D-Day Veteran, 99, Who First Served at Sea on Historic Invasion Day, Dies

The passing of a veteran, who commenced his naval service on D-Day, has been announced by his family, expressing “heavy hearts”. William Wake, a resident of Ulgham, situated close to Morpeth in Northumberland, served as an 18-year-old medical orderly during the largest seaborne invasion in history, which occurred on 6 June 1944. Having recently completed his training, he was positioned on the south coast when he received orders to depart aboard an LST tank landing ship. The 99-year-old passed away on Monday, with his family stating that he remained “courteous and grateful” to all individuals throughout his life until its conclusion. During an interview conducted in June for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Mr Wake recounted the process of disembarking tanks onto 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 additionally recalled hearing King George VI deliver an address to 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.” Mr Wake maintained an independent lifestyle until the final six months of his life, during which he received care from Meadow Park Care Home in Bedlington. His daughters, Helen Vineer and Yvonne Gallimore, stated that he had genuinely “made a mark” on all individuals who provided him care. “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.” For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.