The 360-degree film was created by Manchester-based start-up Twine and using Samsung's Gear VR headset.

"It's ingenious. It's like you're really there, standing in front of them," Mr Mouque said of the experience.

"On behalf of all the people who were (serving) with me, thank you."

During the film, Mr Mouque also encountered other residents of the town - who thanked him for his part in the liberation - and saw local school children sing a nursery rhyme.

The video, along with a second showing the veteran's reaction to the experience, has been posted to YouTube.

Twine chief executive Stuart Logan said of the project: "Virtual reality is a technology with almost limitless potential, but we wanted to look beyond thrills and entertainment and use it to achieve something truly profound.