A Scots grandad who was one of the last surviving D-Day veterans in the country has died at the age of 97, his family have confirmed. William Wallace Johnstone Taylor, from Burntisland, Fife, was awarded nine medals for his impressive services as a soldier in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.
His medals included the prestigious Legion of Honour, which was presented to him on behalf of the French Head of State, Grimsby Live reports. He was also awarded the Arctic Star, Atlantic Star and the Naval General Service medal, among others following an impressive 22 year career.
The proud veteran landed on Sword Beach in Normandy on D-Day and participated in the minesweeping operations in the English Channel, having signed up for the armed forces at the age of 17. The experienced soldier was also on board one of the Arctic Convoy ships on escort duty, sailing to the Soviet Union to deliver supplies.
William married his late wife in 1950, had two daughters and eventually settled in New Waltham, Humberston and Scartho in Grimsby. He passed away on Friday, December 30, at his home and leaves behind two daughters, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Williams also spent decades working in security at the former Bird's Eye factory on Ladysmith Road, Grimsby, before he retired in 1998. Daughter Carol told Grimsby Live: "The Navy was his life, and it's what he always talked about. But we didn't get to know about his wartime exploits until a few years ago because he never spoke about it, and we learned that he was D-Day veteran.
"He acquired several medals - he got nine in total - and it's amazing that he lived to 97 and survived to be awarded many of them, because a lot of the veterans have died before they got the medals. They've only decided in the last ten years or so to give these medals out.
"He was very proud of his medals. He gifted them to my son because he had always taken an interest in the War and he was so proud of his grandad. He's had them mounted in a beautiful little box and he's very proud to have them in his office."
Speaking of her beloved dad's personality, Carol continued: "He was very much a man's man, he was very old-school. He dressed immaculately, he would go to town in his shirt and jacket and would never look scruffy. He was very respectful and very polite.
"He was a bit OCD but that's because of the Navy. We'd say to him, 'We're coming to see you today, dad, and he'd say what time? 12.30? I'm having my dinner then, you'll have to come later'."
Up until one year ago, William was walking "a mile a day" at the age of 96. He also enjoyed reading, listening to classical music and playing sudoku.
"Until early summer, I was taking him into town where he'd go into Marks and Spencer to buy his ready meals and go to the bank and get money out. He'd still do that at 97 with his little walker," Carol said.
William's funeral will take place on Wednesday, January 25 at 1.30pm at Grimsby Crematorium. Family flowers only, but members of the public are asked to make donations to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity in memory of William. You can do so here.
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