A ceremony and a visit to the desert battlefield of El Alamein mark the anniversary of the 12-day fight 60 years ago, which changed the course of history.

Some 2,000 retired servicemen, most now in their 80s, attended the ceremony of remembrance

Those who had witnessed the battle came back to reflect on the past

Veterans, from various parts of the globe, made great efforts to be at the anniversary

A wreath-laying ceremony formed part of the commemoration

Recollections at El Alamein were poignant and personal

State representatives joined the former soldiers