Old soldier Major General Corran Purdon, who survived Colditz and won the Military Cross, has found it is never too late for love.

The sun shone on Tuesday as the 88-year-old Second World War hero was married at St John’s Church in Devizes to twin Jean Ottway.

General Corran, of Old Park, Devizes, lost his first wife Maureen some years ago and has known Mrs Ottway, 74, the widow of his cousin, for many years.

But it was only recently that the two decided to tie the knot.

General Corran said: “I have known Jean for years and years. She has been a very great friend and we both decided it was the right thing to do to get married.

“I am so fortunate to be marrying such a beautiful wife.”

General Purdon had a military career worthy of a Hollywood film script. He volunteered for the Commandos and received the Military Cross for his part in raids on Norway and perhaps the most daring raid of the war on St Nazaire, where he was wounded and captured.

However, he escaped from Spangenburg PoW camp, where he was imprisoned, and was on the run for ten days before being recaptured and transferred to the notorious Colditz Castle prison, where his companions included Airey Neave and amputee air ace Douglas Bader.

He retired as General Officer Commanding Near East Land Forces in 1976 and became deputy commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force between 1978 and 1981.

There was a large gathering at the wedding on Tuesday, including General Purdon’s son, Colonel Tim Purdon, and Mrs Ottway’s twin sister, Mary Eastwood.

The guests were then invited to a reception at Old Park House.