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It is the spontaneous gestures that tell the story behind the ceremony, the moments of real emotion that cut through it all to lay bare our innermost thoughts — and yesterday, as Henry Allingham struggled in vain against the infirmities of old age to rise to his feet, it told a powerful story of remembrance and loss.

Almost everyone knows the name of Henry Allingham now, and Harry Patch and Bill Stone, Britain’s surviving veterans from the First World War and the last living reminders of a generation that sustained terrible losses.

For Mr Allingham and his comrades, the memories are real, and personal. And when, just before 11am yesterday — 90 years to the minute after the end of the war — he attempted to stand up and lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, his gesture said more about war and grief than any prayer or fanfare.

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The three of them lined up in their wheelchairs to lay their wreaths, each representing the Armed Service they belonged to — the Royal Air Force for Mr Allingham, 112, the Army for Mr Patch, 110, and the Royal Navy for Mr Stone, 108. Accompanying each man was a member of today’s Armed Forces who has been decorated for bravery — Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for risking his life to rescue comrades in Iraq, Marine Mkhuseli Jones, who won the Military Cross, and helicopter pilot Flight Lieutenant Michelle Goodman, who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After Marine Jones and Lance Corporal Beharry had laid the wreaths on behalf of Mr Allingham’s two companions, it was his turn. But he wanted nothing to do with anyone laying a wreath for him. He had tried it in a rehearsal, and failed. For some, no doubt, that effort would have sufficed. But Mr Allingham was determined to give it one last go. He tried repeatedly to stand and bear the wreath to the Cenotaph himself. But it was no use. His spirit may have willed him on, but his body was just too frail to obey.

“Everyone was willing him to get up,” said Alexandra Coode, a teacher from Eaton House School in Belgravia, West London, who had brought a small party of pupils aged 6 to the ceremony. “That’s the spirit that got these men through the war.”

Mr Allingham may be a veteran of Remembrance parades but, for him, they never lose their significance. “I’m glad to be here,” the former aircraft mechanic said before the ceremony, which was attended by the Prime Minister, John Hutton, the Defence Secretary, and the Duchess of Gloucester. “It means a lot to me. I hope people realise what my pals sacrificed on their behalf. May they never be forgotten. I can’t describe what they mean to me.”

The veterans’ memorials were placed alongside wreaths laid on Sunday, including one from Prince William. The handwritten note on his wreath read: “For Jo, Lex and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. William.” The Prince lost two colleagues last year when Joanna Dyer, 24, was killed in April, in Iraq, and Major Alexis “Lex” Roberts, 32, died in Afghanistan in October.

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