Veteran, 99, who first went to sea on D-Day, dies

William Wake's family said they were announcing his death with "heavy hearts"

The family of a veteran who first went to sea on D-Day have announced his death with "heavy hearts".

William Wake, from Ulgham, near Morpeth, Northumberland, was an 18-year-old medical orderly when the largest seaborne invasion in history took place on 6 June 1944.

He had just finished training and was stationed on the south coast when he was told he would be leaving on a LST tank landing ship.

The 99-year-old died on Monday and his family said he remained "courteous and grateful" to everyone right until the end of his life.

Bill Wake was aged just 18 on D-Day

In an interview for the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June, Mr Wake described getting tanks on to the beach.

"The Messerschmitts (German aircraft) were coming down on us, we had two Oerlikons (guns) on each LST, which were provided by the Americans.

"There were definitely wounded on the beach. We saw the lads that were there, we saw them trying to get their pals into shelter. They had to get so far back so the tide wouldn't overtake them."

He also remembered listening to King George VI addressing the nation.

"We had about 300 wounded people on board the boat and we made them as comfortable as we possibly could, trying to keep the area clean and trying to stop any bleeding.

"This was a Tuesday and we didn't get back to the UK until the Friday. Unfortunately we lost some fine lads."

Once the troops were landed on to the beach, the ship was turned into a hospital to transport the wounded

Mr Wake lived independently until the last six months of his life when he was cared for by Meadow Park Care Home in Bedlington.

His daughters Helen Vineer and Yvonne Gallimore said he had really "made a mark" on all his carers.

"They found him to be an absolute gentleman and, even when he was in pain and on end of life care, he remained courteous and grateful."

"We could not have wished for better love and care."