Cornish D-Day veteran Harry Billinge has died at the age of 96
His family has confirmed he has passed away following a short illness
Last updated 5th Apr 2022
A much-loved D-Day veteran from Cornwall has died at the age of 96.
The family of Harry Billinge, from St Austell, say he has passed away following a short illness.
The former Royal Engineer was just 18 when he was one of the first British soldiers to land on Gold Beach in 1944.
He was a sapper attached to the 44 Royal Engineer Commandos and was one of only four survivors from his unit.
Mr Billinge later fought in Caen and the Falaise pocket in Normandy.
His daughter Sally Billinge-Shandley told the PA news agency: “He was a man that always gave his word, his word was solid. He always fought for what he believed in.
“The passion he had for all the veterans that lost their lives was unwavering.
“How he dedicated his life to making sure that was never forgotten, that’s how he’ll be remembered.
“The memorial for the Normandy veterans just became part of him; it was just a huge part of his life.
“Some of his last words were, ‘Love one another.’”
He was awarded an MBE in the 2020 New Year Honours List for his fundraising efforts in St Austell for the Normandy Memorial Trust after collecting more than £50,000 for veterans.
A year later, he said he was “deeply moved” after a Great Western Railway (GWR) Intercity Express train was named after him to mark 75 years since the end of the Second World War.
His name now features on Intercity Express Train number 802006 that runs between Penzance and London Paddington.
Speaking after the ceremony, Harry said: "I've been deeply moved today. Having a train named after me is a great honour. It will remind people of the fine men who fought that day, lots of whom never went back home again.
"It’s important that their memory is remembered, and I hope this train will carry that message to thousands of people every day."
Great Western Railway have paid tribute to Harry following his death.
GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We’re so sad to hear about the passing of our dear friend, Harry Billinge MBE.
“It was our absolute honour to name one of our trains after him in October 2020 and we will never forget the impact he had on so many.
“Intercity Express Train 802006 provides a lasting tribute to Harry and those thousands of lives lost during the Normandy landings in 1944.”
Mr Billinge is survived by his wife Shelia, two daughters Sally and Margot, his 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.