A song paying tribute to a Highland army officer who fought in the Second World War will be performed indie band Athlete during the Armistice Day ceremony in Trafalgar Square.

The band’s new song Black Swan Song is about lead singer Joel Pott’s Grandfather Major John Pott, who led a party of paratroopers into the doomed battle of Arnhem, Holland in September 1944.

After being shot three times and believing he was going to die, the song is based on the farewell letter Major Pott wrote as he lay alone in woodland.

After lying in the woods for nearly 20 hours, Major Pott was taken to a German military hospital. Despite a heroic but thwarted attempt to escape the hospital on crutches, he remained in a POW camp until released by American troops in April 1945.

Singer Joel Pott said: "My grandfather survived, but many of his friends did not. At the age of 85 this brave soldier fought his last battle with his family by his side.

“He longed to be with his wife Anna Pott, who had died a few years previously.  It was a triumphant end to an extraordinary life. It was my grandpa's symphony.”

Major Pott’s final posting was at Fort George in Scotland, where he helped to set up the Army Mountain Training Centre.

After retiring he returned to Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire, which had been his home since the end of the war, where he stayed until his death in 2005.

The Royal British Legion praised the song and the band’s generous support.

A spokesman said: "This is a moving tribute to one of many heroes that fought in World War Two" said Russell Thompson, Director of National Events and Fundraising for The Royal British Legion.

"At a time when the Legion is starting to help a whole new generation of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, it's great that younger acts like Athlete are showing their support for the work of The Royal British Legion."

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War ended. November 11 has since been remembered as Armistice Day, when the nation pauses to reflect on the events of the past and remember the dead.