The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women's annual parade will be commanded by a Jewish serving officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Soskin of the Grenadier Guards, for the first time in recent history. One of the UK's most senior officers, Field Marshal Lord Guthrie, will be the reviewing officer.

Ajex expects up to 3,000 war veterans and community members to join Sunday's parade and service at the Cenotaph. An Ajex spokesperson noted that the parade had attracted increased support from ex-servicemen's families and communal groups in recent years. The 70th anniversary of the end of the war had also raised interest.

Colonel Martin Newman, chairman of the Jewish Committee for HM Forces, said that "Lt Col Soskin has had responsibility for the national service of remembrance and most ceremonial events in London. I know that he is delighted to have been given the honour."

Lord Guthrie said that "many Jewish men and women made the supreme sacrifice and have been an example to us all of duty and commitment".

The service will be led by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Jewish Forces chaplain Rabbi Reuben Livingstone.