Veteran who lied about his age before fighting in Normandy dies aged 101
Donald Turrell fought in the Normandy campaign when he was a teenager (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA Archive Nick Forbes 4 minutes ago A Second World War veteran who fought in the Normandy campaign after lying about his age has died aged 101, a charity has said.
Born in London in 1925, Donald Turrell was just 17 when he enlisted in the Army , having forged a letter from his parents.
He joined the Cameronians ( Scottish Rifles) and in the following months was stationed at various places around the UK, including Bury St Edmunds, Newquay, Newcastle and Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.
His battalion crossed over to France in June 1944 in the days following D-Day, and Mr Turrell landed on Sword Beach before taking part in fierce fighting against occupying German troops.
On Saturday, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans said in a post on Facebook it was “deeply saddened” to share that Mr Turrell had died on Friday, surrounded by his family.
Paying tribute to their father, siblings Andrew Turrell and Linda Baker said in a statement the veteran had led a “truly wonderful and remarkable life.”
They added: “He was an extraordinary man, a loving father and someone who will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
“While our hearts are broken at losing him, we take great comfort in knowing just how many people knew, loved and admired him, and in the wonderful memories they share of him.
“Dad’s life was full, meaningful and filled with experiences that few could ever imagine.
“His courage, warmth, humour and kindness touched so many lives, and his legacy will live on through the stories and memories of everyone who knew him.
“We will miss him more than words can say, but we feel incredibly proud to call him our dad.
“He had a wonderful life, he was very much loved, and he will never, ever be forgotten.”
Paying tribute to the veteran, vice president for the charity Dick Goodwin said: “Don was incredibly special.
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