War hero dies aged 90

Alan Thompson

A GORLESTON war hero, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) for his part in the D-Day landings in 1944, has died aged 90.

Great Yarmouth-born former sailor Charles Wing saw action on several fronts during the second world war.

He joined the Royal Navy at the outbreak of the war in 1939 and had the DSM presented to him by King George VI for gallantry, skill, determination and an undaunted devotion to duty. This was among six other medals he was awarded; the others were the Atlantic Star, Africa Star, Burma Star, Star of Italy and two service medals.

His daughter Valerie Barnes said: “He didn't speak about his war service days in the Royal Navy very much as a number of his shipmates were lost in the war. We know he saw action in all of the campaigns he served in. He later went to the Far East and came back with a different perspective on life.”

After the war he worked for the Port of London Authority as a rigger on the cranes.

In 1986 he returned to the Yarmouth area with his wife Iris and settled in Burgh Castle where they ran the Fisherman's Bar. His wife died 19 years ago at the age of 71.

Mrs Barnes said: “I used to visit him most days at the Gables Nursing and Care Home in Gorleston. He died on Saturday and for the last year he had been very tired. I think he had had enough and somehow knew it was time to go.

“His death certificate gave the cause of death as old age. I have never heard of that being the cause ever before.

“He was a wonderful man and I can never remember him telling me off for anything - and I was far from an angel. He would always give to people and never wanted anything in return. I have such wonderful memories of him, and now he is at peace.”

Mr Wing is survived by his daughter and son, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

His funeral, to be attended by close friends and family only, is on Friday, October 16 at Gorleston crematorium.