Final farewells to a D-Day hero

TRIBUTES are being paid to an heroic paratrooper who was wounded during the D-Day landings.

Ron Green has passed away peacefully at the age of 91, more than six decades after he took part in Britain's heroic operation along the beaches of Normandy, France.

Mr Green, of Highfield Crescent, Cheadle, was a member of the 8th Parachute Battalion, which took part in several major offensives against the Germans during the Second World War.

The grandfather-of-five died on January 11.

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Mr Green was father to Bryan Green and Wendy Tooth and husband to Ivy.

Wendy said: "He had started to speak about the war more recently. I think his time in the Army had been quite exciting."

Speaking to The Sentinel in 2009, Mr Green said he had had a 'good' war.

"I always say I had a good war – because I came home," he said.

The 8th Parachute Battalion were among the first to land in Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Mr Green was dropped into France at around 1am.

Their objective was to provide cover for the Royal Engineers, who had to blow up the bridge on the main route into Troarn.

Recalling the days before the mission, the veteran said: "Those who never thought they'd go to church went, and many of my comrades, myself included, had written letters to loved ones at home. We duly accomplished our mission, but at a loss of many lives."

The battalion then travelled to Bois de Bavent, where fierce fighting followed.

Mr Green was injured during his duties as a regimental signaller there.

He said: "I was wounded in both arms by shrapnel.

"I was taken to the first aid post and the doctor sent me back to England, first to Guildford and then to a hospital in Nottingham." The battalion was also involved in notable battles at the Ardenne and the Rhineland.

Ron Bradeley, aged 83, who knew Mr Green through the Staffordshire Regimental Association, said: "Ron was proud to have fought on D-Day and in the Rhine.

"He enjoyed talking about his time in the Army."

After the war, Mr Green became a toolmaker and also worked at a glass company.

Wendy said: "He was also a top time keeper which he had started to do when I joined Stoke Athletics Club as a teenager. He was time keeper for the Potteries Marathon and did international events.

"He was a keen gardener too and loved being a grandfather to five girls. We will miss him."

Following a private cremation on Friday, there will be a service of thanksgiving at Cheadle Parish Church at 3pm.

The family have asked that any donations are handed to Moorlands Home Link or Blind Veterans UK.