A HATHERLEIGH war veteran has finally had his name placed on the Roll of Service — after 72 years.

Gordon Causley was originally missed of the list but is delighted to finally have his name with comrades.

In 1939, Gordon was in the Territorial Army and was immediately called up to fight in the Second World War.

After some time in England, Gordon was sent to Africa and began the long haul up through the desert to Tunisia, crossing to Sicily and up through Italy to Austria.

It was there where he remained until the end of the war and from there he was demobilised.

Gordon’s claim to fame is he once played football against Preston North End and England football star Tom Finney, who was in a neighbouring regiment who challenged them to a game. Gordon also witnessed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as he passed through Rome.