MOURNERS turned out to pay their respects to a war veteran who stormed the beaches of France on D-Day.

Norman Bradley, 91, from Southend passed away earlier this month following a short illness.

Family, friends and members of the Southend Naval and Military Club paid tribute to Norman at a service at Southend Crematorium.

He leaves behind his wife of 57 years Marie, 84, son Paul, 54, and three grandchildren.

Born in Durham in 1923, Norman moved to Southend with his family as a young boy.

He joined the Army as part of the Royal Engineers and took part in the D-Day landings.

Just 20 years old, Norman stormed Gold Beach as part of the Normandy campaign on June 6, 1944, with the 50th Infantry Division.

He helped clear a path through minefields to allow Allied soldiers and supplies to move inland, and received numerous medals for his efforts.

For the duration of the war he fought on through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Norman’s son, Paul, said: “He would share stories and anecdotes at times, like many who served and saw active service, but he did not talk a great deal about what happened and what he saw.”

After the war Norman returned to his job as a carpenter at the Gas Board and became a teacher, retiring from Southend College 30 years ago.

He was a founder member of the Southend branch of the Normandy Veterans’ Association and was due to receive a war medal from the French government before his death.

The Bradley family said: “Norman was a caring and generous man with a sense of humour who was popular and liked by all who met and had dealings with him. He would assist anyone if he could who needed help or support. The respect for him is marked by the turnout today including the numerous standards.

“He enjoyed gardening and DIY, but always put his much-loved family first, especially as it grew when his son Paul got married and he was very proud to become a grandfather to three grandchildren.

“He loved them and they loved him. He got pleasure from teaching them things when they were young through to their success and achievements today.

“He will be greatly missed by the whole family and those who knew him, but there are many memories which everyone can share.”