People in Cornwall urged to become 'memorial guardians' in memory of Harry Billinge
The D-Day veteran's family paid a special tribute after his funeral
Last updated 27th Apr 2022
The family of a much loved D-Day veteran from Cornwall are urging well wishers to become guardians of the British Normandy Memorial.
Hundreds gathered in Charlestown on Tuesday 26th April for the funeral of Harry Billinge.
The 96-year-old passed away earlier this month following a short illness.
He had been awarded an MBE in 2020 after raising thousands of pounds for charity.
Now his loved ones want work towards the Memorial and Education Centre to continue in his name.
The veteran is survived by his wife Sheila, daughters Sally and Margot, son Christopher and granddaughters Amy and Claire.
Mr and Mrs Billinge were married for 67 years and were due to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary in August.
Six months ago, on October 26th, he was able to visit Normandy to see a new memorial for fallen British soldiers.
In a tribute published on Monday, his family urged those wanting to honour Mr Billinge to become guardians of the British Normandy Memorial.
Margot Billinge said: "Harry was a very loving husband who always looked after mum. He was steadfast in his love for her.
"As a dad, he taught us great values: honesty, kindness, generosity and not to judge.
"Dad was always there to guide us. He was always a very charitable man and collected for the Poppy Appeal for over 65 years.
"When he got the brochure about the British Normandy Memorial in the post, he felt compelled to start collecting. In his efforts to raise money for the memorial, he found great peace.
"The original idea was to collect £1 for each of his comrades that died on the beaches – 22,442. But, of course, it amounted to much more than that. It gave him a purpose; meeting with members of the public kept him going.
"In an interview with the BBC a few years ago on Remembrance Sunday, I recall him saying he just wanted to be remembered as ‘a good old sapper who did his best’.
"He also said: ‘I hope I shall live in the hearts of people who won’t forget Harry.’
"Harry wanted future generations to never forget his comrades who fell in Normandy. If members of the public would like to pay their respects to Harry, we ask that they become guardians of the British Normandy Memorial.
"We would very much like the work towards the Memorial and the education centre to continue in Harry’s name".