from the A27 and close to the junction of King George V Avenue and Dyke Road, Hove, we were confronted by armed soldiers, who demanded proof of identity and our reasons for travelling late.

Fortunately, we had our marriage certificate available and, after a lengthy explanation and inspection in atrocious weather conditions, they allowed us to proceed.

The rainspots and ink smudges still remain on the certificate.

-F L Griffiths, Brangwyn Drive, Brighton