Actress Vicky McClure Honors D-Day Veteran Grandfather

Actress Vicky McClure, known for her role in Line of Duty, has honored her grandfather, Ralph McClure, a D-Day veteran whom she described as “loving,” following his passing at 99 years old. A native of Nottingham, Mr. McClure served in the Royal Navy throughout World War Two, where his duties included transporting tanks and substantial equipment to the landing sites. His role was pivotal in Operation Overlord, the military campaign involving British, US, and Canadian forces landing in occupied Europe. He served as a signaller aboard a landing craft tank, directly delivering armored transport to the beaches. His granddaughter referred to him as a “much loved hero.” McClure, who was born in Nottingham, posted on X on Monday: “My Grandad Ralph peacefully passed away this morning. “His love for football, gardening and his family kept him young all these years. “I feel so grateful having so many special memories with him.” She further wrote: “Sleep well Grandad, back with Nana Jean, giggling and dancing in the stars.” In a previous statement to the BBC, Mr. McClure characterized his involvement in the D-Day invasion as “a job to be done.” While serving as a signaller on a landing craft during Operation Overlord, Mr. McClure found himself within range of small arms fire, including rifles and machine guns. He recounted: “I was going down and I could hear ‘Ping! Ping! Ping!’ and I thought ‘that must be snipers!'”They had German snipers in the houses and I just dropped and threw myself into where the tanks had been where they couldn’t get you.”These are the bits of the landing you don’t forget.”