TRIBUTES have been paid to a D-Day hero who has died aged 91.

Ivan Hull, formerly of Church Street, Witham, died at St Mary’s Court in Bocking on June 20 after suffering a stroke.

He grew up in Great Leighs before joining the Royal Navy aged 17, travelling the world as he completed is duty.

Ivan was also part of the D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944.

Son Peter, 50, from Great Notley, described him as a “true war hero”.

He said: “He has been honoured with various war medals that sat proudly on his blazer jacket.

“When he came out of the Navy, he became a linesman for the Electric Board, eventually joining Bradbury’s and Swimbourne’s in Braintree until his retirement.

“He is the last surviving brother of four. His oldest brother recently passed away just four months ago and brother Alan was lost in action in the Second World War.”

Ivan would attend the Remembrance Sunday marches in Braintree and Witham every year.

Peter added: “In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, smoking his pipe, very detailed large puzzles, frequenting his local pub of a lunchtime to enjoy an ale or two and a dark navy rum.

“Over the years he also toured various places that he had visited during the war including the Normandy beaches that he had been to in the Second World War.

“In June 2009 he, and his four sons, aso visited the Normandy beaches in Aromaches. We were all so proud of him. We had the most amazing time.”

Ivan leaves behind six children, ten grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at the Three Counties Crematorium in High Garrett on Friday from 11am. Anyone who knew Ivan is welcome.