TWO sons of men who fought together during the Second World War met to remember their fathers' stories.

As part of the VJ Day commemorations, a remarkable meeting took place at the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester.

Gary Cooper and Max Heron met at the museum to remember their fathers Lieutenant John Heron (known as Chips) and Sergeant Walter Cooper (known as Gary). The two fathers had fought together 80 years ago in the 2nd Battalion of the Dorset Regiment, as they defended the line of the La Bassée Canal to buy time for British troops evacuating from Dunkirk.

The Dorsets were spread thin across a long front with three bridges as a much larger German force, commanded by Erwin Rommel and equipped with tanks, approached them. But, under constant fierce attack, the Dorsets held the line for two long days.

On May 27, 1940 some Germans got across the canal and attacked the Dorsets’ right flank, which was lightly defended. At 11am Lieutenant Heron and Sergeant Cooper each took a Bren gun carrier and together counter-attacked the Germans on that flank. This very brave action drove the Germans back and saved the Dorsets’ position.

The following night, Colonel Steve Stephenson of the 2nd Dorsets personally led his survivors back to Britain. Only 245 Dorsets out of 750 returned but among them were Lieutenant Heron and Sergeant Cooper. Both were decorated for their bravery; Chips Heron received the Military Cross, Gary Cooper the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Chips and Gary never met again, but their sons did. Gary Cooper Junior (whose name really is Gary) and Max Heron had come to Dorchester to join in the commemorations of VJ Day at the Keep Military Museum. Both had always known their fathers' stories, but this was the first time they had met.

They were pictured together in front of the Dunkirk display at the museum, where Sergeant Cooper's medals are displayed after his son generously donated to the Museum three years ago.

Laura Gardner, curator of the museum, said: "It would be nice to think that Chips and Gary Senior were able to look in and see this magical moment that meant so much to all of us who knew their story."