Normandy D-Day veteran dies aged 100 from heart failure

David Woodrow was one of the first soldiers to land on the beaches of Normandy during the Second World War.

After recently celebrating two milestones, in both his personal and professional life, the 100-year-old died peacefully while in care on June 14.

His family recalled his achievements and service protecting the country.

David Woodrow in Berlin during the war (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Woodrow was born in Blofield, where his father and grandfather were both blacksmiths.

His son, Stuart Woodrow, said: "He had an idyllic childhood where everyone needed each other and it was a lovely village community.

"He went to school at Norwich High School, which later became Langley High School."

On March 24, 1943, Mr Woodrow joined the RAF's 652 Air Observation Post Squadron.

"The squad's role was to direct artillery and naval guns on the enemy at Normandy, as well as photo reconnaissance and laying flares on for the Typhoons fighter bombers" added Stuart.

An Auster aircraft at the airfield at Plumetot in France, which David Woodrow helped to make (Image: Newsquest)

"He was part of the advanced party which landed on D-Day to make the airfield.

"Between June 6 to July 20, 1944, the squadron flew 856 sorties totalling 420 flying hours and 458 shoots."

Four years later to the day, Mr Woodrow returned from the war and moved to farming.

He bought a farm at Topcroft, near Long Stratton, only stopping at 96 years old to pass it on to his son.

Stuart said: "He came to farm at Topcroft in 1950 to expand his poultry business and because it was on an ex-American wartime base he could put all his chickens there.

"He then used the money he made from that to reclaim the land, make the fields bigger and turn it into the farm it is today."

David Woodrow received his Dutch Liberators medal on May 19 (Image: Newsquest)

During his time at Topcroft Mr Woodrow was introduced to Jean after being set up on a blind date by a friend.

The pair went to the local dance and from there, continued to date until they got married in 1955 at Poringland Church.

Shortly after the couple had their first child Rosaline in 1960, followed by Stuart in 1963.

Mr Woodrow had recently celebrated his 100th birthday on May 21, surrounded by family and friends, shortly after receiving a liberation medal for his conduct in Holland, prior to the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

"He was overcome by the gratitude shown by the Dutch people and took his birthday in stride," added Stuart.

David Woodrow celebrating his 100th birthday with his wife Jean (Image: Newsquest)

"It was a great milestone for him."

Mr Woodrow was admitted to Saxlingham Hall Nursing Home at the end of April for palliative care where Stuart said he was "exceedingly well looked after".

The same day he received his liberation medal, 10 Austers - the plane Mr Woodrow flew in during the War - flew over the home.

Last Friday, around 4am, Mr Woodrow died peacefully from heart failure.

His funeral will be held at Topcroft St Margaret's Church - open to all who knew him - on July 3 at 2.30pm.

David Woodrow proudly standing at Gold Beach in 2019, 75 years after landing there (Image: Newsquest)

Stuart said: "He was a wonderful father and someone who I worked with for 40 years.

"He was an inspiration to a lot of people.

"He always had time to talk and advise - just a great person to know.

"I'm really proud of what he's achieved in his life and do what he's done both during his time at war and afterwards.

"He certainly accomplished so much and lived life to the fullest."

David Woodrow was with the RAF between March 24, 1943 to March 24, 1947 (Image: Newsquest)