Hundreds of Jewish ex-servicemen and women marched along Whitehall to honour the community’s contribution to the British Armed Forces at Sunday’s Ajex Remembrance Parade.

Veterans of the Second World War and the conflicts in Falklands and Iraq and Afghanistan wore their medals with pride for the march, which began under blue skies at Horse Guards Parade.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis led the service, reciting Kaddish and a prayer for peace at the Cenotaph.

Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies, Israeli ambassador Mark Regev and Lieutenant-General Richard Nugee were also in attendance, as wreaths were laid for Jewish servicemen and women who lost their lives in combat.

General Nugee said: “The Jewish community has played a hugely significant role in all this country’s conflicts. As a mark of this, there are Star of David headstones at military cemeteries in France and Belgium.

“Thank you for the physical and mental sacrifices you have made. Thanks for coming in the cold and amazing sunshine to remember and honour those who fought for freedom and this country.”

Rabbi Mirvis also paid tribute to Jacques Weisser, who has stood down as Ajex’s chief executive after more than two decades of service

“Jacques, without you we wouldn’t be where we are,” he said. “Our thanks is an absolute statement of recognition that you have brought the organisation right into the heart of everyone in the community and beyond.”