Harry Billinge: One of Britain's last surviving D-Day heroes dies at 96

One of Britain's last surviving D-Day veterans died aged 96 after a short illness.

Harry Billinge was a Former Royal Engineer lived in St Austell in Cornwall. He was just 18 years and was the first British soldiers to land on Gold Beach in 1944 during the Second World War.

Harry was attached to the 44 Royal Engineer Commandos and was the one of only four survivors from his unit. Harry also fought in Caen and the Falaise pocket in Normandy.

He was survived by his wife Shelia and his two daughters Sally and Margot, his son Christopher and granddaughters Amy and Claire.

Mr and Mrs Billinge were married for 67 years and were due to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary in August.

His daughter Sally Billinge-Shandley said, "He was a man that always gave his word, his word was solid. He always fought for what he believed in."

"The passion he had for all the veterans that lost their lives was unwavering.

'How he dedicated his life to making sure that was never forgotten, that's how he'll be remembered," she added.