An Oxford man who served on an aircraft carrier sunk during the Second World War has been honoured with a plaque commemorating his service.

Joe Blewitt

Joe Blewitt, 82, of Minchery Road, Littlemore, is one of only 13 remaining survivors from the crew of HMS Hermes.

The ship was sunk by Japanese bombers off Ceylon on April 9, 1942.

Only 280 of the 800-strong crew survived the attack.

Colin French, whose father died on the ship, travelled from Princes Risborough to present his father's shipmate with the plaque at a special meeting of the Oxford Royal Navy and Royal Marines Association, at Cowley Workers' Social Club.

Mr Blewitt said: "The presentation was a great surprise. It was a nice gesture to have the plaque presented by the son of one of my former friends."